Today was the first day that the baby starts got to go outside. Before planting them, I've gotta "harden them off" by keeping them in a sheltered area outside for a few days. This way, they don't go into shock by being planted right away without building up a tolerance for outdoor life.
After getting those guys settled on the porch, it was time to head out back to do some prep work on this year's planting site. I call this "planting site #1". Creative huh? ;)
This is where we will grow most of our annuals and bulbs. The area will be expanded in coming years, but as you can see in the lower left hand corner we have some brush piles to deal with first! Right now, those piles are in the process of breaking down, which is creating some really good dirt underneath 'em.
Another view of "planting site #1".
Tonight was mostly about getting fence posts set. You see, we have all kinds of wildlife in the area, which means that each planting site will be separately fenced in. We love our woodland creatures, but not in the flower beds!!
I had a little extra time left so I started blazing a trail down to "planting site #2". This area will not be planted up for this growing season, but I still want to start working the area; amending the soil and clearing blackberries and other weeds. This way it will be all ready for us to plant it up this coming fall! The plan is to use this area for woody shrubs, such as forsythia, lilac, hydrangeas, viburnum, and all kinds of other flowering beauties!
Of course, the project manager had to survey my progress...I think he approves! :)Stay tuned for more updates!
I envy all of your growing space! I am planning on doing some planting myself this weekend. I was a slacker with the seeds this year though..I have nothing going for the first time in several years. I guess its not too late :-)
ReplyDeleteYour equine manager is very cute! :)
ReplyDeleteI wish you much success on this new venture and can't wait to see more of it's progress!