Jul 29 2008
Our secret garden…
One of the features I loved most about our house when we first looked at it was the backyard. Not the size, for it’s easily one of the smallest back yards I’ve ever seen, but rather the sense of an urban escape, a small private space in the middle or urban sprawl.
(This picture was taken early spring 2006 so it’s not a exactly a fair comparison)
Neither Lisa or I have a green thumb, we’ve had to figure most of this out as we go (and for those relatives with some real horticultural knowledge we thank you for your patience and advice!), and it’s not without a bit of pride that we can say our efforts appear to have been, at least, mildly successful.
We’ve concentrated on the small details, edging the garden space, mulching (thanks to Mom and Chris) the garden areas, weeding the lawn and garden areas and seeding the lawn like mad.
(Picture taken July 2008)
We’re going to keep working on it (flowers or something in the garden space would be a good next step), but it’s been an education already and now we’re having to learn about lawn fertilizer and herbicides and all sorts of strange and wonderful things that never mattered to us before.
(Picture taken July 2008)
Considering the current high food prices, maybe you should consider turning it into ALL garden???
Merle
Wow, that looks great!
All the advice I have for you (In respect to the lawn) is don’t water more than an hour (Water more days, less time) and don’t cut it short, longer grass seems to stay green longer and require less watering.
I also “Weed and feed” (I use the spay that hooks up to the hose) twice a year, Spring and fall……Use Sparingly!
Just think, there might be a door that leads out the back of the house one day..:)
Merle: Actually we have a small segment of it given over to tomatos, and we’re considering turning a corner of the yard into a working garden. We do have a problem with lighting back there, so more reading is required before we bank on anything (the tomatos are coming along nicely however!).
Piet: Agreed, quality over quantity for watering, fertilizer is something we have to start with, some sort of germination inhibitor for the crabgrass (just before snow as crabgrass is an annual), and more food waste into the composter to put back into use.
As for the door, we continue to save for that, although moneys not the real issue, a reputable contractor is.
Meh… sooner or later.
You’re doing much better with your green space than I am. My solution is that I’m moving to an 8th floor apartment in a frozen wasteland.
Sounds like a lot less work, I think that means you win.
Damn you!
Looks super! Your hard work has paid off…
We added white clover to our lawn, which makes it look a bit curly but you don’t need to water or fertilize. Also the weeds fit right in.
Hey Greg, when are you leaving for the ‘frozen wasteland?’
Patrick. You’re not on Facebook. I leave at the end of August. We need a sushi/shooting/make fun of the lawyer larva session for the VGH ex-pats.