SHEs Organized

Have chicks in the coop with tail feathers now so cute! We need to haul off a load of branches. Too soon to think about planiting much more than roses here.

Last fall dh and I planted 6 trays of spring flowers. All 6 have been sprouting over the past couple of days. One tray has a head start on the rest and there are numerous short yellow blooms. Dh says crocus. I have no idea.

We have numerous plans. One of the plans did include chickens at one point, but with a coyote in the neighbourhood and at least 2 hawks of some sort, dh has decided that this isn't a great idea. We also have at least 2 owls that we hear from time to time.

There is one raised bed already in place with dirt in it. Dh planted garlic last fall and that is sprouting already. 2 other raised beds are planned and dh has the boxes already. We haven't placed them or filled them yet. The back of the yard is very wet. There is a definite difference between the yard closer to the house than the back of the yard. We are planning on putting down gravel and paving stones between the raised beds so we can walk around without all the muck.

Dh brought home my burn barrel yesterday but he has to drill some holes in it before I can start to use it.

As you can tell, we do a lot of things together.

I think I need a better spot for the tomatoes this year it is too shady in the kitchen garden area. Thinking on this.

Looking ahead to planting tomatoes and basil, my favorite backyard garden products. I am worried about ddog in the tomato raised beds, I find him in there periodically digging, dh and I have talked about a small fence or something to keep him out.

A very large pot on the patio usually holds basil, and likewise, I need to keep him from "grazing" there. Over the winter, he pulled out the dead stems for me and chewed them up. I had a small sage from last year that overwintered - I don't use it much but should this year. The one that overwintered came as a "favor" at a fundraising dinner - small pots of herbs - all kinds for attendees. This year that fundraiser had small pots of violas which I have outside still.

I've decided that instead of planting another veggie or two in raised beds, that I'll put out some zinnia seeds. So easy to grow and they bloom all summer into the fall - if I can keep the ddog out.

I miss the yard at our old house - I loved being able to pick something small that was blooming or interesting to bring inside. In the heat of the summer, used to sometimes put some long hosta leaves in a vase. Perhaps I could put in a hosta or two on the shady side of the house.

Dh recently received an empty tank from a winery. It is marked "damaged" but neither one of us can see any damage. It may have been at the opening, which is now just a hole with no winery equipment on it.

Today dh built a very sturdy platform for it as we have decided that it will be used as a holding tank for water for the gardens. We have 3 boxes already prepared for raised beds. We will be getting some mixed manure from one friend and some other fill from another friend that works at or near a flower farm. If it wasn't snowing out today, we probably would have placed the tank and the beds. Dh is also waiting for a delivery of crushed stone for the walkway in between. The current grassy area is too wet and becomes muddy and difficult easily so that is our solution.

I have to wait til May to put stuff out so not buying plants yet. I have decided to plant toms in pots I have here.

I have 6 adult hens (no roo) getting 5 eggs a day pretty consistantly keeps us and h's work crew in eggs. 8 young ones may be laying in a month time will tell we are keeping our fingers crossed.

We have green toms, plant cages are working great.
Donated unused pots to school green house for plant sale in next spring.
Hauled off tree branches. Some holes filled in more to do.

Red currents and green apples are great chicken food.
Got the area on the side yard that was under the trailer cleaned up, it needs to be reseeded maybe this fall.

Found one of those bbq pit on wheels in stock on sale, our ann. Is next week h is happy for an easy gift I am tickled as well will be so much easier to move. I will need to find a home for our other one.

Next I have one spot left to fill in on the rose hedge after the 4th tney go on sale clearance.