If you have been following the blog for the past year you will remember my post from last July (4th of July Garden). I had just moved into my new place the middle of June and could not imagine life without a Veg garden. So, I made one out of recycled concrete forms placed over cardboard with new soil mixture added in. These formed the basis for a fairly good garden. Beans, peas, lettuce, arugula, spinach, and tomatoes did fairly well but the pumpkins were difficult. Very little effort was required after the initial planting. Adding some compost and fertilizers helped the process.
Adding significant square footage this year was so exciting. I expanded the beds and formed them out of recycled timbers and posts. Long, deep beds (6 ft across) made for a good soil mixture. Reusing the soil from the original 4th of July garden I added mushroom compost and chicken manure from the hens. A full 5 yards of additional soil was required and tilled inside the beds. The perimeters were planted with espaliered cherry and pear trees and Columnar Apples. There are plenty of apples on the property but keeping the theme going is important to the designer in me. I love the new cultivars of Blueberry Peach sorbet, Blueberry Bountiful Blue and Raspberry Shortcake so finding them room as test plants was important. ( Kristen maybe these would be a good side bar with links to monrovias website?) Rhubarb from my old garden and some from my Mom are a nod to garden history.
Here is a visual of the garden this 4th of July. Quite a difference I think.
Part of the thrill of gardening for me is the chance to learn, improve, and nurture. It is a never-ending source of delight to try something new, to give a struggling plant a chance, and to enjoy the fruits of your labor.
What is it that keeps you excited about gardening? What are you trying that is new?
Click for more information on the new cultivars I mentioned above…
Raspberry Shortcake
Blueberry Peach Sorbet
Bountiful Blue Blueberry
The Plantswoman
Hello and welcome! I'm Susan, owner and principal designer of Plantswoman Design. When I'm not designing for others I'm in my own garden growing and experimenting with plants. I want to inspire everyone to grow something. So, join in the conversation and then let's get outside!
Plantswoman Design, Inc.
PO Box 10505 Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
Love seeing the photos of other gardens and notes on what they are trying…I always learn something. Thank you for taking time to share.
HI Charlie, Some new cultivars are great and others are not. It is always fun to experiment and find something great.