1tardis
Today was the first opportunity for outdoor gardening of the year. We still have quite a bit of snow, but it was 6C, sunny, and not windy, so I decided to prune my pear tree. It took about 4 hours (including cleanup), I'm exhausted, and I'm likely going to be sore tomorrow.
I have other fruit trees that need pruning, but I'll wait until a bit more of the snow is gone around them. None of them will need as much work as the pear did.
I started my hot peppers under the lights a few weeks ago, and I'll start the first batch of tomatoes this weekend. I have 43 varieties of tomatoes this year. I might start potting up the peppers.
I have other fruit trees that need pruning, but I'll wait until a bit more of the snow is gone around them. None of them will need as much work as the pear did.
I started my hot peppers under the lights a few weeks ago, and I'll start the first batch of tomatoes this weekend. I have 43 varieties of tomatoes this year. I might start potting up the peppers.
3tardis
>2 fuzzi: Welcome!
The first batch of tomatoes all germinated so I moved them upstairs and started the second batch yesterday, along with the tomatillos and ground cherries. This is later than I usually start tomatoes, but I'm trying to avoid them getting so leggy. Our average last frost is around May 7, but it is risky to plant them out in the garden before the May Long Weekend (3rd weekend in May). I can get many seeds planted outside before that, and I watch the weather forecast carefully so if it does look safe I will plant earlier, but snow in late May is not unheard of.
I seeded a few radishes in the garden on the weekend, too. The soil, even near the house, is still frozen but radishes are tough. We'll see what comes up.
I am also going away for a week* as of tomorrow, so everything needs to be set up so younger son, who lives with us and is minding the cats, can water the plants, too.
When I get back, I'll start potting up tomatoes and also start the okra, brassicas, and peanuts.
*husband is running a marathon in Las Vegas, I am going along for the ride. We've been to LV before, and I'd have preferred a different destination, but he was running to support a friend. The friend has bailed on the advice of her doctor, but too late for us to cancel, too. We'll have a nice time, but I'm missing the annual orchid show here at home, which is sad.
The first batch of tomatoes all germinated so I moved them upstairs and started the second batch yesterday, along with the tomatillos and ground cherries. This is later than I usually start tomatoes, but I'm trying to avoid them getting so leggy. Our average last frost is around May 7, but it is risky to plant them out in the garden before the May Long Weekend (3rd weekend in May). I can get many seeds planted outside before that, and I watch the weather forecast carefully so if it does look safe I will plant earlier, but snow in late May is not unheard of.
I seeded a few radishes in the garden on the weekend, too. The soil, even near the house, is still frozen but radishes are tough. We'll see what comes up.
I am also going away for a week* as of tomorrow, so everything needs to be set up so younger son, who lives with us and is minding the cats, can water the plants, too.
When I get back, I'll start potting up tomatoes and also start the okra, brassicas, and peanuts.
*husband is running a marathon in Las Vegas, I am going along for the ride. We've been to LV before, and I'd have preferred a different destination, but he was running to support a friend. The friend has bailed on the advice of her doctor, but too late for us to cancel, too. We'll have a nice time, but I'm missing the annual orchid show here at home, which is sad.
4fuzzi
>3 tardis: have you ever tried laying down black plastic to pre-warm the soil?
We've already had days in the 80s (F) but frost is not out of the question. We're looking at lows in the 40s the next few days but nothing close to freezing (32).
I bought tomato and sweet pepper seedlings last week. They're on my porch where they have some shelter from bright sun (which would burn them) and wind.
Have a lovely trip to LV. Look at it for me, I've never been.
We've already had days in the 80s (F) but frost is not out of the question. We're looking at lows in the 40s the next few days but nothing close to freezing (32).
I bought tomato and sweet pepper seedlings last week. They're on my porch where they have some shelter from bright sun (which would burn them) and wind.
Have a lovely trip to LV. Look at it for me, I've never been.
5tardis
Daytime highs are in the 1 to 5C range and -4 to -8C at night. Still quite a bit of snow on the ground. We should hit highs in the double digits in a couple of weeks.
I've never done the black plastic thing, because even if the soil is warm, the air temps aren't that high. Plus I don't want to miss out on any rain or other soil moisture :)
I've never done the black plastic thing, because even if the soil is warm, the air temps aren't that high. Plus I don't want to miss out on any rain or other soil moisture :)
6tardis
After a week away, I have a bunch of tomato seedlings that need to be moved to the upstairs lights. The snow is much reduced, although not completely gone. There aren't any perennials emerging yet, but some of the trees are starting to bud.
Las Vegas was great, but it's such a noisy place! The decibel meter on my husband's phone said it was equivalent to a vacuum cleaner, and it just doesn't quit. The day after his race he needed to move a bit but not strenuously, so we walked over to the UNLV campus where there is a small xeric demonstration garden. He sat in the shade while I took a ton of pictures and we both enjoyed the quiet and birdsong.
Las Vegas was great, but it's such a noisy place! The decibel meter on my husband's phone said it was equivalent to a vacuum cleaner, and it just doesn't quit. The day after his race he needed to move a bit but not strenuously, so we walked over to the UNLV campus where there is a small xeric demonstration garden. He sat in the shade while I took a ton of pictures and we both enjoyed the quiet and birdsong.
7tardis
After transplanting all the tomato seedlings I needed so much more space under lights that I ended up buying another three level light stand. There are 258 tomatoes, 108 peppers, plus 6 each of Inca berries, Queen of Malinalco tomatillos, Salsa Verde tomatillos, ground cherries. Oh, and three containers of leeks.
I have a few more things that I need to start indoors, but mostly they need to wait until closer to planting out.
I have a few more things that I need to start indoors, but mostly they need to wait until closer to planting out.
8MarthaJeanne
Do you have space to plant all those out? I have a grower who sells heirloom tomato plants, so in a few weeks I can buy the half dozen or so plants that I have space for.
9tardis
>8 MarthaJeanne: I have space for one of each variety - this year 43 tomatoes, 18 peppers. There's an experimental tomato variety that I'm trialling so I will keep two of it, and I need two of each of the tomatillos for cross-pollination. The rest I give away to friends, relatives, and neighbours. Some go to the Horticultural Society's plant exchange, too. After everyone I know has whatever they want, I put the rest on the front lawn with a "FREE" sign and they all disappear :)
10tardis
Made my first greenhouse expedition yesterday. I wanted an assortment of shade or part-shade annuals for the pots and planters in the front yard, a roll of jute twine, curled and flat leaved parsley, lemon gem marigolds, and three strawberries.
I went to five greenhouses in the east and northeast areas of the city. I came home with parsley, marigolds, six strawberries, a stunning dark red itoh peony (Scarlet Heaven), two hostas (Captain's Adventure and Forbidden Fruit), a fuschia, Black Dragon coleus, a 50 foot roll of soaker hose, a Himalayan blue poppy (which will probably die like all the others I've planted over the years, but oh, those blue flowers!), oregano, and sage.
I did not find the twine, and I still want some rex begonias for the planters but I still have at least seven greenhouses still to visit, and that doesn't even count the big-box stores.
I also have a project next door that I need to spend time on. The homeowners are lovely people but not gardeners, and they've let a large number of volunteer trees get a foothold in their yard, many of which are already shading my veg beds, and others are going to damage their deck and water lines. However, they're moving to Calgary for three years so he can do a cardiology residency at one of the hospitals there, and I talked them into letting me take down all the problem trees. I'm trying to get as much done as I can in the next week because the house will be rented while they're gone and I may not have access to their yard.
I went to five greenhouses in the east and northeast areas of the city. I came home with parsley, marigolds, six strawberries, a stunning dark red itoh peony (Scarlet Heaven), two hostas (Captain's Adventure and Forbidden Fruit), a fuschia, Black Dragon coleus, a 50 foot roll of soaker hose, a Himalayan blue poppy (which will probably die like all the others I've planted over the years, but oh, those blue flowers!), oregano, and sage.
I did not find the twine, and I still want some rex begonias for the planters but I still have at least seven greenhouses still to visit, and that doesn't even count the big-box stores.
I also have a project next door that I need to spend time on. The homeowners are lovely people but not gardeners, and they've let a large number of volunteer trees get a foothold in their yard, many of which are already shading my veg beds, and others are going to damage their deck and water lines. However, they're moving to Calgary for three years so he can do a cardiology residency at one of the hospitals there, and I talked them into letting me take down all the problem trees. I'm trying to get as much done as I can in the next week because the house will be rented while they're gone and I may not have access to their yard.
112wonderY
>10 tardis: Glad you can affect what’s in your neighbors’ yard. I’ve been having discussions with mine about her overgrown clump of volunteers. She’s making some progress. I need further talks about the bush honeysuckle and an oak tree she’s allowing to grow just feet from my foundation. Let’s not even mention the mature elm at the corner of my house. (Very narrow lots!)
12fuzzi
>10 tardis: what a haul!
13tardis
>11 2wonderY: It's tricky. Up to now, all I've been able to do is encourage them, and they've done a bit. They're super busy with work and studying (him with medical degree, her with medical research PhD), so they don't have much spare time. Added to that they grew up in a very different climate; what little they do know about gardening doesn't really apply, although they're willing to learn. I, on the other hand, am retired and actually love pruning. It's only because of their move and them being so pressed for time that they finally gave in to my begging to be allowed to do it. Taking the trees down and pruning some overgrown shrubs for them is something I am happy to do. They have a beautiful dogwood but it has so much dead wood in it - really needs renewal. I also noticed today that there's a volunteer cherry of some kind that's too close to their deck and has black knot. I'll have to bag it to go to landfill and sterilize all my tools after cutting it down.
14MrsLee
>13 tardis: When you cut down all these volunteer trees and shrubs, how do you prevent them from growing back? Asking for a friend. ;)
15tardis
>14 MrsLee: I'm cutting as low as I can (below the soil level in as many as I can), but honestly they probably will come back. Manitoba maples make dandelions' ability to regenerate look feeble. I'll just have to hope I can keep cutting them until they give up, because I do not have the energy (or time) to remove all the stumps. I might hack at them with an axe just to stress them more.
16fuzzi
>15 tardis: I've heard that some people drill holes in the stump and pour in salt.
I may try that with the privets that sprout here worse than dandelions.
I may try that with the privets that sprout here worse than dandelions.
172wonderY
>16 fuzzi: That’s what my tree removal guy recommended. The salt you use on pavement in the winter. So far, it has not worked on the silver maple that he cut down. (Third time removal for that particular specimen)
18MarthaJeanne
The wisteria I cut down 15-16 years ago has not shown its face yet this year. I have had to 'pull the weed' several times a year up to now. Dare I hope that it is finally giving up?
19MrsLee
I have so many volunteer trees in my yard. For a year or two, I worked hard to dig them out, roots and all. The last couple of years I haven't had the energy. I was going to buy stump killer, but the guy in the store told me to cut them close to the ground and paint them with any latex paint we have around. I haven't tried it yet, and am now prohibited from bending or squatting until July.
202wonderY
>19 MrsLee: Must try!
21tardis
>19 MrsLee: I'll try latex paint, too! Easy to do and we have paint on hand!
22MrsLee
>20 2wonderY: & >21 tardis: Let me know if it works. :)
23fuzzi
>19 MrsLee: we have to fight a constant bombardment of volunteer trees, honeysuckle, wisteria, poison ivy, and Virginia creeper. After years of arming myself with long handled "loppers" and pruning shears I made an investment in (Milwaukee) cordless tools: hedge clippers, reciprocating saw, and a small chain saw. I love the clippers, they go through vines like the proverbial "hot knife through butter". The small chain saw doesn't scare me as much as a full-sized one, and can take down trees up to about 4" in diameter. But it can't go all the way down to the ground/dirt or the chain could be ruined. The reciprocating saw and a long blade made for wood is my answer. I am planning on trying it out in the next week or so, see if I can get those stumps level with the dirt!
My arthritic hands, wrists, and elbows are happier.
My arthritic hands, wrists, and elbows are happier.
24tardis
>23 fuzzi: I have a reciprocating saw, too, although it needs sharpening or a new blade because the bucksaw is faster. There's no room to use the bucksaw in many places, though, and like a chainsaw, it can't get as close to the ground as the sawzall. I have a small electric chipper, too, which makes short work of branches up to about an inch diameter. One of my least favourite jobs is bundling branches for yard waste collection; the chipper is much more fun. I have no end of places to use the chips, too.
Most of our unwelcome tree volunteers are Manitoba maple, green ash, and elm, although next door has a nice mountain ash in a bad place and I'm hoping to find a new home for it. Not sure where the seed for the mountain ash came from (bird poop, probably LOL), but the others come from the boulevard trees, which produce tons of seeds every year and EVERY ONE of them will sprout. I adore those trees, but I could live without the seeds. I'm sure the excess seed production is caused by drought stress.
The other most unwelcome volunteer is creeping bellflower. The neighbours on both sides fail to control it, and it spreads by both roots and seeds, and it's extremely pretty, so people who don't know better encourage it.
Most of our unwelcome tree volunteers are Manitoba maple, green ash, and elm, although next door has a nice mountain ash in a bad place and I'm hoping to find a new home for it. Not sure where the seed for the mountain ash came from (bird poop, probably LOL), but the others come from the boulevard trees, which produce tons of seeds every year and EVERY ONE of them will sprout. I adore those trees, but I could live without the seeds. I'm sure the excess seed production is caused by drought stress.
The other most unwelcome volunteer is creeping bellflower. The neighbours on both sides fail to control it, and it spreads by both roots and seeds, and it's extremely pretty, so people who don't know better encourage it.
25fuzzi
>24 tardis: you're encouraging me to get a chipper, ha!
We have lots of swamp maple, live oak, and maple tree volunteers. I'm not sure where the maple comes from, there's none as far as I can see. There's a tulip tree in the woods next door, too, and those also sprout all over the yard. I can tell when it's blooming because the petals blow into my backyard from the woods.
I have an invasive I've been fighting for years, a Star of Bethlehem. It is very pretty and I'm sure someone planted it in the neighborhood. I can't eradicate it, the bulbs are tiny, like onions and even when I've dug up and discarded the dirt from around the plant it still sprouts new plants the following year. Now I just remove the growth once it flowers, can't find it before as the foliage looks like grass.
https://stlwildones.org/invasive-plant-tip-dig-up-star-of-bethlehem-as-it-emerge...
We have lots of swamp maple, live oak, and maple tree volunteers. I'm not sure where the maple comes from, there's none as far as I can see. There's a tulip tree in the woods next door, too, and those also sprout all over the yard. I can tell when it's blooming because the petals blow into my backyard from the woods.
I have an invasive I've been fighting for years, a Star of Bethlehem. It is very pretty and I'm sure someone planted it in the neighborhood. I can't eradicate it, the bulbs are tiny, like onions and even when I've dug up and discarded the dirt from around the plant it still sprouts new plants the following year. Now I just remove the growth once it flowers, can't find it before as the foliage looks like grass.
https://stlwildones.org/invasive-plant-tip-dig-up-star-of-bethlehem-as-it-emerge...
26tardis
We're suffering under a pall of wildfire smoke from outside the city. The sun has that apocalyptic glow and the smoke is thick enough to be visible within the width of our yard. Even the strongly scented lilacs and lily of the valley, both in bloom, can't compete with the smell. Very sad. Not, I hasten to add, as sad as for the people evacuated from (and possibly losing) their homes, or the firefighters. That's much worse.
There's some rain in the forecast on Monday and Tuesday - I deeply hope it comes as promised.
In the home garden, I have everything planted except one little patch of green beans, and I've got the brassicas covered against the cabbage moths. The seeds I planted a week or two ago are sprouting, including the okra and peanuts.
I still have to plant my community garden plot, but I discovered that I'm completely out of cucumber seeds so I'm going to have to get some, or some plants. Unfortunately, it's the May Long Weekend (aka Victoria Day) which is the traditional Canadian garden planting weekend, and the greenhouses will be insane. I can't face going near any of them before Tuesday, and they'll be pretty picked over by then. I'll plant everything else and worry about the cukes later. Sometimes there are seeds left in the community garden's shed - might be something I can use.
There's some rain in the forecast on Monday and Tuesday - I deeply hope it comes as promised.
In the home garden, I have everything planted except one little patch of green beans, and I've got the brassicas covered against the cabbage moths. The seeds I planted a week or two ago are sprouting, including the okra and peanuts.
I still have to plant my community garden plot, but I discovered that I'm completely out of cucumber seeds so I'm going to have to get some, or some plants. Unfortunately, it's the May Long Weekend (aka Victoria Day) which is the traditional Canadian garden planting weekend, and the greenhouses will be insane. I can't face going near any of them before Tuesday, and they'll be pretty picked over by then. I'll plant everything else and worry about the cukes later. Sometimes there are seeds left in the community garden's shed - might be something I can use.
27tardis
The smoke has mostly abated, although it may be back. We did get a bit of rain, although not quite enough to fill the rain barrels. Still, it gives me a day off watering the garden.
After my physio appointment this morning, I decided to visit a greenhouse that is closing soon. Sad, as it was an excellent greenhouse on a more than century-old farm that has been swallowed by the city. I'm sure it will be all housing developments in short order. The owners wanted to retire, though, and nobody could beat the developers' offer for the land. Anyway, there was very little left, but I got three hostas (Brim Cup, Robert Frost, and White Dove) and some bags of biochar at significant discount. Then I came home and planted the hostas and moved some other perennials.
I need to get back over to the community garden. My bed is planted but there are some shared areas that need stuff. I have a tomato for one of the pots, plus some hens and chicks for an ornamental area. Maybe tomorrow.
After my physio appointment this morning, I decided to visit a greenhouse that is closing soon. Sad, as it was an excellent greenhouse on a more than century-old farm that has been swallowed by the city. I'm sure it will be all housing developments in short order. The owners wanted to retire, though, and nobody could beat the developers' offer for the land. Anyway, there was very little left, but I got three hostas (Brim Cup, Robert Frost, and White Dove) and some bags of biochar at significant discount. Then I came home and planted the hostas and moved some other perennials.
I need to get back over to the community garden. My bed is planted but there are some shared areas that need stuff. I have a tomato for one of the pots, plus some hens and chicks for an ornamental area. Maybe tomorrow.
28tardis
We've had more rain (not enough, but the rain barrels are full and I won't need to water the gardens for a couple of days), and the garden is now in maintenance mode. I visited a couple of greenhouses yesterday, and got more perennials. Nothing amazing, although one of the veronicas is called 'Pink Leia' which fits my geek theme LOL. I still have a couple of empty spots I could fill with new perennials.
Next job is thinning the carrots.
The spring Perennial Exchange is coming up this weekend, so I'm looking at what needs moving and/or dividing that I can take. I have way too much Karl Foerster grass. I love it, but I don't have room for it all anymore.
Next job is thinning the carrots.
The spring Perennial Exchange is coming up this weekend, so I'm looking at what needs moving and/or dividing that I can take. I have way too much Karl Foerster grass. I love it, but I don't have room for it all anymore.
29fuzzi
>28 tardis: I thinned my carrots, and enjoyed eating them! I had forgotten how scrumptious homegrown carrots can be.
30tardis
>29 fuzzi: homegrown carrots are the best! Of course, so are homegrown peas, tomatoes, beans...
My garlic scapes are ready. I usually just make pesto out of them, but this year I'm going to try pickling. One of the Instagram accounts I follow (urbanfarmandkitchen) posted a recipe on his blog.
My garlic scapes are ready. I usually just make pesto out of them, but this year I'm going to try pickling. One of the Instagram accounts I follow (urbanfarmandkitchen) posted a recipe on his blog.
31fuzzi
>30 tardis: on Sunday afternoon I sliced turnips and carrots and cooked them just until tender, oh my, so good.
Last night I pulled a bag of bush beans out of the refrigerator. They were frosty, some looked "soaked" but I tipped the ends and cooked them until just slightly crisp. A little bit of butter and salt, yum. That was my dinner.
Now I'm just waiting on the Summer squash...
Last night I pulled a bag of bush beans out of the refrigerator. They were frosty, some looked "soaked" but I tipped the ends and cooked them until just slightly crisp. A little bit of butter and salt, yum. That was my dinner.
Now I'm just waiting on the Summer squash...
32tardis
I woke up to wonderful rain this morning. So badly needed and gives me an excuse to do some indoor stuff today. I picked my garlic scapes yesterday and I'm going to try making pickles out of them. Usually, I make pesto, but I saw this recipe and thought it looked tasty. They're just refrigerator pickles, so it will be one or two jars at most, so I may have enough scapes for pesto, too.
I had better find some time for a bit of vacuuming and other housecleaning, too. I spend so much time outside that the house is pretty bad.
I had better find some time for a bit of vacuuming and other housecleaning, too. I spend so much time outside that the house is pretty bad.
33tardis
I hosted an Open Garden today for the Horticultural Society. Less stressful than being on the garden tour, and only about 20 people came. Was still nice to show off my garden and chat with the visitors. All the prep I did means the garden looks fantastic, too, and I can sit and enjoy it for a few days before it needs any more work :)
342wonderY
>33 tardis: What’s the difference between the two types of showings?
35tardis
Garden tour visitors have bought tickets to the tour (generally 10 to 12 yards that are excellent all the way around), there are about 1200 vistors over two days, and the gardens are open for 6 hours each day. It's high pressure and everything needs to be perfect. I've been a tour host. Getting ready is weeks of work, and the actual event is 6 hours a day of talking to people, which for an introvert like me is more exhausting than the prep.
An Open Garden is a free event for horticultural society members and it's very casual. Kind of "I think my garden (or a piece of my garden) is kind of cool and maybe people would like to see it." 20-30 visitors, 3 hours on one afternoon. The standard of tidiness is somewhat lower, but it's still a good way to motivate myself to get some jobs done. Kind of like inviting dinner guests to motivate some house cleaning LOL.
An Open Garden is a free event for horticultural society members and it's very casual. Kind of "I think my garden (or a piece of my garden) is kind of cool and maybe people would like to see it." 20-30 visitors, 3 hours on one afternoon. The standard of tidiness is somewhat lower, but it's still a good way to motivate myself to get some jobs done. Kind of like inviting dinner guests to motivate some house cleaning LOL.
362wonderY
>35 tardis: Ah. I guess we have a similar two tier system. But the ticketed tour is much smaller in scale than yours. The veggie garden tour was free and yes, less formal.
I’ve discovered this year that my gardens are so far showier in June than in May. Our tour is in May, before most of my plants flower.
I’ve discovered this year that my gardens are so far showier in June than in May. Our tour is in May, before most of my plants flower.
37tardis
>36 2wonderY: If we had the tour in May it wouldn't be very interesting. Almost nothing would be mature enough to be worth looking at, much less blooming. Except for spring bulbs, I guess. We mostly don't even plant veg gardens until mid-to-late May. Our Garden Tour is in mid-July. Good balance between likelihood of decent weather (although it runs rain or shine), enough stuff blooming, and plants being mature enough but not too mature.
Open gardens can be any time. There's another this coming Sunday, and I'm looking forward to it. I saw this yard a few years ago and it's lovely. The owners are both qualified judges for flower shows and garden competitions, and they REALLY know their stuff.
It's hot here today (by our standards, at least: 28C) so I'm not doing much besides sitting in the shade with a book. I will have to water everything later, and I might do some weeding in whichever bed is shady.
Open gardens can be any time. There's another this coming Sunday, and I'm looking forward to it. I saw this yard a few years ago and it's lovely. The owners are both qualified judges for flower shows and garden competitions, and they REALLY know their stuff.
It's hot here today (by our standards, at least: 28C) so I'm not doing much besides sitting in the shade with a book. I will have to water everything later, and I might do some weeding in whichever bed is shady.
38tardis
Last week I was volunteering with Front Yards In Bloom, a city program encouraging people to have nice front yards with less grass. Anyone can nominate a yard they like, and every nominee gets a sign and a thank you brochure. The people like me who deliver the signs take photos of the best yards and submits them for judging, and then there's a public vote for the finalists. I delivered about 120 signs, and finished my last neighbourhoods on Friday.
After that, I spent the three days cleaning out my in-laws' house, since they've moved into assisted living. Bloody hard work. Took me a whole day to do the garden shed, and most of today to pressure-wash the deck. I come home pretty well exhausted. We're not done yet, but getting close. A large quantity of stuff has gone to Goodwill and a junk company is coming tomorrow to pick up the actual trash. After that it's just the stuff that has to be sold, which is not my problem, thank goodness. Today, my husband sold a desk, an extremely heavy metal cabinet, a drinking vessel made out of a cow's horn, and two stuffed ptarmigan. I can't believe someone bought the ptarmigan. They have to be at least 50 years old, possibly much more. No accounting for taste!
The gardening-related upside to all that work is that I've acquired a string trimmer that's the same brand as my lawn mower (so takes the same batteries), some garden hand tools for me (because I've lost my favourite trowel someplace in the yard), various tools for my community garden, and I dug some lady's slipper orchids from their garden, which I've now planted in my garden. I hope they survive.
The garden tour is next weekend, and I'm volunteering for that, too. Friday afternoon I have to take photos of some of the gardens, and Saturday afternoon I'm going to be a gatekeeper. I guess Sunday I'll tour the gardens I didn't take photos of or volunteer at.
And, glutton for punishment, me, I've volunteered to take over managing the website of the Orchid Species Preservation Foundation.
After that, I spent the three days cleaning out my in-laws' house, since they've moved into assisted living. Bloody hard work. Took me a whole day to do the garden shed, and most of today to pressure-wash the deck. I come home pretty well exhausted. We're not done yet, but getting close. A large quantity of stuff has gone to Goodwill and a junk company is coming tomorrow to pick up the actual trash. After that it's just the stuff that has to be sold, which is not my problem, thank goodness. Today, my husband sold a desk, an extremely heavy metal cabinet, a drinking vessel made out of a cow's horn, and two stuffed ptarmigan. I can't believe someone bought the ptarmigan. They have to be at least 50 years old, possibly much more. No accounting for taste!
The gardening-related upside to all that work is that I've acquired a string trimmer that's the same brand as my lawn mower (so takes the same batteries), some garden hand tools for me (because I've lost my favourite trowel someplace in the yard), various tools for my community garden, and I dug some lady's slipper orchids from their garden, which I've now planted in my garden. I hope they survive.
The garden tour is next weekend, and I'm volunteering for that, too. Friday afternoon I have to take photos of some of the gardens, and Saturday afternoon I'm going to be a gatekeeper. I guess Sunday I'll tour the gardens I didn't take photos of or volunteer at.
And, glutton for punishment, me, I've volunteered to take over managing the website of the Orchid Species Preservation Foundation.
39MrsLee
>38 tardis: Your ptarmigan ptrash is someone else's ptarmigan ptreasure!
40tardis
>39 MrsLee: ptui!
41fuzzi
>39 MrsLee: bwahaha!
Depending on the condition, I might be tempted to buy taxidermy.
>38 tardis: I was the daughter who got the cleaning chores after my parents died (1994 and 2022). I can't imagine a house full of stuff, it was tough enough with my mom's one bedroom apartment, and my dad's 29' RV.
Depending on the condition, I might be tempted to buy taxidermy.
>38 tardis: I was the daughter who got the cleaning chores after my parents died (1994 and 2022). I can't imagine a house full of stuff, it was tough enough with my mom's one bedroom apartment, and my dad's 29' RV.
42tardis
>41 fuzzi: I am not a fan of taxidermy, except in museum collections, and these always seemed a bit sad to me. I doubt anyone even ate the meat. That said, a garden I once visited had a statue of a frog with a small set of antlers bolted onto its head, and I still covet that.
The in-laws house is now cleaned out but there's still a lot of stuff to be disposed of, and of course the stuff they think has value does not. Like the oil painting that my husband spent hours researching and then got appraised - it would cost $2500 to restore it and it would still only be worth $450.
The garden tour was fab. The garden I liked least is the one I was gatekeeper at - it was a front yard veg garden but honestly it was the kind that gives front yard veg gardens a bad name. A weedy mess. That said, only two visitors (out of the 230 that came through on my shift) actually complained to me, and I did overhear some interesting and positive comments and conversations with the homeowners. The owners are young, with full time jobs and little kids, and it's an ambitious project that is only on its second year. I suspect as it matures it will improve. That was certainly the case with one of the other gardens, which I recall seeing in 2018 or 2019 when it was entered in the garden competition. Since then it has really come into its own. Wonderful to see it again.
I picked a cabbage yesterday - a Chinese variety called 'Wa Wa Sai' - and used some of it to make kimchi. It was about 3 kg, and the kimchi recipe used less than half that, so the rest will be used in stir fry and cabbage salad, probably. And I have 2 more in the garden of the same variety and three of another variety. I need more ideas! I can't make sauerkraut until my husband finishes the last batch and I don't like cabbage rolls (not that this is the best kind of cabbage for those anyway), so I'm going to hit all my cookbooks and the internet and see what I come up with.
The peas are mostly done, but I'm starting to get tomatoes, cucumbers, broad beans, regular beans, and even the odd carrot. I do love my veg garden.
The in-laws house is now cleaned out but there's still a lot of stuff to be disposed of, and of course the stuff they think has value does not. Like the oil painting that my husband spent hours researching and then got appraised - it would cost $2500 to restore it and it would still only be worth $450.
The garden tour was fab. The garden I liked least is the one I was gatekeeper at - it was a front yard veg garden but honestly it was the kind that gives front yard veg gardens a bad name. A weedy mess. That said, only two visitors (out of the 230 that came through on my shift) actually complained to me, and I did overhear some interesting and positive comments and conversations with the homeowners. The owners are young, with full time jobs and little kids, and it's an ambitious project that is only on its second year. I suspect as it matures it will improve. That was certainly the case with one of the other gardens, which I recall seeing in 2018 or 2019 when it was entered in the garden competition. Since then it has really come into its own. Wonderful to see it again.
I picked a cabbage yesterday - a Chinese variety called 'Wa Wa Sai' - and used some of it to make kimchi. It was about 3 kg, and the kimchi recipe used less than half that, so the rest will be used in stir fry and cabbage salad, probably. And I have 2 more in the garden of the same variety and three of another variety. I need more ideas! I can't make sauerkraut until my husband finishes the last batch and I don't like cabbage rolls (not that this is the best kind of cabbage for those anyway), so I'm going to hit all my cookbooks and the internet and see what I come up with.
The peas are mostly done, but I'm starting to get tomatoes, cucumbers, broad beans, regular beans, and even the odd carrot. I do love my veg garden.
43fuzzi
>42 tardis: look up Jackalope, I think you'll appreciate it.
44tardis
>43 fuzzi: Oh, I know jackalopes. I do love them, too :)
45tardis
This weekend is the Strathearn Art Walk, a big festival at the end of our street, featuring local artists, artisans, musicians, and food trucks. It's loads of fun and I enjoy it every year. I'm waiting for my husband to get home before I head over there. In the mean time, Newt and I are hanging out in the front yard. Newt is on his long leash and enjoys going out to the sidewalk to meet people and accept pets and compliments on how handsome and friendly he is. I enjoy the many compliments on how nice my garden is and nice chats with people about their cats and/or gardens.
I'm unfortunately almost out of things to do in front, though.
I'm unfortunately almost out of things to do in front, though.
46tardis
I'm making my second batch of tomato-basil sauce because I have a lot of tomatoes and basil, and it's tasty and easy. It will end up in the freezer for winter enjoyment.
I'm also harvesting carrots, although so far only enough for using, not storing.
I'm also harvesting carrots, although so far only enough for using, not storing.
47tardis
We've started having hard frosts, so I've picked all my remaining tomatoes, peppers, and tomatillos. Figuring out what to do with them all will be a challenge.
I have a recipe for a tomatillo chipotle salsa, but I don't have any chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. I've now spent about 4 times as much time looking for online recipes for that as it would have taken me to go to the grocery store, buy a couple of cans, and drive home again, but the thing is, if I make it myself, I also use up some peppers, and I have a big pile of those, too.
I haven't pulled all the carrots, beets, and leeks yet, since they can take (and even benefit from) a few frosts. This time of year is a bit overwhelming!
Well, time to get back to it.
I have a recipe for a tomatillo chipotle salsa, but I don't have any chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. I've now spent about 4 times as much time looking for online recipes for that as it would have taken me to go to the grocery store, buy a couple of cans, and drive home again, but the thing is, if I make it myself, I also use up some peppers, and I have a big pile of those, too.
I haven't pulled all the carrots, beets, and leeks yet, since they can take (and even benefit from) a few frosts. This time of year is a bit overwhelming!
Well, time to get back to it.
48tardis
The salsa turned out very well. I didn't get around to it before grocery shopping so ended up buying the chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, but I also started a batch of hot sauce so I've used up a lot of peppers in that. I also picked and dried enough sage for the winter. I don't cook with it much but might as well have it fresh.
The front yard veg beds are cleared out and have a layer of compost on them. I cleared one of the back yard beds so I could plant garlic for next year. I need to collect bags of leaves from the neighbours to top all the beds.
I took down the hanging basket in the front yard and put up the bird feeder, and the cats are enjoying the view. So far, we've seen house finches, chickadees, red-breasted nuthatches, white-breasted nuthatches, magpies, and bluejays.
We're expecting a week of nice weather, so I'm leaving the chair cushions and such outside for a bit longer.
The front yard veg beds are cleared out and have a layer of compost on them. I cleared one of the back yard beds so I could plant garlic for next year. I need to collect bags of leaves from the neighbours to top all the beds.
I took down the hanging basket in the front yard and put up the bird feeder, and the cats are enjoying the view. So far, we've seen house finches, chickadees, red-breasted nuthatches, white-breasted nuthatches, magpies, and bluejays.
We're expecting a week of nice weather, so I'm leaving the chair cushions and such outside for a bit longer.
492wonderY
Yes, I was shocked by the abrupt change in the weather here. 42° this morning. I’d better start moving tender potted plants into the basement.
50fuzzi
>47 tardis: hope you're doing well.
We're still seesawing back and forth between almost-frost and almost-summer weather. I have not pulled my tomatoes and peppers but will probably soon as they've basically stopped producing.
We're still seesawing back and forth between almost-frost and almost-summer weather. I have not pulled my tomatoes and peppers but will probably soon as they've basically stopped producing.
51tardis
We had our first snow on Monday. Only a couple of centimeters, but hard frost with it, of course. As of tomorrow, according to the latest forecast, we'll have a week or so of highs above 0C, but all the nights will be well below. Outdoor work is mostly done anyway.
Yesterday, I made a batch of jam with the yellow (Queen of Malinalco) tomatillos. Very tasty but even a double batch only gave me 3.5 jars. I still have a bag of the regular green tomatillos, but if I don't get to them soon they'll be compost. I could make more of the salsa (see above), but I'm not sure we can use so much, so I'm still considering options.
I went next door and (with permission, of course) dug the last of his carrots, which he wasn't going to get to. One row was the multicoloured kind, which are fun to look at, but in my opinion the flavour and texture is inferior to the orange kind. I'll put them aside for roasting and using in soup stock. The rest will be stored for now, although I will also make a second batch of carrot cake jam, which turned out to be very nice. My husband keeps giving jars of it away, so if I want any for Christmas gifts I'll need more anyway.
I also need to do a pest control treatment of all my orchids (mealybugs and scale) and repot the two new ones I bought on the weekend. The rest of the house plants, very neglected over the gardening season, need some TLC as well.
Yesterday, I made a batch of jam with the yellow (Queen of Malinalco) tomatillos. Very tasty but even a double batch only gave me 3.5 jars. I still have a bag of the regular green tomatillos, but if I don't get to them soon they'll be compost. I could make more of the salsa (see above), but I'm not sure we can use so much, so I'm still considering options.
I went next door and (with permission, of course) dug the last of his carrots, which he wasn't going to get to. One row was the multicoloured kind, which are fun to look at, but in my opinion the flavour and texture is inferior to the orange kind. I'll put them aside for roasting and using in soup stock. The rest will be stored for now, although I will also make a second batch of carrot cake jam, which turned out to be very nice. My husband keeps giving jars of it away, so if I want any for Christmas gifts I'll need more anyway.
I also need to do a pest control treatment of all my orchids (mealybugs and scale) and repot the two new ones I bought on the weekend. The rest of the house plants, very neglected over the gardening season, need some TLC as well.
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