The previous owners of this house were an elderly couple who had lived here since it was built in 1986, and they obviously took a lot of pride in the state of the backyard. It is full of hummingbird and bee-friendly plants, and they were careful to make it very water-efficient with an extensive drip system and a thick layer of mulch over mostly drought-resistant vegetation. Vines climb the back fence and engulf the tall porch. The front yard is covered with plants as well, and I'm told they will flower exuberantly this summer! There are so many plants here that are strangers to me, but we'll get to know each other soon.
A small stone path winds from one side of the yard to the other.
These photos were all taken about a month ago, when we first moved in, and it was very rainy.
An apple tree! It is well-trimmed, and I am anxious to discover what kind of apples it produces.
Due to the well-planned nature of the back yard, my respect for the amount of work that went into it, my desire to see what these plants do, and the fact that we're only renting, this first year I plan to pretty much not disturb most of the plants and design. But where will the veggies go, you ask? After a few weekend days of sleuthing, it appears that the best sunlight hits along the south edge of the porch and the west fence so I have put my pots and half wine barrel there.
Last year's marjoram sits happily on the pebbled concrete of the porch, where it can finally get some sun!
There are suspicious bare spots in the yard which are already hooked up to the drip system, where ailing plants were likely removed before sale of the house... I will take full advantage of those bare spots, and as many of the nooks and crannies between existing plants as possible. The back fence is rich with possibilities, since it is already covered with a green wire grid for vines... you know some peas and beans are going to sprout there! Soon I would also like to create large raised beds along the completely empty side yards for lower-light plants such as salad greens. It's a good start for a first real garden, and it'll definitely keep me busy!
What are your plans for this year's gardening?
A small stone path winds from one side of the yard to the other.
6 comments:
Your backyard looks amazing! No wonder you guys picked that house. Who cares what the inside looks like?!
My roommates and I are putting in raised beds this spring. Not sure what plants we'll be growing, but I guarantee tomatoes will be one of them. Any advice about particular veggies that don't require as much sun?
Beautiful back yard/garden! I love the apple tree and can totally imagine you walking mindfully down the stone path and sitting in the zen corner. :) It sounds like you have some well-planned planting ideas. Can't wait to see the process!
how lovely! i still need to make my list of edibles i want to grow and a calendar of when i need to plant them. i just got the sunset western garden book of edibles...looks yummy. oh, and a good tip that i heard is to plant pumpkins, beans, and corn together. they compliment each other nutritionally and physically. happy gardening!
Megan, the inside of the house was treated with just the same care as the outside, and is in perfectly clean and pristine condition. The place is small, but just perfect for us. :)
My Melting Mammoth snow peas are doing pretty well with low light, radishes did great last season with hardly any light, and the lettuces are happy in low light too (I'm doing Black-Seeded Simpson lettuce, Tendergreen Indian Mustard, Bull's Blood beets, and a general gourmet blend).
Hi Catherine,
You are so right, I do that nearly every day! It's a perfect way to mark the transition from a work to a home mindset. :)
Greetings Grace,
Haha, I am so ridiculously allergic to corn pollen that the "three sisters" Native American planting pattern might be too much for me. I would love to plant some pumpkins and beans though! When do you usually begin planting your edibles? I'll check out your blog and I hope to hear what you end up deciding on for your garden. :)
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