Monday, February 17, 2014

Dreaming up Beautiful Garden Dreams


A few days ago I created an account on Pinterest. I thought it might be another good venue to promote my shop. Well, that may be true, but I didn't take into account that I would find SO MUCH inspiration there. Beside being awfully addictive, it has a never ending supply of inspiration for everything garden. I have created my own "in the garden" board and look through other people's garden boards, finding more and more ideas. I'm sitting here, dreaming up what my garden will look like this year. And I can't wait to get started.


My garden is very quiet at this time of year. The last (and first) strong rain has left the ground wet which of course is good because this is how it should be in a Northern California winter. A few daffodils are already blooming and I can see where all the poppies - native and oriental - will present their color show later in the year.

The most active life in the garden takes place around the bird feeders where the squirrels and birds fill their bellies. Even a couple of crows comes by every morning. The scrub jay is happy about the shelled peanuts I put up on the trellis. Some of the birds still enjoy the remains of the sunflowers from last summer.



Our biggest project, however, is building a fence around our front garden. We first thought to build a white picket fence, but when we realised that we repeatedly have to paint that fence, we quickly looked for an alternative. Well, we're living in the area of redwoods, so this was a natural choice. The wood has a beautiful red shade that I love, even though it changes with the year and weather. The Geek drew a plan, and now he's busy cutting the wood with his miter saw. He also digs the holes for the posts, and I drill and screw. Sometimes Kaefer helps as well. It's a huge area and it will take us several weeks until the fence will be finished. We will be so proud then!


But what I want to do most is work in the garden - dig in the soil, get my hands dirty, see something grow.


I want to use these tools, prepare the soil for the veggies, pull weeds, collect leaves. I want to clean out used flowers to make way for new growth.


I want to feel the pruners in my hand while I go from plant to plant and do what I have to do.


I can't wait to prepare the raised beds again, mix organic matter in, think about what to plant where and which tomatoes to try this year. Will there be Charentais melons again? Can I start with the seeds? Should I try a different variety of zucchini? Which peppers? Of course I want to try more heirlooms!

But most of all - I want to fill these big pots with new veggies, tomatoes, zucchini and peppers and see all the greens and colors come back into my garden.


11 comments:

Poppy said...

Your redwood fence is looking mighty fine and protective! Like you, I am feeling the need to get my hands dirty, dig up the weeds to make room for the pretty petals that will bloom there. Pulling these stubborn stems will certainly give me garden gratification!

Lovely pics!

Happy gardening!

Poppy

Unknown said...

Nothing better than new growth and new gardens...except MAYBE a few hours lost in Pinterest.
xo

gina said...

I love gardening too, so I can totally relate to your post, Carola. How great that building a fence is a family project, and everyone pitches in. I also joined pinterest to get ideas to plan my garden last year.
Your colorful pots are so pretty, just waiting for some plantings. Sure hope we get more rain!

Elephant's Child said...

Woo Hoo!!! Such an exciting time. Your fence is looking brilliant but, like you, it is grubbing in the garden which makes my heart sing.

GlorV1 said...

Indeed, this will be fun. Looking forward to it as well. We saved a lot of butter nut squash seeds and other seeds. Special chili's get saved for seeds as well and those are waiting to go in as well. Last year I bought my husband a huge greenhouse that he will be putting in this year. He just hasn't had the time to get it going yet. Nice post and you sound excited. Great photos.

Jeanne said...

Will be looking forward to hearing more about that fence and bet your garden will look amazing with all of this pinterest inspiration!

JoZart Designs said...

I bet that Redwood smells devine and it will be a superb fence. I have boxes made from it and a mini chest of drawers that are over 50 years old
(souvenirs from Yosemite) and they still smell lovely.
It is amazing for me to see blue jays, first spotted when we were in Yosemite. Beautiful birds and vibrant colour. Nothing like the jays in England which are grey with flashes of black, white, and dusty pink.
I really enjoyed your post.
jo x

La Vie Quotidienne said...

How exciting this is...planning a new garden; what fun. And your new fence is going to be wonderful. I love picket fences they are so classic and out of redwood it will last for a long, long time.

Pinterest is wonderful and full of the best ideas. But with your artistic talent I am sure you have lots of wonderful ideas of your own.

Anonymous said...

I'm hoping that when I find a permanent home here that it will have a little bit of earth where I can garden - or at least a balcony big enough to hold some pots. I'm sure it won't be long before you're able to see yours going from plans to production.

patty said...

Oh, my, Carola, you are ambitious! Gardening is one of those things I have always loved in concept... but have never gotten into in reality. We are currently paying some guys to do some xeriscape and landscaping and reading this, I'm thinking we probably should be doing it ourselves! Anyway, I really admire those who get out there and do it - dirty hands and all!! Good job!!

Magic Love Crow said...

You are getting me excited for gardening! Your fence is going to look beautiful! I love those colored pots! Take Care ;o)