Even the most beautiful of gardens will still require things that may not be so beautiful – buckets, gloves, shovels, wheel barrows, pots waiting to be used, compost piles in the process of breaking down, etc. Whether these items must be seen or hidden in side a building or container, they are all a part of the business of gardening.
Knowing these items are needed, how do you then keep them being an asset to your garden rather than a distraction from the beauty you are trying to create? Sometimes all it takes is some consideration before moving forward.
In the photo above, you can see the top of the garden shed. Instead of distracting, the materials used, the shape of the roof, and even the color of the building itself compliment the garden. At some point in this garden’s history a decision was made to build in this style. They could have just as easily put up a cinder block building with a green metal roof. The function of that building would have been the same, but the visual impact would have been vastly different.
Instead of trying to hide a building that would have been an eye-sore, they chose to build something from the start which would add to the enjoyment of the garden. Even in winter, when all the leaves on the trees have dropped, the flowers have faded away, and the tall grasses are not so tall, the building stands as a welcome sign, inviting you come visit. Not often found on garden sheds, the small porch and its overhang have provided both shade and protection from the elements to more than one visitor, my family included.
For those who are in an area still under snow, in the messy transition I call The Mud Month, or who need something to help them get to their Happy Place, I though I would share a few recent things I have read from across the web. These are items that I thought were interesting, taught me something, or are things I would like to try.
Speaking of Happy Place:
Bonni L. Grant talks about – Antidepressant Microbes In Soil: How Dirt Makes You Happy – After reading the article I summed it up for my husband, then suggested I just roll the boys in dirt every day to help with their moods. He laughed but then said, “Um, no.” Jack overheard and thought it was a GREAT idea. As I am more okay with them being dirty, with actual dirt, I foresee the summer being one where they are ‘tan’ from dirt during the day and sparkling white at night. Would we be able to eliminate sunscreen if we did this?
Roeshel, at DIY Show Off, has a tutorial for a Free Standing Pallet Herb Garden. With extra pallets around the yard right now and a deck that gets either full or partial shade, I know a project that will be happening soon. Even if I did not already have the pallets around, I have heard of a source of free pallets in Big Town that I could stop by and obtain some from. If the shad garden ever gets finished started, I will also already have landscaping fabric to use. Perfect timing.
It also seems like something Jack could help with. I am looking for a few things I can get Jack and George interested in making and potentially selling. This seems like something they could handle, with help.
Jessica, at 104 Homestead, has some Low Cost & No Cost Trellis Ideas. I love trellises, though am never sure where to put them. As I think around my hard I realize there are a few places that these could be use – a corner where our phone line comes in underground, in front of our air conditioner, in front of some ugly basement windows, etc.
This (sorta) Old Life has a DIY Adirondack Chair Tutorial, giving 8 steps to show you how to make the chair. I know it may jinx me to say this, but this project seems like you could make a set of chairs, or a few more, in one day. Not sure if you were going to paint and stain, that would take longer, but I think they would at least be constructed.
IFAS researchers produce three new tomato breeds. It only took about $25 Million and 25-years. These are not even the finished varieties that we will see, once they come out. I appreciate all the work that went into this, but wonder what prompted the need. For that kind of money, I would think it was more than getting a better tasting tomato.
The United States is not the only place where new hybrids are being introduced. Kenyan farmers will benefit from “New tomato breeds released for outdoors and greenhouses.” The price and time frame for these hybrids being created and reproduced was not noted. What was shared were the advantages of each. For farmers who may already be struggling, these new characteristics will be very helpful.”{The Tyika} gives an extra 2 to 3 months of harvest compared to Anna F1. It is also more resistant to yellow leaf curl and mosaic viruses, grey leaf spot, root rot and nematodes.” and “In addition, “it’s sweeter and less acidic,” adds Soren Vester of Sygenta East Africa the company that released the breeds, and Tylka F1’s fruit size can weigh 130 grams compared to the weight of an Anna F1 fruit that reaches 120 grams.”
“Joy” and “Gleeful” were two words you could have used when I found out that Abe’s Market not only has two different coupons that you can use right now, but that they are can be used at the same time (stackable).
The first coupon is good through tonight, April 17th –
I added two stepping stones to the mulch along my front walk. These were gifts a few years ago. At the time I knew exactly where I wanted them, but the spot wasn’t ready. When I began working on edging and mulching the front walkway I told myself that it would not be considered done till these two stepping stones were finally put in their spots.
Plow and Hearth have so many great things for your home and garden. A few years ago I purchased some flannel sheets that are still in great shape after several winters of use. I love looking through their magazine to see what new items they have to offer. Below is a wishlist I have put together of 2o items that I would love to add to my garden. Yes, I know it isn’t Christmas time, but I am very much dealing with Spring Fever right now. =)
