Swampy Patch Rejuvenation

Letting Grow

2011-08-16T06:27:00.000-07:00

It is unbelievable how much of what came up is weeds. I am so disappointed. :o( I took great care in preparing the seeds and soil, and for all my expense and effort, I get Lamb's Quarters, Velvet Leaf, Nightshade and Nettles. Oh, and Shoe Spam.
There is ONE plus down in that weed patch this year, and that is my Phlox have never looked so good.

GERMINATION!!!!!

2011-06-17T14:47:00.000-07:00

I was so surprised to see the little sprouts, I squealed out loud. Did you hear me? lol. It can't all be weeds. It will take a couple more weeks till I can attempt to identify anything.
Meanwhile in other areas, the peonies, hesperis and lupines have come and gone. Currently blooming are a coreopsis and one from a hummingbird/butterfly mix I will edit in a photo for, and try to identify
The 10 year old is trying to eat my mouse. Summer School starts Monday!!

All In

2011-06-16T05:59:00.000-07:00

It has been about a week now since I raced the rumbling rain storm to put in the remainder of my wildflower seed mix. It has rained enough to keep my rain barrel full for watering on dry days. We will need some warmth to really get them going.
I am enjoying getting down there all I can. At first, I imagined myself just sitting on the bench among the flowers, watching the birds and butterflies. I am actually finding it pleasant to be down there working on it. Good thing, because lack of tending is where my gardens have always failed.

FINALLY

2011-06-07T20:07:00.000-07:00

The 2 large beds have been planted! I mixed the cold seeds in sand with damp peat moss. I dribbled that over the prepared beds amended with fancy MiracleGro Garden soil. I raked through that with my fingers and topped it all of with, what else? Top soil. I watered it all pretty heavily, but expect to need to continue watering, as rainfall has been sparse. Good thing the rain barrel is off a major line of eaves troughs. It went from nearly empty to nearly full (60 gallons) after just one morning's rain.
It feels very good to have the bulk of it planted. There was always something in the way of getting it done. As it was, I worked on the soil in 90 degree heat and put in another hour this evening. That is how it has to be. I very seldom have large spans of time to myself, especially now that school's out.
In other areas, I have a happy Baptisia Australis coming along... Lupines from a friend last year are blooming now. Sweet peas are a good 6" high. The kitchen garden boasts cilantro, garlic and onions a-plenty, great all-around growth, including blossoms on pepper and tomato plants. Fresh herbs add so much to a dish. I bought good starter plants of Basil, Oregano and Thyme, so I have been able to use them already. mmm

Moss

2011-05-25T05:36:00.000-07:00

Sources say that moss can be propagated by blending bits of it with beer then spreading it over where you want it to grow. I did not use beer or a blender. Having a lot of moss to start with, I just pulled it off of dirt and took out weeds, then tossed it into a bucket of rainwater. After I created a smooth dirt path, i distributed the moss bits over it. I sprinkled a bit more soil on top and walked over it barefoot to hopefully make good contact. I watered it with a little added Miracle-Gro. Last night it rained, so either my mossy path is on its way, or has floated into the neighbor's yard.

More Slow than Steady

2011-05-20T09:32:00.000-07:00

but it still beats Fast and Fizzle. I have been preparing the soil for planting. It would be much easier if there were no plants there that I want to keep. I will be stuck with some weeds amongst the firmly-rooted asters, but at least I'll have the asters in September. I'll have to till through the dug-up parts one more time and then buy some good garden soil - probably at least one big bag of compost/manure. By that time my seeds will have been in the fridge for about a month. Minimal, but better than nothing.

Exhausted

2011-05-06T19:44:00.000-07:00

But in a good way. There's some satisfaction in an aching body caused by a hard day's work. Today's task was to level off a spot & install paving blocks where our new garden arch with bench would go. It was free from my mom who decided not to use it. DH said he'd assemble it with me after work, so I didn't have much choice in getting the place ready this afternoon. I am plum tuckered out and ready to sleep. At least next time I am down there digging, I'll have a place to sit and rest. :o)

Stratification

2011-05-05T11:37:00.000-07:00

This is a process I have never personally tried. I have seen it done, and still enjoy the Siberian Irises that were started that way about 25 years ago. I was a little scared to put $30 worth of seeds in a bag of damp sand in my fridge, but the farm that sold them to me says that is my best chance for success. Fingers crossed I haven't already killed the poor things before I even get them in the ground. $30 is a lot to have spent on seeds, I know, but the fact the mix I ordered contains native wildflowers that were produced in Northern Wisconsin makes me believe they can grow in the southern third of the state.
The description is what I am looking for in a garden:

Create a paradise of serenity and beauty out of your wet areas! Everwilde blends flaming 'Cardinal Flower' with the gold 'Marsh Marigold' and periwinkle 'Blue Lobelia', accompanied by bold sprays of lavender, pink, and blue; all enveloped in lush foliage to perfect your planting. Invite Nature's artistic touch to paint a delightful picture of lasting beauty on your property. Soak yourself in radiance and quiet beside the still waters.

Lazy Gardener

2011-05-04T12:46:00.000-07:00

It is not just gardening. I am lazy about anything requiring steady effort/upkeep. Cleaning, health, blogging. I seem to lack persistence at anything once it becomes more work than play. This is why I choose perennials over annuals. I put them in the ground, and hope they'll just keep on growing. While this is fairy effective in providing me with pretty flowers from Spring till Fall, the garden I fantasize about doesn't exist... yet.
More as it happens