I have little white flowers, little orange flowers, little yellow flowers
and one beautiful red flower :-)
Here's my beautiful red flower :-)
Showing posts with label Spring. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Spring. Show all posts
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Rewards in the Wild Flower Garden
Every morning I like to do a little walk about to see how the plants and trees are doing. Its just an enjoyable 15 minutes or so to say, "Good Morning," to the garden. This morning I was greeted by a beautiful red flower. Its little successes like this that make me feel rewarded for the hard work I've done.
I have little white flowers, little orange flowers, little yellow flowers
and one beautiful red flower :-)
Here's my beautiful red flower :-)
I have little white flowers, little orange flowers, little yellow flowers
and one beautiful red flower :-)
Here's my beautiful red flower :-)
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Snow on May 11th
This is what it looked like outside, yesterday morning.
Needless to say, not a lot of gardening got done. Over the day the snow did melt, but it never really got warm.
This morning I was able to get a video of a squirrel trying to get into the bird feeder. This little guy is hilarious - and his comedic timing is just perfect.
What this did make me rethink was the fencing around the veggie patch. With the plan I was working on, the tenacious squirrels and rabbits will STILL be able to get at the garden. I really do need to come up with another idea.
Needless to say, not a lot of gardening got done. Over the day the snow did melt, but it never really got warm.
This morning I was able to get a video of a squirrel trying to get into the bird feeder. This little guy is hilarious - and his comedic timing is just perfect.
What this did make me rethink was the fencing around the veggie patch. With the plan I was working on, the tenacious squirrels and rabbits will STILL be able to get at the garden. I really do need to come up with another idea.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Photo Update of the Garden Project
Yesterday I was able to get some pictures of the Garden Project, enjoy.
In The Veggie Patch
Baby Radish
Baby Lettuce
Baby Radish
Baby Lettuce
Wildflower Garden Area #1
Wildflower Garden Area #1 is starting to really green out.
This little flower came to visit - I need to learn its name.
Wildflower Garden Area #1 is starting to really green out.
This little flower came to visit - I need to learn its name.
Bonsai Oak Overlook
In this picture you can really see how Bonsai Oak is bent.
I can't wait till the buds turn into leaves.
In this picture you can really see how Bonsai Oak is bent.
I can't wait till the buds turn into leaves.
Prepackaged Mullein?
PVC pipe for inserting fence posts. This Mullein decided it was a good place to grow.
PVC pipe for inserting fence posts. This Mullein decided it was a good place to grow.
Garden Update
The funny thing about living up on the Mountain is that everything you decide to do requires, at least, three things be done before you can get to your project. It all started on May 5 with wanting to build a small protective fence around the veggie patch (to keep the deer from eating everything).
Mom said she had a roll of Chicken wire, my preference, and to use this I would need to build a small wooden frame. No problem, there's a lot of wood up here. Over the years the wood had been piled by the corner garden - it was a mess. Not only did it look terrible, but it wasn't organized and finding anything was difficult. So, instead of building the fence, the first order of business became moving the three piles of wood and organizing them. This was a big project that took the whole morning (work stops in the afternoon because of the Spring winds that blow hard at this altitude).
The following day (May 6) the snow had pretty much melted so I figured I better get the well set up for watering (I already have seeds planted and they need water). Keep in mind I still needed to build that fence. Water up here needs to come from the well - the outdoor house faucet runs from the water softener and that's like watering plants with salt water (learned that mistake last year). So the ordeal begins by going out to the well and lifting the handle. I was smart I brought the hose with me, hooked it up and attached the spray nozzle. The first thing I found out was that the hose JUST makes it to the garden, it's not long enough to get into the garden. "Oh well - I'll still water what I can and fill up the watering can for the rest." All the way back up to the house to turn on the pump, then all the way back down to the hose to find that the spray nozzle is cracked and spraying all over heck. Now - not wanting to do all that walking again I just decide to get wet and get the spray nozzle off. 15 minutes later I'm soaking wet but the garden got watered too. All the way back up to the well (taking the hose with me) to turn it off. The rest of the morning was spent digging out the other hose to attach it for the length I need.
May 7: Composting is down the cliff - we had buckets of stuff that needed to go in. I can't climb down the cliff with buckets of compost material and shovel so that's driving around to get down there. Needless to say that was a whole mornings worth of work as that area needed tending as well. And - the hoses down there are all split so there I have another water problem. To top it off I find the Chicken wire has been used by my brother to build the compost bins. There is some VERY heavy wire 'fencing' (normally used for laying under concrete) that I can use for my veggie fence (now I don't need the wood (organized on May 5), ha ha ha).
Mother's Day - May 8: "TODAY I'll get the fence built!" I thought. In order to move that heavy fencing material I needed the wheelbarrow. The first job became changing the wheelbarrow tire. After I get that job done Mom suggests maybe between the two of us we can get the fencing down to the garden without the wheelbarrow (the tire needed to be changed anyway). So, between a 78 year old woman and a 54 year old woman - we decide to carry it. Picking the fencing up, there is a part I didn't see sticking out, it cuts my leg. Now, with Multiple Sclerosis, any bad cuts turn into cramping and ouchy so - although we get the fencing down to the veggie patch - the rest of day is lost.
Today I go to the Clinic to get a tetanus shot.
Mom said she had a roll of Chicken wire, my preference, and to use this I would need to build a small wooden frame. No problem, there's a lot of wood up here. Over the years the wood had been piled by the corner garden - it was a mess. Not only did it look terrible, but it wasn't organized and finding anything was difficult. So, instead of building the fence, the first order of business became moving the three piles of wood and organizing them. This was a big project that took the whole morning (work stops in the afternoon because of the Spring winds that blow hard at this altitude).
The following day (May 6) the snow had pretty much melted so I figured I better get the well set up for watering (I already have seeds planted and they need water). Keep in mind I still needed to build that fence. Water up here needs to come from the well - the outdoor house faucet runs from the water softener and that's like watering plants with salt water (learned that mistake last year). So the ordeal begins by going out to the well and lifting the handle. I was smart I brought the hose with me, hooked it up and attached the spray nozzle. The first thing I found out was that the hose JUST makes it to the garden, it's not long enough to get into the garden. "Oh well - I'll still water what I can and fill up the watering can for the rest." All the way back up to the house to turn on the pump, then all the way back down to the hose to find that the spray nozzle is cracked and spraying all over heck. Now - not wanting to do all that walking again I just decide to get wet and get the spray nozzle off. 15 minutes later I'm soaking wet but the garden got watered too. All the way back up to the well (taking the hose with me) to turn it off. The rest of the morning was spent digging out the other hose to attach it for the length I need.
May 7: Composting is down the cliff - we had buckets of stuff that needed to go in. I can't climb down the cliff with buckets of compost material and shovel so that's driving around to get down there. Needless to say that was a whole mornings worth of work as that area needed tending as well. And - the hoses down there are all split so there I have another water problem. To top it off I find the Chicken wire has been used by my brother to build the compost bins. There is some VERY heavy wire 'fencing' (normally used for laying under concrete) that I can use for my veggie fence (now I don't need the wood (organized on May 5), ha ha ha).
Mother's Day - May 8: "TODAY I'll get the fence built!" I thought. In order to move that heavy fencing material I needed the wheelbarrow. The first job became changing the wheelbarrow tire. After I get that job done Mom suggests maybe between the two of us we can get the fencing down to the garden without the wheelbarrow (the tire needed to be changed anyway). So, between a 78 year old woman and a 54 year old woman - we decide to carry it. Picking the fencing up, there is a part I didn't see sticking out, it cuts my leg. Now, with Multiple Sclerosis, any bad cuts turn into cramping and ouchy so - although we get the fencing down to the veggie patch - the rest of day is lost.
Today I go to the Clinic to get a tetanus shot.
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Baby Yarrow
One of the little garden areas is a Corner Garden that my Mother created many years ago. Those are Scruff Oak in the center, she transplanted some Yucca, encircled the space and that was as far as she got. The green behind the Scruff Oak is a Cederwood (just a Bush now) and the tall green way in the back is a Ponderosa Pine. Over the years some Yarrow came to play in the little area.
Here's a closer look at the Baby Yarrow that came to visit.
At this stage of life they look so much like a little fern.
Here's a closer look at the Baby Yarrow that came to visit.
At this stage of life they look so much like a little fern.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
My Bed Is Made
To most gardeners having a small area like this is easy. But up here, at 7,800 feet on rock mountain, there was a lot of work just to get it to this point. This spot is about 6 feet wide by about 4 feet deep. It will be a small vegetable patch for us to enjoy.
Just to give you an idea of what went into getting this area ready, here's the pile of rocks that came out. I put my gardening gloves down so you could get an idea of how much (and how big) these rocks are. My goal was to get a full shovel down in and be able to turn the dirt over. It took getting all these rocks out - just to allow that to happen.
Later this afternoon - if the wind holds back - I'm going to get the seeds in the ground. I'm planting: 2 - 3 Tomato plants, a small patch of Chives, Spinach, Lettuce, a few Radishes, 2 - 3 Basil plants, 2 - 3 Bell Pepper plants, and some Eatable Pod Peas. It will be a blessing just to see some green garden plants coming up.
Just to give you an idea of what went into getting this area ready, here's the pile of rocks that came out. I put my gardening gloves down so you could get an idea of how much (and how big) these rocks are. My goal was to get a full shovel down in and be able to turn the dirt over. It took getting all these rocks out - just to allow that to happen.
Later this afternoon - if the wind holds back - I'm going to get the seeds in the ground. I'm planting: 2 - 3 Tomato plants, a small patch of Chives, Spinach, Lettuce, a few Radishes, 2 - 3 Basil plants, 2 - 3 Bell Pepper plants, and some Eatable Pod Peas. It will be a blessing just to see some green garden plants coming up.
2 Days of Snow
Mom reminded me that Dad used say it was 'safe' to go up to the mountain after April 15 - No More Snow. NOT THE CASE, this year.
We had near blizzard conditions on Easter Sunday, and it snowed for the next two days as well. True - the ground isn't frozen so its not accumulating large amounts. However, it has been bitter cold and working in a garden area just isn't fun with the white stuff flying around.
Finally, today, the strange weather seems to be over. No more snow predicted, just sunshine - but it will still be cold. Needless to say the garden bed I've been working on WILL get finished today and I want the seeds in the ground.
We had near blizzard conditions on Easter Sunday, and it snowed for the next two days as well. True - the ground isn't frozen so its not accumulating large amounts. However, it has been bitter cold and working in a garden area just isn't fun with the white stuff flying around.
Finally, today, the strange weather seems to be over. No more snow predicted, just sunshine - but it will still be cold. Needless to say the garden bed I've been working on WILL get finished today and I want the seeds in the ground.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
A Veggie Spot
After a lot of hard work last year, and no green rewards, I decided that I would create a small veggie spot this year. Hopefully I'll get some Wild Flowers in Wild Flower Garden Area #1 - and if I'm lucky I'll get some Veggies in this new spot too.
There's a small area of good dirt behind the workshop. It had been covered with a lot of trash - water barrels, old sinks, plastic and just stuff that blew in. The trash needed to be picked up and the dirt turned for the first time (ever).
My brother helped me move the barrels and the sink out of the way. And my brother suggested hooking this sink up to a water catchment system. Now that would be nice.
So, after picking up the garbage I started turning the dirt over. GUESS WHAT? The area already has WORMS!!! Now I'm REALLY excited. This guy was tucked back into his home after his picture was taken. What this tells me is that the dirt here IS good enough for gardening.
The only bad thing is that I have a nasty cold so my energy level is non-existent. I guess I'll try again tomorrow.
There's a small area of good dirt behind the workshop. It had been covered with a lot of trash - water barrels, old sinks, plastic and just stuff that blew in. The trash needed to be picked up and the dirt turned for the first time (ever).
My brother helped me move the barrels and the sink out of the way. And my brother suggested hooking this sink up to a water catchment system. Now that would be nice.
So, after picking up the garbage I started turning the dirt over. GUESS WHAT? The area already has WORMS!!! Now I'm REALLY excited. This guy was tucked back into his home after his picture was taken. What this tells me is that the dirt here IS good enough for gardening.
The only bad thing is that I have a nasty cold so my energy level is non-existent. I guess I'll try again tomorrow.
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Special Areas Waiting For Spring
All we need is a good rain and a few warm days for Spring to really start popping up here. Maybe the rain will come on Wednesday - I sure hope so. In the mean time there are a lot of areas just waiting for it.
Memorial Flat Spot
The first flat area that my Dad built in around 1980. If it wasn't for the little tufts of green coming up in Wild Flower Garden #1, in front of it, the area looks more like Fall or Winter. I do have to get in there and rake up those leaves. The compost bins need that carbon.
Mushroom Rest
Mushroom Rest is still nothing more than a tree stump. This year it needs to be transformed into the whimsical area.
Scruff Oak Grove
Honestly, this looks like a bunch of dead little trees. I know it will come back, but it sure doesn't look very inviting right now. The good part is that I need to rake up those leaves, for compost, too.
Bonsai Oak
This sit spot also needs a lot of work. I love the fact that this Scruff Oak grew to look kind of like a Bonsai Tree - you can actually see the curve in the truck in this picture. The area overlooks the cliff and beautiful nature below. It will be a wonderful place to just sit and talk with friends.
Memorial Flat Spot
The first flat area that my Dad built in around 1980. If it wasn't for the little tufts of green coming up in Wild Flower Garden #1, in front of it, the area looks more like Fall or Winter. I do have to get in there and rake up those leaves. The compost bins need that carbon.
Mushroom Rest
Mushroom Rest is still nothing more than a tree stump. This year it needs to be transformed into the whimsical area.
Scruff Oak Grove
Honestly, this looks like a bunch of dead little trees. I know it will come back, but it sure doesn't look very inviting right now. The good part is that I need to rake up those leaves, for compost, too.
Bonsai Oak
This sit spot also needs a lot of work. I love the fact that this Scruff Oak grew to look kind of like a Bonsai Tree - you can actually see the curve in the truck in this picture. The area overlooks the cliff and beautiful nature below. It will be a wonderful place to just sit and talk with friends.
Friday, April 15, 2011
Spring Is Just Arriving
At 7,800 feet above sea level Spring comes a little later - and that's a good thing because I have my work cut out for me. I arrived on the Mountain late night April 12, spent a few days unpacking, and this morning I had to head out to see how the Mountain Garden Project faired over the winter. The first thing that stuck me were all the deer tracks on the paths. It looks to me like the deer kept to the paths as they walked through. Below is a picture of a small area, but these tracks were totally up and down all the paths.
Also up and down the paths are a lot of plants - mostly Mullein. It looks like I didn't get them out as well as I thought I did.
And this is my first Spring Flower! Actually, I LOVE Dandelions.
This was the BEST find. That's little green plants coming up in Wild Flower Garden #1. If you'd like to see the work that was put into this area click here. Even if it's all weeds, I'm happy because something is actually growing.
Also up and down the paths are a lot of plants - mostly Mullein. It looks like I didn't get them out as well as I thought I did.
And this is my first Spring Flower! Actually, I LOVE Dandelions.
This was the BEST find. That's little green plants coming up in Wild Flower Garden #1. If you'd like to see the work that was put into this area click here. Even if it's all weeds, I'm happy because something is actually growing.
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