A Summer's Tale from the Garden
These slide shows are from photos from our old website that was presented as a photo journal, Since it was a bit challenging for me to recreate it as it was set up,, I decided to put the photos by entry dates in a slide show and the journal portion below each section. Hope it makes sense to you.
This was done long before I had an iphone to take pictures, so the photos are not the best, just wanted to give you the flavor of this type of project!
The project takes place from the months of April through July in 2007.
These slide shows are from photos from our old website that was presented as a photo journal, Since it was a bit challenging for me to recreate it as it was set up,, I decided to put the photos by entry dates in a slide show and the journal portion below each section. Hope it makes sense to you.
This was done long before I had an iphone to take pictures, so the photos are not the best, just wanted to give you the flavor of this type of project!
The project takes place from the months of April through July in 2007.
APRIL 23
April 23
As a result of completing a month long visual observation of the sky over our property,I decided to create an Elemental Garden Retreat as a place for the energies of these beings to enjoy...to re-energize...to work with me in a co-creative manner to improve the
environment. Need some information on Elementals?
My mind keeps going back to the photos I took last Friday, April 20, when the sky was filled with beautiful sylph clouds...how much better the day feels when the outside environment is so rich with beauty...then the following days the sky is just... overwhelmed with chemtrails ....and it made me wonder... how can I help?
So I set forth the intention for the sylphs to help with the clearing of the sky, which created another thought...Why not add some power to that intention.....How? A few hours later,the answer came through...convert our old garden spot into an Elemental Retreat...to be designated as a healing and spiritual place for the Elementals and us humans alike.
Well like most ideas that pop into my head, I usually take and run with it....
SO WHERE DO I START?
I took 3 photos of the garden area and pieced them together to give an overview of the space....not a pretty site right now...shows the inside of the garden area
This is outside the fencing...also to be included in the planning...definately could use some TLC.
Dowsed for the focal point location...dowsed for the shape: circular.....Cleared out the weeds in the area where the focal point is to be located....Asked for help in ideas of what to do...So I went to Home Depot and started walking around to try to get some ideas...
Wasn't having much luck...started to leave when something caught my eye...it was one of those copper stand up sprinklers...they had different designs...this seemed like the right thing...so Ipicked out the one with the butterfly in the center..
Ok, now I feel like I'm on to something...so I start walking around again...thinking what else could I find that is copper...I bought 4 copper pipes that are about 3 ft lengths, then 2 bags of copper gismos, stuff that plumbers use, not sure what I will do with them but felt pulled to purchase them to incorporate into the design...the 4 copper piper I am going to use in the circle and place an Energy Enveloper on top of each one...this is a unit that incorporates Slim Spurling technology (1/2 inch cubic light life technology ring) with something my husband Scott designed...the design allows for the energy of the ring to spread to a wider diameter.
Next I went to the Thrift Store...gotta be something there I can use.....so I walked around several times and decided on old plates...I figured I would break the plates into pieces and create a mosaic design as part of the center piece....
Have I ever done a mosaic? Nope! Can a mosaic be done directly into the ground? And if so how does one go about it? Don't know, but figured I could find out...it will be fun to experiment..
Saw 2 wired angels that were probably Christmas decorations...they glistened in different colors when the light hit them and each one was holding a different musical instrument... I figured they would be good to include as a way to herald in the energies...was thinking of placing one on each side of the fence post where the garden gate is...but nothing is a definite
just yet.
Am determined to use plastic water bottles that we recycle...was thinking if I put small puncture holes in the bottom of the bottle, then partially bury them into the ground, I can just unscrew the tops and fill them with water and it will be sort of like an irrigation system for the plants that will be placed into this space...have been mulling over creative ways to reuse plastic
water bottles for a long time.
Since we are moving our food garden, this retreat will have flowers and herbs....That's as far as I got with ideas at this point...some materials...some loosely imaged outline in my mind....a lot of excitement about what will unfold...
As a result of completing a month long visual observation of the sky over our property,I decided to create an Elemental Garden Retreat as a place for the energies of these beings to enjoy...to re-energize...to work with me in a co-creative manner to improve the
environment. Need some information on Elementals?
My mind keeps going back to the photos I took last Friday, April 20, when the sky was filled with beautiful sylph clouds...how much better the day feels when the outside environment is so rich with beauty...then the following days the sky is just... overwhelmed with chemtrails ....and it made me wonder... how can I help?
So I set forth the intention for the sylphs to help with the clearing of the sky, which created another thought...Why not add some power to that intention.....How? A few hours later,the answer came through...convert our old garden spot into an Elemental Retreat...to be designated as a healing and spiritual place for the Elementals and us humans alike.
Well like most ideas that pop into my head, I usually take and run with it....
SO WHERE DO I START?
I took 3 photos of the garden area and pieced them together to give an overview of the space....not a pretty site right now...shows the inside of the garden area
This is outside the fencing...also to be included in the planning...definately could use some TLC.
Dowsed for the focal point location...dowsed for the shape: circular.....Cleared out the weeds in the area where the focal point is to be located....Asked for help in ideas of what to do...So I went to Home Depot and started walking around to try to get some ideas...
Wasn't having much luck...started to leave when something caught my eye...it was one of those copper stand up sprinklers...they had different designs...this seemed like the right thing...so Ipicked out the one with the butterfly in the center..
Ok, now I feel like I'm on to something...so I start walking around again...thinking what else could I find that is copper...I bought 4 copper pipes that are about 3 ft lengths, then 2 bags of copper gismos, stuff that plumbers use, not sure what I will do with them but felt pulled to purchase them to incorporate into the design...the 4 copper piper I am going to use in the circle and place an Energy Enveloper on top of each one...this is a unit that incorporates Slim Spurling technology (1/2 inch cubic light life technology ring) with something my husband Scott designed...the design allows for the energy of the ring to spread to a wider diameter.
Next I went to the Thrift Store...gotta be something there I can use.....so I walked around several times and decided on old plates...I figured I would break the plates into pieces and create a mosaic design as part of the center piece....
Have I ever done a mosaic? Nope! Can a mosaic be done directly into the ground? And if so how does one go about it? Don't know, but figured I could find out...it will be fun to experiment..
Saw 2 wired angels that were probably Christmas decorations...they glistened in different colors when the light hit them and each one was holding a different musical instrument... I figured they would be good to include as a way to herald in the energies...was thinking of placing one on each side of the fence post where the garden gate is...but nothing is a definite
just yet.
Am determined to use plastic water bottles that we recycle...was thinking if I put small puncture holes in the bottom of the bottle, then partially bury them into the ground, I can just unscrew the tops and fill them with water and it will be sort of like an irrigation system for the plants that will be placed into this space...have been mulling over creative ways to reuse plastic
water bottles for a long time.
Since we are moving our food garden, this retreat will have flowers and herbs....That's as far as I got with ideas at this point...some materials...some loosely imaged outline in my mind....a lot of excitement about what will unfold...
April 24
April 24
Still working on the ideas for the Garden Retreat....went looking for some herbs and flowers...guess this is jumping the gun a bit...but I'm soooo excited, I can't help myself...just bought a few to hold me over until I am ready to fill in the space...
Herbs and Flowers....Lavender, Thyme, Oregano, Sage,, Citronella, Parsley, Basil and Marigolds
Here are the two angels I picked up at the Thrift Store yesterday, they are going to be the gatekeepers...kind of hard to really tell what they look like from this 'cause the sun is shinning so brightly.
My creative attempts are always a work in progress...am not the draw a sketch type of person....
Since the focal point needs to be circular I needed to find something to create that shape....mmm, more shopping around for ideas...that's always fun! Stopped at Home Depot again today...picked up some cedar edging that could be shaped any which way I want....got 4 rows of edging to make the circle...then put the copper pipes between each row, these will eventually we topped with the Energy Envelopers...
Placed the copper sprinkler in the center....this is my sketch...I needed to see it's possibilities....so far I like what is coming together...
Figured I'd put some of these pea pebbles around the sprinkler in another smaller circle...Wanted to incorporate some broken dish
mosaic into the circle but now am thinking about using it somewhere else in the garden in order to keep the circle simple
That's the fun of a loose plan...it's ok to be flexible as the work evolves!
Here's the other angel I got at the Thrift Store yesterday... am not sure if she'll be part of this garden or the guardian of the other garden, but she prefers to be included in the planning right now.
Now here's the best part...as I am outside working...overtop the garden area are the sylph like clouds...I don't think I'm the only one excited about this adventure!
Next step is to Show & Tell my husband what I'm planning...he wasn't home yesterday so this will be a surprise to him...Especially when I tell him I need his help in weeding this whole area that he hadn't planned on doing...Before we begin the weeding work I will dedicate the space ...by clearing and cleansing the garden area and putting out the intention of what this space is to be used for...hopefully we will be able to do that tonight!
Still working on the ideas for the Garden Retreat....went looking for some herbs and flowers...guess this is jumping the gun a bit...but I'm soooo excited, I can't help myself...just bought a few to hold me over until I am ready to fill in the space...
Herbs and Flowers....Lavender, Thyme, Oregano, Sage,, Citronella, Parsley, Basil and Marigolds
Here are the two angels I picked up at the Thrift Store yesterday, they are going to be the gatekeepers...kind of hard to really tell what they look like from this 'cause the sun is shinning so brightly.
My creative attempts are always a work in progress...am not the draw a sketch type of person....
Since the focal point needs to be circular I needed to find something to create that shape....mmm, more shopping around for ideas...that's always fun! Stopped at Home Depot again today...picked up some cedar edging that could be shaped any which way I want....got 4 rows of edging to make the circle...then put the copper pipes between each row, these will eventually we topped with the Energy Envelopers...
Placed the copper sprinkler in the center....this is my sketch...I needed to see it's possibilities....so far I like what is coming together...
Figured I'd put some of these pea pebbles around the sprinkler in another smaller circle...Wanted to incorporate some broken dish
mosaic into the circle but now am thinking about using it somewhere else in the garden in order to keep the circle simple
That's the fun of a loose plan...it's ok to be flexible as the work evolves!
Here's the other angel I got at the Thrift Store yesterday... am not sure if she'll be part of this garden or the guardian of the other garden, but she prefers to be included in the planning right now.
Now here's the best part...as I am outside working...overtop the garden area are the sylph like clouds...I don't think I'm the only one excited about this adventure!
Next step is to Show & Tell my husband what I'm planning...he wasn't home yesterday so this will be a surprise to him...Especially when I tell him I need his help in weeding this whole area that he hadn't planned on doing...Before we begin the weeding work I will dedicate the space ...by clearing and cleansing the garden area and putting out the intention of what this space is to be used for...hopefully we will be able to do that tonight!
April 25
April 25
Got most of the garden area tilled of weeds...actually my husband did...I was trying to do some hand weeding around the small strawberry patch which is going to stay....also cleared out some sticker bushes along the fence line...
Didn't dedicate the space yet...decided to do that once the area was all cleared...supposed to rain today...
Rainy Day Activity Plan....research how I can mulch the areas where plantings will not be so I am not knee-high in weeds by July...need something...earth friendly...inexpensive...attractive...will see what I'm able to discover that I haven't already tried in previous years without success...
Well the rain held off until late afternoon...was able to get more accomplished than I thought....the mulch researching didn't yield anything new..ok, didn't make any headway there...so off to the garden....
First dedicated the space...Then raked the area to set up my focal point...Placed a flat round basket type tray that I found in the shed on the center spot... Put in the copper sprinkler...Filled the tray with the pea pebbles...Positioned the 4 copper pipes around the focal points...layed them flat up against the tray...then will stand each one up vertically to get an equal distance
Placed a clear quartz crystal in the dirt where the copper pipe will stand...Point facing upward....Used to energize the area
Used 4 strips of cedar edging to form a larger circle. Left spacing between each of the copper pipes. Placed bamboo poles at the end of each piece of edging...Fanned out...using this as a way to get an idea of how I want to lay things out Used 2 bags of Pine bark
mulch to fill in the larger portion of the circle . But ran out....Had to pick up 2 more bags... Started to rain on the way to the store, so I'm finished for today...
Making progress but still don't have the total picture in my mind of the end result
Got most of the garden area tilled of weeds...actually my husband did...I was trying to do some hand weeding around the small strawberry patch which is going to stay....also cleared out some sticker bushes along the fence line...
Didn't dedicate the space yet...decided to do that once the area was all cleared...supposed to rain today...
Rainy Day Activity Plan....research how I can mulch the areas where plantings will not be so I am not knee-high in weeds by July...need something...earth friendly...inexpensive...attractive...will see what I'm able to discover that I haven't already tried in previous years without success...
Well the rain held off until late afternoon...was able to get more accomplished than I thought....the mulch researching didn't yield anything new..ok, didn't make any headway there...so off to the garden....
First dedicated the space...Then raked the area to set up my focal point...Placed a flat round basket type tray that I found in the shed on the center spot... Put in the copper sprinkler...Filled the tray with the pea pebbles...Positioned the 4 copper pipes around the focal points...layed them flat up against the tray...then will stand each one up vertically to get an equal distance
Placed a clear quartz crystal in the dirt where the copper pipe will stand...Point facing upward....Used to energize the area
Used 4 strips of cedar edging to form a larger circle. Left spacing between each of the copper pipes. Placed bamboo poles at the end of each piece of edging...Fanned out...using this as a way to get an idea of how I want to lay things out Used 2 bags of Pine bark
mulch to fill in the larger portion of the circle . But ran out....Had to pick up 2 more bags... Started to rain on the way to the store, so I'm finished for today...
Making progress but still don't have the total picture in my mind of the end result
April 26
April 26
Only had a little time to work outside today....but found some new best friends...bamboo, twine,and clothespins,,,,
Was pondering how to divide the sections that will be in the garden...want something interesting, different, cheap, natural, and easy to work will...
Yesterday I laid out the bamboo poles at the 4 openings of the circle...so as I was looking at it I thought why not stack a few bamboo poles and make a walkway edging entrance as well as dividing 4 sections for plantings...
Using garden twine, I just weaved in and out, (the old over and under technique) the poles to stabilize them..
Am using 4 poles for each side of the walkway entrance...weaving several sections on the grouping of pole
So my brainstorm today was...using the bamboo, which is really cheap, I can make my walkway edging.. Will stand the bamboo edging where I want it and hold it in place with garden stakes...Then using clothespins...line them up in front and behind the bamboo to create more stability...Clothespins might provide some real possibilities for creating free-flowing designs...
Heavy rains coming tomorrow...will use the time to finish my bamboo weavings....also plan to do a bamboo teepee....I think those are really cool...figured I could do morning glories or sweet peas....
Had another idea today too...thinking about different trellis' to incorporate some height...then thought about picking up one of those over
the-door shoe racks at the thrift store to make one...love this stuff!
Only had a little time to work outside today....but found some new best friends...bamboo, twine,and clothespins,,,,
Was pondering how to divide the sections that will be in the garden...want something interesting, different, cheap, natural, and easy to work will...
Yesterday I laid out the bamboo poles at the 4 openings of the circle...so as I was looking at it I thought why not stack a few bamboo poles and make a walkway edging entrance as well as dividing 4 sections for plantings...
Using garden twine, I just weaved in and out, (the old over and under technique) the poles to stabilize them..
Am using 4 poles for each side of the walkway entrance...weaving several sections on the grouping of pole
So my brainstorm today was...using the bamboo, which is really cheap, I can make my walkway edging.. Will stand the bamboo edging where I want it and hold it in place with garden stakes...Then using clothespins...line them up in front and behind the bamboo to create more stability...Clothespins might provide some real possibilities for creating free-flowing designs...
Heavy rains coming tomorrow...will use the time to finish my bamboo weavings....also plan to do a bamboo teepee....I think those are really cool...figured I could do morning glories or sweet peas....
Had another idea today too...thinking about different trellis' to incorporate some height...then thought about picking up one of those over
the-door shoe racks at the thrift store to make one...love this stuff!
April 28 & 29
April 28 & 29
Center Circle...is the focal point of the garden.. Added 4 lavender plants and filled in with pine bark.
Starting the walkway...
There will be four walkways coming from the center circle...I want to do this as inexpensively as possible but also for it to look nice and be created with natural materials...several different options crossed my mind...finally decided on....Using bamboo to create an edging...used garden twine, weaved 4 poles together and then laid it upright in the ground...held in place with metal garden staples.
Used clothespins to provide additional support for the bamboo...originally used the wooden non-clip ones but was having difficulty locating more, so switched to the wooden clip pins.
For an inexpensive walkway, am using smaller bamboo poles, pea gravel and metal staples...Put 3 bamboo poles together, held in place
with the metal garden staples...Left a space, filled in with pea gravel...Cost minimal..used less than 1 bag of pea gravel ($2.97) for this walkway, 3 bags of bamboo poles ($2.97) and 1 box of gardenstaples ($3.97)
Added a bamboo trellis in front of the walkway...
Am creating this as I go, so as the ideas come, I jump around..Used 3 large bamboo poles on each end of walkway to form
a small tepee so it would stand. Placed another bamboo pole across connecting the two tepees...everything is attached with garden twine...
Later added 3 more bamboo poles vertically, spaced evenly between the 2 ends...Used twine to create a trellis
Stringing the lattice...The clip clothespins in the edging did double service...supporting the bamboo and to string the twine through the clips at the bottom so the weave for the trellis could be made...Photo is the back view looking toward the front of the garden..
Added pea gravel outside and between clothespins to give additional support. Planted morning glory seeds in front of trellis and ivy to each end. In front of morning glories added small Alyssum plants. Found 2 decorative grates in the shed...will use on each end of the longer walkways...placed down then filled in with pea gravel.
Back to the Center Circle: Started second walkway...this is a smaller one...due to the shape of the garden...the front and back walkways need to be shorter than the side ones...this time laid all the bamboo first and finished with filling in the pea gravel. Continued the pea gravel around the circle to add definition and give a finished look..
Finished 2nd walkway...Connected the back and side in a circular shape...Raised the bed a bit and added more pea gravel as edging..
So far I have used 2 bags of pea gravel for everything...so to finish the other two sides, I will need two more bags...a grand total of under $12, not bad!
Added the 4 Energy Envelopers...one on each copper tube.. A clear quartz crystal is buried in the ground under each of the
copper tubes...These units will help to harmonize the garden environment.
Garden Teepee: Used 8 bamboo poles...Tied them together at the top securely with garden twine...Spread the poles apart, then
placed in the ground...Left an opening ...then using garden twine, did the weaving between the poles. Tepee faces toward front ,
is parallel to garden gate. Found these old Christmas tree light stakes at the Thrift Store...never heard of them...But work great for holding the bamboo in place...Moved the metal rooster from a side yard to the garden...Figured he might like a change of view this year!
Side View of Tepee: Planted Nasturtiums around the outside of the tepee...They should grow nicely covering in the tepee., add
color, and the flowers also taste great in salads
Got quite a lot done this weekend...the weather was beautiful to work outside...not too hot or too cold...my youngest daughter even got into the act and helped me lay out the first walkway...very patiently, I might add, as she edged the walk with 200 clothespins.But by the end of the day on Sunday...my body ached in places I didn't know it could!
A New Week April 30 - May 5
Week April 30- May 5
Finished the first of the 4 beds around the center circle...this is a front view with the bed showing from behind,
Partial view of the 1st completed bed....rounded off a section from the shorterwalkway to the longer one to make the shape...
Front row is Alyssum plants...behind that are 2 small Petunia plants with a light blue color...The focal point of this bed, in the center is a Pink Daisy....
I arched a small section of white garden fencing and placed plantings in front and behind...from the front on each end is a Pink Geranium, planted between them are some Bi-Colored Snapdragons..
From behind the fencing are several Curly Parsley plants...for the edge of the border I planting some low growing, perennial succulent plants that should spread,drape down and fill in...I can't remember what they are called right nowbut have them tagged in the garden...Forgot to take a picture from the back..
In the farthest corner close to the short walkway is a Carnation plant...All this was then topped with mulch to help with the weeding,,,
More pictures from a different angle....shows the outlining of the next bed I am putting in (back right)...Finished 3 of the 4 walkways around the center circle....yippee!
Started the planting for Bed #2 but the rain was coming in so had to stop for awhile...Bed # 2 Plantings: Alyssium in front, yellow Marigolds, center Geranium,behind the white fencing Basil
Finished the first of the 4 beds around the center circle...this is a front view with the bed showing from behind,
Partial view of the 1st completed bed....rounded off a section from the shorterwalkway to the longer one to make the shape...
Front row is Alyssum plants...behind that are 2 small Petunia plants with a light blue color...The focal point of this bed, in the center is a Pink Daisy....
I arched a small section of white garden fencing and placed plantings in front and behind...from the front on each end is a Pink Geranium, planted between them are some Bi-Colored Snapdragons..
From behind the fencing are several Curly Parsley plants...for the edge of the border I planting some low growing, perennial succulent plants that should spread,drape down and fill in...I can't remember what they are called right nowbut have them tagged in the garden...Forgot to take a picture from the back..
In the farthest corner close to the short walkway is a Carnation plant...All this was then topped with mulch to help with the weeding,,,
More pictures from a different angle....shows the outlining of the next bed I am putting in (back right)...Finished 3 of the 4 walkways around the center circle....yippee!
Started the planting for Bed #2 but the rain was coming in so had to stop for awhile...Bed # 2 Plantings: Alyssium in front, yellow Marigolds, center Geranium,behind the white fencing Basil
The Project Continues
The Project Continues
Bed # 3
Two trellis' were put in the back of the bed...planted two Clematis to grow along the trellis, with Ivy along side each end of the trellis... more Alyssium and Marigolds....got the economy packs which contained quite a few plants...this bed contains Herbs. .. Parsley,
Oregano, Thyme, Chives..in the center between the trellises is a flowering bush...a few Blue Petunias were placed around to add an additional splash of color.
Bed # 4...
Whew! it took a bit of time to get to this point....in the center of this bed I used a discarded piece of tree trunk as my inspiration....I kept looking at it as it laid on the brush pile and it seemed to say, " I want to be in the garden." ...so I took some garden twine and
did some weaving and wrapping to give it an interesting look. It was then partially buried in the bed. This left a center opening in which a Citronella Plant was placed to appear as if it were emerging from the opening... Ivy was planted behind each side to grow up the
focal point.
To the right are more Alyssum, behind that Morning Glories were seeded to grow up the bamboo trellis...Behind the focal point, a few Yellow Marigolds were planted, and a Sage.. In the front are both curly and flat leaf Parsley, and Cilantro.. Another Chive Plant to the right and some more Alyssum to frame in the border.
Bed # 3
Two trellis' were put in the back of the bed...planted two Clematis to grow along the trellis, with Ivy along side each end of the trellis... more Alyssium and Marigolds....got the economy packs which contained quite a few plants...this bed contains Herbs. .. Parsley,
Oregano, Thyme, Chives..in the center between the trellises is a flowering bush...a few Blue Petunias were placed around to add an additional splash of color.
Bed # 4...
Whew! it took a bit of time to get to this point....in the center of this bed I used a discarded piece of tree trunk as my inspiration....I kept looking at it as it laid on the brush pile and it seemed to say, " I want to be in the garden." ...so I took some garden twine and
did some weaving and wrapping to give it an interesting look. It was then partially buried in the bed. This left a center opening in which a Citronella Plant was placed to appear as if it were emerging from the opening... Ivy was planted behind each side to grow up the
focal point.
To the right are more Alyssum, behind that Morning Glories were seeded to grow up the bamboo trellis...Behind the focal point, a few Yellow Marigolds were planted, and a Sage.. In the front are both curly and flat leaf Parsley, and Cilantro.. Another Chive Plant to the right and some more Alyssum to frame in the border.
What's Next?
What's Next?
Now that the center is finished, the surrounding areas enclosed within the garden need attention...and this will be a huge job...
Overview of the Garden's Weeds
This area is outside the entrance to the garden..where a bed once existed but is now overgrown with weeds...it will be cleared out and climbing roses will be planted to grow on the fence...
In the overgrowth are a few beautiful wild violet plants...the space will be opened up to give them more room to grow and spread..
This section is to the right of the garden entrance... there was a wildly growing rose bush which I attached to the fencing to grow and fill in...also below the rose bush is another wild violet plant...the area will be cleared of weeds and a flowing bed will wrap around to the other side.
Inside the garden to the right is an area that has strawberry plants andmany, many weeds...This will be the last area to be done
to give the strawberries a chance to blossom...they will then be transplanted.
I found another interesting branch from the brush pile and created a trellis with bamboo poles and garden twine... a Red Trumpet Vine was planted at its base...this will fill in and accent the roses on the outside front of the fence.
Wow! So much to do...my thoughts are to make a circular path around the center with beds...mixing perennials and annuals...mostly perennials that will fill in and provide low weed maintenance.
Now that the center is finished, the surrounding areas enclosed within the garden need attention...and this will be a huge job...
Overview of the Garden's Weeds
This area is outside the entrance to the garden..where a bed once existed but is now overgrown with weeds...it will be cleared out and climbing roses will be planted to grow on the fence...
In the overgrowth are a few beautiful wild violet plants...the space will be opened up to give them more room to grow and spread..
This section is to the right of the garden entrance... there was a wildly growing rose bush which I attached to the fencing to grow and fill in...also below the rose bush is another wild violet plant...the area will be cleared of weeds and a flowing bed will wrap around to the other side.
Inside the garden to the right is an area that has strawberry plants andmany, many weeds...This will be the last area to be done
to give the strawberries a chance to blossom...they will then be transplanted.
I found another interesting branch from the brush pile and created a trellis with bamboo poles and garden twine... a Red Trumpet Vine was planted at its base...this will fill in and accent the roses on the outside front of the fence.
Wow! So much to do...my thoughts are to make a circular path around the center with beds...mixing perennials and annuals...mostly perennials that will fill in and provide low weed maintenance.
Beginning the Outside Perimeter
The Outside Perimeter
I decided to start at the Walnut Tree which is at one end of the Strawberry Patch and make my way around...By the time I reach the other side of the patch, the Strawberries should be done for the season...I'm a slow worker!
The biggest job was clearing out the weeds using a cultivator and hand pulling...the weeds were then placed in the compost.
Along the fencing there is about a foot of space then embedded wood that runs the length of the fence that is a few inches wide. I filled in the space with a layer of rocks from the soil while clearing and then covered it with a few inches of soil. Morning Glory seeds
were planted to grow up and cover the fence.
In this section I transplanted some Day Lilies that will grow and fill in nicely in front of the fence. Then Portulaca was planted in front of that. I found this Christmas Angel at the Thrift Store a few weeks ago and was going to use her elsewhere...but changed my mind and settled her in here...Ivy is planted at her feet and she is holding a pot filled with Ivy...
An Azalea was planted in this section as well as some Alyssum.. While clearing I found a charred piece of wood that wanted a spot in the garden so I put him in there and planted a Green Pepper plant in front of him.
I decided to start at the Walnut Tree which is at one end of the Strawberry Patch and make my way around...By the time I reach the other side of the patch, the Strawberries should be done for the season...I'm a slow worker!
The biggest job was clearing out the weeds using a cultivator and hand pulling...the weeds were then placed in the compost.
Along the fencing there is about a foot of space then embedded wood that runs the length of the fence that is a few inches wide. I filled in the space with a layer of rocks from the soil while clearing and then covered it with a few inches of soil. Morning Glory seeds
were planted to grow up and cover the fence.
In this section I transplanted some Day Lilies that will grow and fill in nicely in front of the fence. Then Portulaca was planted in front of that. I found this Christmas Angel at the Thrift Store a few weeks ago and was going to use her elsewhere...but changed my mind and settled her in here...Ivy is planted at her feet and she is holding a pot filled with Ivy...
An Azalea was planted in this section as well as some Alyssum.. While clearing I found a charred piece of wood that wanted a spot in the garden so I put him in there and planted a Green Pepper plant in front of him.
Working from Post to Post
Working from Post to Post
Since there are so many weeds which are entrenched into the soil and that soil is so hard, it takes a long time to clear an area by hand...so rather than make myself crazy...I decided to workfrom post to post, doing one section a day....clear the weeds, work the soil, clear out the rocks, back fill along the fence, then put in some plant material...everything will be mulched when done to help with weed control.
It didn't take too long before our compost bin was filled with the cleared weeds and whatnots..As I was looking over the
back corner of the gardenI figured I would put in another compost area.
On the outside of the garden fence is the brush pile which I am working on as well...cutting it down so it can be neatly stacked...
And using interesting finds to create garden ornaments or trellis'.
To sort of hide the compost area I created a fencing by just placing short bamboo poles in the ground..In between the 2
sections of fencing is another Thrift Store find for a few bucks, an old over the door shoe rack.. This is another trellis...I buried it in
the ground and am plantingHollyhock seeds in front and behind to fill in.. Dianthus will be planted in front of the fencing to hide the compost area as well
The bed is starting to wrap around....I placed an old bench in front of the Shoe Rack Trellis as a place to sit and relax... this is creating a walkway between the center garden and these new beds that are being created.
My teenage daughter helped me carry the bench into the garden and she asked if I was building a moat around the garden...gave me a chuckle 'cause it sort of looks that way right now when you are out standing in it.
Mother's Day
May 13. When my husband came home from work he asked if I wanted to do anything special today because it is Mother's Day. I said I wanted to spend the day in the garden, especially since I haven't been able to get out there for the last 2 days. So he said he would help
me out and till up around the perimeter of the garden.
I was elated...having worked the past week out there using a hand cultivator has been very slow but manageable work...now I was approaching a section that was much wider and my post-to-post division of labor seemed overwhelming...tilling this section in particular would make it a whole lot easier..Even with the area tilled I would still need to do quite a bit since the soil is filled with weeds and
rocks.
This photo is of the rose bush on the fence line as you enter the garden...I had worked on it a few weeks back, giving it a haircut and attaching some of the bush to the fence to train it to grow in that direction.
It is hard to see from this pic but it is just bursting with buds and the leaves are all so healthy and vibrant. In previous years the number of buds would be limited and the insects would just feast on the leaves...
My heart jumped for joy to see this! Everything in the garden is just glowing with good health...even in our shade garden, near the side of the house the Lily of the Valley planting which has been here for years never really bloomed much, just would be the showing of
green leaves, and even the leaves would look kind of sad, this year is absolutely bursting with gorgeous white flowers.
The Elemental Energies are Humming!
My first successful seed planting...Morning Glories at the base of the trellis...I generally have a black thumb, unable to grow anything...my husband Scott, has been the one for years to do the gardening 'cause I would get frustrated with lack of success..
Clematis planting in front of the twin trellis..originally I purchased 2 single boxes ofClematis plants and put them into the garden about a week and a half ago...I was surprised when I opened that boxes that it just contained the growing medium and no root ball...but thought "Oh it must be like a seed" so I planted what was in the bag and figured I'd have to wait until something came up...
As I was out plant hunting the other day, I noticed similar boxes of Clematis but these boxes had vines growing out of them...decided my purchase was a dud so I bought myself a Mother's Day gift...2 established plants from the local Agway...
This photo is about 5 days after the planting and the vines are just so taking off unbelievably...they came attached to a small trellis in the pot which was kept...figured I shouldn't disturb the root structure and it would provide extra support as well...There is a little less than a foot between the plant and the back trellis...yesterday I attached the vine to the large trellis, it had grown that quickly.
Since there are so many weeds which are entrenched into the soil and that soil is so hard, it takes a long time to clear an area by hand...so rather than make myself crazy...I decided to workfrom post to post, doing one section a day....clear the weeds, work the soil, clear out the rocks, back fill along the fence, then put in some plant material...everything will be mulched when done to help with weed control.
It didn't take too long before our compost bin was filled with the cleared weeds and whatnots..As I was looking over the
back corner of the gardenI figured I would put in another compost area.
On the outside of the garden fence is the brush pile which I am working on as well...cutting it down so it can be neatly stacked...
And using interesting finds to create garden ornaments or trellis'.
To sort of hide the compost area I created a fencing by just placing short bamboo poles in the ground..In between the 2
sections of fencing is another Thrift Store find for a few bucks, an old over the door shoe rack.. This is another trellis...I buried it in
the ground and am plantingHollyhock seeds in front and behind to fill in.. Dianthus will be planted in front of the fencing to hide the compost area as well
The bed is starting to wrap around....I placed an old bench in front of the Shoe Rack Trellis as a place to sit and relax... this is creating a walkway between the center garden and these new beds that are being created.
My teenage daughter helped me carry the bench into the garden and she asked if I was building a moat around the garden...gave me a chuckle 'cause it sort of looks that way right now when you are out standing in it.
Mother's Day
May 13. When my husband came home from work he asked if I wanted to do anything special today because it is Mother's Day. I said I wanted to spend the day in the garden, especially since I haven't been able to get out there for the last 2 days. So he said he would help
me out and till up around the perimeter of the garden.
I was elated...having worked the past week out there using a hand cultivator has been very slow but manageable work...now I was approaching a section that was much wider and my post-to-post division of labor seemed overwhelming...tilling this section in particular would make it a whole lot easier..Even with the area tilled I would still need to do quite a bit since the soil is filled with weeds and
rocks.
This photo is of the rose bush on the fence line as you enter the garden...I had worked on it a few weeks back, giving it a haircut and attaching some of the bush to the fence to train it to grow in that direction.
It is hard to see from this pic but it is just bursting with buds and the leaves are all so healthy and vibrant. In previous years the number of buds would be limited and the insects would just feast on the leaves...
My heart jumped for joy to see this! Everything in the garden is just glowing with good health...even in our shade garden, near the side of the house the Lily of the Valley planting which has been here for years never really bloomed much, just would be the showing of
green leaves, and even the leaves would look kind of sad, this year is absolutely bursting with gorgeous white flowers.
The Elemental Energies are Humming!
My first successful seed planting...Morning Glories at the base of the trellis...I generally have a black thumb, unable to grow anything...my husband Scott, has been the one for years to do the gardening 'cause I would get frustrated with lack of success..
Clematis planting in front of the twin trellis..originally I purchased 2 single boxes ofClematis plants and put them into the garden about a week and a half ago...I was surprised when I opened that boxes that it just contained the growing medium and no root ball...but thought "Oh it must be like a seed" so I planted what was in the bag and figured I'd have to wait until something came up...
As I was out plant hunting the other day, I noticed similar boxes of Clematis but these boxes had vines growing out of them...decided my purchase was a dud so I bought myself a Mother's Day gift...2 established plants from the local Agway...
This photo is about 5 days after the planting and the vines are just so taking off unbelievably...they came attached to a small trellis in the pot which was kept...figured I shouldn't disturb the root structure and it would provide extra support as well...There is a little less than a foot between the plant and the back trellis...yesterday I attached the vine to the large trellis, it had grown that quickly.
The Adventure Continues
The Adventure Continues
Back to my first section...originally Portulaca was planted in front of the Day Lilies but they were not too happy 'cause the area was too shaded for them...transplanted them to a sunnier location, replacing them with Coleus Plants...The walkway on this side of the bench is laid but not put in place yet..
Pink Dianthus Plants in front of the compost area...behind the fencing...Morning Glory seeds were planted and Hollyhock seeds behind the shoe rack..
At the Second Walnut Tree...
To the left is part of the huge section that my husband Scott tilled for me... originally I decided to mulch the entire outer garden area, but thought as the weeds start popping up it would be harder to maintain...so here's the plan...
The bench area will be mulched to create an separation from the beds...quarry tile was laid on both sides of the bench as a walkway to the compost pile..
Along the back of the fence in this section are transplanted sections of Day Liliesand Cone Flowers...also I dug up some wild violet and planted then randomly around...these will spread and fill in...
Am still working on hand cultivating the soil which is full of sticks, stones, plant debris, and thousands of small pebble-like pieces of dry soil...trying to get it nice and fluffly...figured if I don't mulch this but once most of the hard work is done, I can just hoe the weeds as they
begin popping up.
To create a border of this section, White Alyssum was planted... other plants, both annuals and perennials were added to this bed to add color and fill in the space...in this part of the photo are: Pink Carnation, a few small Azaleas, Bridal Veil..
On each side of the bench are 2 Dusty Millers, and peeking up from behind are somepink Dianthus
Expanded View of the Above Bed...
Decided to place an old bird bath we had growing among the weeds in another part of the yard into this section of the garden...
Did some reading on setting up bird baths...it's a science in itself...there appears to be alot that needs to be done to attract birds to the bath...so we'll give it a try and if nothing else, it becomes another focal point...
Little yellow plants were placed all around the bath..
Along the top fence areathe Day Lillies were thinned out a bit...at the corner of the fence a Cone Flower was transplanted and along the fence where the tree isCleome were planted...To the left of the bird bath a Lavender Plant...in front of that a small Azalea Bush..
Still in the Same Bed Area...this is to the left of the bird bath...made another trellis using a section of branch from the scrap pile with bamboo and twine...Edible Pod Peas are planted around it...
Along the fence more Edible Pod Peas were planted and in front of them Blue Salvia.
The idea is to create a walkway around the original circle beds that I started with, partial picture to the left...and from the walkway create other beds on the perimeter of the garden...this works out ok for the most part...
Until you get to the front of the garden and we run out of space...so the bed on the side of the bench and bird bath sections is curved to end at the front of the fence...this leaves a wide enough space for a walkway....
But rather than have just walkway, I transplanted some Cone Flowers along the fence line and between them placed the transplanted Portulaca, which will receive full sun...
A Delightful Unexpected Guest
An Unexpected Guest
Today I began my work by hand cultivating the soil...it is sort of like trying to get the lumps out of mashed potatoes...only a heck of a lot more work! As I was working, this one bird keptvisiting me and finding materials for the nest she was building in a neighboring tree...
This part of the garden with all its debris in the soil provided some good pickings for her..for about an hour she flew back and forth getting her supplies...and surprisingly she wouldget pretty close to where I was working...
After a bit I took a break by sitting on the bench...and she delighted me with an unexpected showing at the bird bath...first she sat on the rim and walked around a bit...then she took a drink, followed by getting into the birdbath and splashing around...when she was
done she plopped on the rock to I guess dry off. I asked her if I could take a picture and was amazed that she allowed me to come so close to get this photo...
She definitely made my day! And all that worrying about attracting birds to get into the birdbath, she made it seem so simple...Also today I noticed that in addition to my new friend here, there were a number of other birds checking out the garden, stopping in fora bit before flying off...but this little one, I think has found a new favorite place to hang out.
Since at this point, I'm not planning on mulching the beds I planted a ground cover (Ivy) to help with the weeds that will want to make the garden their home...
Am having some trouble getting this entire bed into one photo...this shows on the right the bed and how it curves along toward the front...More White Alyssum was planted along the curve to help define the border.
Another Scrap Branch Creation
In back corner behind the birdbath..I placed another branch design...took a branch, bent it to curve in a circular shape attaching it
with garden twine...hung a purple twirlything that twists and turns with a slight breeze...
In front of it a wild violet is planted,behind it are two compact cucumber plants that can be trained to grow up onto the trellis...
To provide some additional color,marigolds were planted in front of the Day Lilies...they are a mixtureof yellow and orange petals, which
will nicely compliment the orange flowers of the Day Liliy when in bloom.
With my new found bird friend and the possibility of enticing more feathered friends tothe garden, I thought I should have some food available...a suet feeder was hung from a branch of the Walnut tree that was hanging outside of the garden fence...
I am not a birder, so this is all a new experience for me...so it will take a little bit of time to discover what I should or should not be doing.
..
Today I began my work by hand cultivating the soil...it is sort of like trying to get the lumps out of mashed potatoes...only a heck of a lot more work! As I was working, this one bird keptvisiting me and finding materials for the nest she was building in a neighboring tree...
This part of the garden with all its debris in the soil provided some good pickings for her..for about an hour she flew back and forth getting her supplies...and surprisingly she wouldget pretty close to where I was working...
After a bit I took a break by sitting on the bench...and she delighted me with an unexpected showing at the bird bath...first she sat on the rim and walked around a bit...then she took a drink, followed by getting into the birdbath and splashing around...when she was
done she plopped on the rock to I guess dry off. I asked her if I could take a picture and was amazed that she allowed me to come so close to get this photo...
She definitely made my day! And all that worrying about attracting birds to get into the birdbath, she made it seem so simple...Also today I noticed that in addition to my new friend here, there were a number of other birds checking out the garden, stopping in fora bit before flying off...but this little one, I think has found a new favorite place to hang out.
Since at this point, I'm not planning on mulching the beds I planted a ground cover (Ivy) to help with the weeds that will want to make the garden their home...
Am having some trouble getting this entire bed into one photo...this shows on the right the bed and how it curves along toward the front...More White Alyssum was planted along the curve to help define the border.
Another Scrap Branch Creation
In back corner behind the birdbath..I placed another branch design...took a branch, bent it to curve in a circular shape attaching it
with garden twine...hung a purple twirlything that twists and turns with a slight breeze...
In front of it a wild violet is planted,behind it are two compact cucumber plants that can be trained to grow up onto the trellis...
To provide some additional color,marigolds were planted in front of the Day Lilies...they are a mixtureof yellow and orange petals, which
will nicely compliment the orange flowers of the Day Liliy when in bloom.
With my new found bird friend and the possibility of enticing more feathered friends tothe garden, I thought I should have some food available...a suet feeder was hung from a branch of the Walnut tree that was hanging outside of the garden fence...
I am not a birder, so this is all a new experience for me...so it will take a little bit of time to discover what I should or should not be doing.
..
A Stormy Night
A Stormy Night
Last night a storm blew in and created just a little bit of disruption to the garden work...some downed branches and debris scattered through the garden but the plants were delighted, having their thirst quenched...a few of the young transplanted Day Lilies took a beating, but with the energy in the garden, they will be standing tall again in no time flat!
Very wet soil and muddy walkways is restricting the activity level of work scheduled for today...but since I had other things needing to be tended too, it all worked out.
My husband, Scott, mixed up a batch of compost tea for me last night after the storm left...he made about 20 gallons, which I applied to almost all the plant material before running out of this liquid gold...
Want some info on making compost tea? Here are a few sources:
These sites also have other good articles and information
How to Make Compost Tea Website: The Gardner's Network
How to Make Compost Tea Website: eHow
Took a few pictures after the compost tea application...still working on the 2nd Walnut Tree bed, guess I should come up with a better name....
This picture shows a close up of the Marigolds mentioned earlier that are surrounding the Day Lilies near the bird bath.
Sanvitalia, nice and perky, surrounding the birdbath.
Close up View: Strawberry Patch is prolific with flowers this year...these are just June bearing and will be moved after the season.
Bell Shaped Hanging Bird Seed Feeder for my New Friends
Hung this outside the garden fence close to the tree where my friend was building her nest.
Squirrel Feeder
Don't want to be accused of favoritism, so a squirrel feeder was hung on the same tree, opposite the Bird Feeder...that's all for now!
Updated Pictures through the Summer
There are way to many pages left with journal entires on the old website and I am exhausted cutting and pasting so the remainder are just the photos without any more entries. Hopefully you get the picture of the fun it was that summer putting the garden together and have recieved some inspiration to start a project of your own.