Spring Planting and Garden Preparations in Full Swing

May 26, 2024

As the nights begin to warm up, it’s the perfect time to dive into full-tilt planting! Today, we’re expecting temperatures in the low sixties, so while we’re not experiencing HOT days yet, it’s ideal gardening weather.

My goal for today is to spend quality time in the garden, starting with some much-needed fence repairs. The original t-posts are spaced too far apart to withstand the strong winds we’ve been getting, so I’ll be adding extra t-posts for reinforcement. First, though, I need to locate our two post hole pounders – I know they’re around here somewhere!

In addition to fixing several parts of the fence, I also plan to spray paint the reed fencing to extend its life for at least one more season. This should help maintain the garden’s aesthetic while providing some much-needed durability.

Watering the seedlings is another critical task on my list today. These young plants need consistent care to thrive and eventually produce a bountiful harvest. After that, I’ll be turning my attention to setting up the garden cabin, which will double as an art gallery. This space will be a creative haven, blending the beauty of nature with artistic expression.

Stay tuned for more updates as the season progresses. Happy gardening!

Daily Log

May 4, 2024

Good morning, friends. Today is unexpectedly chilly for May. I woke up early, let the dogs out, and thought about heading to Home Depot to pick up more creeping thyme for the garden. In the past, Tim and I would eagerly rise early in spring for our plant shopping trips. Going alone just doesn’t feel the same. I finally got out of bed around 10:00, fed the dogs, and gave Lucy her medicine. Thankfully, she’s responding well to the phenobarbital, which is a relief because the CBD we initially tried wasn’t effective in controlling her seizures. Surprisingly, her bloodwork came back normal, so her vet thinks her age might be the underlying cause of her seizures.

It’s supposed to warm up later, but as of 11:45, it’s only 39 degrees. I’m planning to open the greenhouse soon and then head to Home Depot for the creeping thyme. One of my spring goals is to get it planted, so I can walk barefoot in the garden without the discomfort of stepping on pebbles.

Reflecting on memories, today marks a decade since Tim and I built an herb nautilus over an old stump, and it also reminds me of when I had to leave for Louisiana shortly after because I was caring for my parents.

Daily Log

May 4, 2024

I’m grateful to have the flexibility to work in my garden since I’m self-employed. I’ve started listing tasks to tackle in the garden, focusing primarily on maintenance and updates such as staining the beds and deck. I plan to take down all the fencing for reinforcement and repositioning, clean out the beds, and enrich them with nutrients. Our local gardening organization is selling strawberry roots for $1.00 each, and I’ve already planted 20 more. I intend to buy another 20 to scatter throughout the yard. I’ve added 15 new plants to one of my beds that’s three years old, and placed another 5 around a rhubarb plant. Additionally, I’ve sown another packet of wildflower seeds in my wildflower wheelbarrow.

My goals for this spring include finishing the stonework, planting creeping thyme, and placing yarrow around the pine tree. I also plan to stain the deck, chairs, and benches. I’m setting up a garden art studio to sell my artwork on Fridays during the local Farmers Market and to host live videos from the space. I need to learn how to prune trees—a task previously handled by Tim—and to purchase an arbor for the elderberry plants. I’m also looking to learn about pruning currant and jostaberry bushes and to hang fairy lights to create a magical atmosphere.