Posts from the ‘gardening’ category

spring to-do list

As I write this post I sit aching from the weekend yard work. Again. 17 bags of leaves and twigs later, the property looks better but with barely any color.

quirky wind chime from previous owners. i think i like it.

quirky wind chimes from previous owners. i think i like it.

There are a few plants not yet in the ground. The patio table and benches are yet to be refinished. The loft space is empty. The dining area is just an “area”, still without table and chairs. I have not yet cooked one meal in the kitchen!

Come June 1 this place will be ready for summer renters. But before I hand over the keys, I have to enjoy it too.  I’m sure I’ve not done a good enough job of that lately, especially with the late start to Spring.

a collection of dried flowers from the garden

dried flowers from the garden

I have a busy few weeks ahead of me and to be sure I get through it with some fun, my to-do list should be in this order:

1. create the ultimate summer soundtrack
2. run/bike the neighborhood
3. morning coffee on the beach
4. read a book on the deck
5. take more pictures
6. more wine tasting
7. head out to some farms
8. cook and enjoy an awesome feast
9. blog some more
10. house work

 

The first track on my Ultimate New York Summer Soundtrack is Bananarama’s ‘Cruel Summer’. The video closely resembles last year’s summer experience back in Brooklyn, minus the skipping, overalls and teased hair. Though, I’m pretty sure someone can dig up a picture of me looking similar enough. Gasp.

looking forward to spring

The orders are in. Plants will start arriving in March. Lilacs, Hydrangea, Peonies, Verbena, Morning Glory and more.

I decided not to alter the size or shape of the beds. Most existing plants and trees (dashed circles in plan) will remain.

I am, however, debating removing the shed one day so that I can have more room to plant or sit in the sun. The garage has plenty of room for storage and a potting bench.


I should get into landscape design. Right?

The grape trellis in the above plan is not complete. I’m researching how to build one with the existing poles meant for an awning.

garage patio

garden project

I’m going to spend some cold nights sketching out some changes to the garden.

Goals

  • easy to maintain
  • looks good in each season
  • make the most of a small space
  • a wild field, no boxes and labels!
  • learn the fancy, exotic lingo of a botanist
  • plant something edible and tasty

First, I’ll be looking through these books for tips and ideas.

Books