I've been TRYING to get my garden planted. I decided some time ago that I would no longer row-crop, but would plant what I want, plant smaller amounts (since there are so many creatures that like to eat my stuff too) and go more wild foods. Wild foods like to grow on my place and so? I let them. I DID re-structure an area next to my back door that's been looking shabby for quite some time and now have a nice, small area for some garden. Plus it's close to the house and maybe the creatures will leave it be.
Somewhat before (after I'd already run the big, rear-tined tiller (what a behemoth!) and smoothed out the hills that were left there from several years ago. I had to dig out all the rocks that were buried by the well-meaning repairman. I had to use the Bug (tractor) with the tines from the Carry All to pick up the one really huge flagstone/rock that's in front of the screen. And then dig the base and place it there. Did I get it deep enough? No. I'll have to lift it, dig under it and reset it. And, no. I've still not gotten the atrium's screens, doors or anything else done. I'm revelling in being able to have an outside, open, greenspace...
Somewhat before (after I'd already run the big, rear-tined tiller (what a behemoth!) and smoothed out the hills that were left there from several years ago. I had to dig out all the rocks that were buried by the well-meaning repairman. I had to use the Bug (tractor) with the tines from the Carry All to pick up the one really huge flagstone/rock that's in front of the screen. And then dig the base and place it there. Did I get it deep enough? No. I'll have to lift it, dig under it and reset it. And, no. I've still not gotten the atrium's screens, doors or anything else done. I'm revelling in being able to have an outside, open, greenspace...
and after. The tires I cut and turn myself. They make EXEMPLARY raised-bed planters. The black of the tires keeps the plants warm (so you can plant much earlier - I wish I had), there's no petroleum products (i.e. tire) that comes off (or you'd wear the tires down on your car immediately. Logic. I loves it.), you can run a line trimmer right against the tire and it won't cut the plants inside the tire. The tire is about 6-9" tall after cutting and turning... Anyway. After.
As you can see, I've also put a turned sidewall on top of the tire. It will help keep the dirt from washing out if we get a gully-washer. Those are tomatoes (bush-type or determinate) in the planters. To the right is a concrete block that is now joined by a second concrete block with dirt in the holes. I read in Farm Show magazine that growing garlic in concrete block holes makes them grow larger and nicer. *shrug* I'll try ANYTHING once. Back to the tire planters. I bought a book several years ago on how to do this. Tire Recycling is Fun by Paul Farber. He's right. It's fun, it's useful and they never wear out. One of those planters is a feeder I made 8+ years ago for one of my horses and while the bottom rotted off? The tire is still perfect.
I have all the information on how to make a rainbarrel (behind the concrete blocks) and will do so soon. The structure to the left of the tires is the back door side of the concreted-in recycled television antenna that will make the support for my sunshade for this area. An open gazebo effect... The tin painted USA flag will be attached somewhere somehow...
I have all the information on how to make a rainbarrel (behind the concrete blocks) and will do so soon. The structure to the left of the tires is the back door side of the concreted-in recycled television antenna that will make the support for my sunshade for this area. An open gazebo effect... The tin painted USA flag will be attached somewhere somehow...
And here's the OTHER end of the atrium that I plan to develop in a similar manner. I have two wire gates from a local cemetery that were given to me. I painted them almond color (creamy off-white) and will lift them up and attach them somehow and then put tire planters along the bottom. I plan to have Painted Lady Runner beans climb up them (along with Morning Glories). I know. It's getting late in the season. I say it's ok to plant as long as I say it's ok to plant. I hope to have pictures of this, finished, by the end of the week. Seriously.
Speaking of antennas and things that are out of control... This is a honeysuckle vine that the previous owner planted at the base of the now unused antenna. It's huge. It's covered in blooms and my whole house and yard smells like honeysuckle. The butterflies are loving it as well. OUT OF CONTROL. It has also crept along the both sides of the house and has kudzu-vinelike taken over everything. I love the gorgeous-smelling chaos. I know I'll be sorry. But not today.
Well, the weekend is officially over (it's 12:25am). This weekend I've made three batches of mozzarella cheese, mowed for 4 hours, milked goats, played with the mule, made the above plantings, watched four movies on television (free weekend on the PPV channels), grilled out on my newspaper grill (I LOVE my newspaper grill - more about that next time), gotten livestock feed, taken donations to a local charity, went to an art show, bought plants, spent the better part of $100 on gasoline for equipment, moved rocks with the tractor, shovelled two huge loads of dirt and I'M TIRED. The pain meds for my strained knee don't do my stomach any favors, but at least I feel like doing things when it's not so hot. I can't go to bed yet as I've got a double batch of ricotta cheese cooking. *sigh* It'll taste great this winter! (or now. now is good)... Have a good Monday!
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