It’s almost summer. The weather is gorgeous. How ’bout we take a looksie outside FH today? You in? Good. Here’s what’s cooking in our yard:
The raised bed. God, I love that thing. Especially when it is brimming with life as it is now. How can you not just take a look at that and smile? Just me? There are a lot of question marks in today’s post. I’ll try to stop. But can I? Ok, promise this time.
In the left foreground you can see our avocado tree that is happy to be out of the house. In the bed we have tomatoes, melons (that are slowly trying to strong arm my tomatoes to the ground), cucumbers, artichokes, peas and onions. Everything is packed in tight, but it’s all the in-ground space I got! Flanking the bed is some cilantro in the watering can, lavender in the pot to the left, and some celosia and a pepper plant in the box to the right. At the far left corner is the raspberry, and on the front right corner is a artichoke. The trellis is a Mike special that he built for me using jute and bamboo. Industrious.
Here’s my other main ‘garden’ section, which is in front of the porch:
It’s admittedly pretty rag-tag, but it actually gets more sun than the raised bed. We have a weird sun path through our yard with especially tall trees blocking sun at random times throughout the day. Very frustrating! I’ve found this spot to be rather sunny, though, and it has served me well. Along with the labeled goodies in the above picture, there are onions, strawberries and a small fir tree seedling that we got as a freebie when we bought our Christmas tree a few years back. Here’s a view from the street:
Not bad, eh? (Don’t mind the weeds.) I’m really not great at container arranging for the purpose of looks. I’m working on it. But I do like the pops of color the cheepo annuals from Lowe’s provide. Nothing says summer like color! Quick, someone write that down! Oh wait…
Anywho, here is a little closeup of the empty-looking pots labeled as ‘Flowers!’ above. Sunflowers…
and an aster mix.
Back when I started gardening, I think I actually said, “I don’t get why anyone would grow flowers when you can grow food!” but, needless to say, I have changed my tune evolved. I think I can safely say I get as much enjoyment in growing a decorative flower as in growing a tomato, but I still am not so hot knowing the names. In time!
Finally, here’s is a little taste of what’s starting to produce fruit here in the Folksy Home garden:
Eeeeeeee!!!! We have baby veggies!! Yay!!
So, tell me, what is your garden growing this week? Any baby veggies??
Erika
/ June 12, 2012Good for you! Everything looks wonderful!!
meanwhilein3
/ June 12, 2012Love the layout of your pictures. Your garden looks beautiful
folksyhome
/ June 12, 2012Thank you!! I’m glad I got those pictures yesterday, because today it’s covered in rain
.
meanwhilein3
/ June 12, 2012Im sure the plants will enjoy the day
Mike
/ June 12, 2012I had no idea I was being paparazzi’d on the porch yesterday!
Norma Chang
/ June 25, 2012Your garden layout is lovely. How do you manage to keep all those pots watered? Nice shot of you on the porch Mike.
folksyhome
/ June 25, 2012Oh thank you so much!! The pots are kind of a pain to keep watered, I must admit. Adding pieces of sponge to the soil before planting helps in holding the water longer, but otherwise, I hope for a little daily rain! I have to say this year mother nature has been kind, and we’ve had a good spot of a rain a few times a week. Here’s hoping it keeps up!
maryhysong
/ June 25, 2012Your little garden is looking good, I know it’s hard to garden with big trees but here in the desert the trees are sooo nice to give a little shade in the afternoon!
folksyhome
/ June 25, 2012Thank you! Yeah, the trees are definitely in the way sometimes, but I do appreciate that we can sit on the porch in the afternoon without roasting in the sun. Gotta look at the positives!
Stoney Acres
/ June 25, 2012What a great little garden!! and you have a beautiful home. Keep the posts coming.
folksyhome
/ June 26, 2012Thank you so much!! It feels really good to have encouragement from someone that doesn’t necessarily have a vested interest in me (i.e., my husband)
. I appreciate it!!
kitsapfg
/ June 26, 2012What a fun garden and it is full of young promising crops too. I think vegetables are every bit as beautiful as formal flower gardens.
folksyhome
/ June 26, 2012Me too. I’ve grown to love both just as much, and I have to say, I’ve found flower gardens more challenging than veggies so far. I guess with the veggies if I get one flower I’m happy because that means the plant is producing, but with flowers it’s always a drive for more. Thankfully, I’m up to take on the challenge
Barbara Good
/ June 26, 2012I am in love with your raised garden bed, I have several but none that look quite so productive and lush. I have inspiration for the coming spring, I’m going to plant at least one of them with a bit of everything all rambling together like yours, complete with tee-pee in the middle. You must be better than me at the pot thing, I lose interest fairly quickly with pots and then forget to water the darn things. Though I’m getting better.
folksyhome
/ June 26, 2012Thank you so much! I’ve learned that I prefer over-planting than under-planting, it just looks so much more lush! I know it may be to the detriment of my harvested amount, but I’m OK with that. Also, this year is the first time I’m doing so many vining plants, and I had no idea how HUGE melons and pumpkins got. I’ve done lots of cucumbers in the past, but those plants are nothing compared to these monsters. Though they are big, I like how they fill in the empty space and spill over the side. I really hope to get at least one of each type. Only time will tell!
As for the containers, I’m lucky because, though it’s not ideal, they only get max 5-6 hours a day of sun. Also, I try to go for glazed ceramic or plastic pots that hold the water better. I’m not a huge watering fan either, but I mentally trick myself into thinking I’m having a zen moment with the plants
. It’s also a good time to check for pests and new growth and I’m totally a plant starer, so that helps. Cool that you’re planning now for next spring, I’m sure it will be awesome!!