Monday, June 27, 2011

Uno


We met our friend again today. The deer I met earlier in the spring decided to curl up and watch us tend to the garden today. My son noticed him and immediately wanted to see how close he could get. He managed to get within almost 6 feet of him before he slowly stood up and walked away. We noticed he only has one antler. There are many reasons for this including, injury, poor diet, or genetics. We have fondly named him Uno and look forward to seeing him again.


Monday, June 20, 2011

A Blessing in Disguise!

I might have grumbled and moaned a few times when it was time start the watering process...again...fill jugs, load up car, unload car, carry to garden, empty out...everyday for the last 3 weeks. We have had NO rain!! Not having the luxury of running water has been a blessing in disguise. I have learned that plants benefit from daily hand watering best. They are getting water right at the root of the plant where they need it most, not sharing with the weeds. It has forced me to become up close and personal with each plant everyday. To see them grow and produce food in a matter of 24 hours is amazing! I was able to notice that with my best efforts to keep them hydrated emptying a gallon of water on them in a few minutes wasn't enough. I needed them to get water over longer periods of time. All that kept coming to my mind were the large bags landscapers use to keep young trees hydrated. I scoured the internet but found nothing worth what they were charging. The answer was right in my kitchen...Ziploc bags! A few pin holes in the bottom, half a gallon of water in the bag and PRESTO self made irrigation system! It takes most of the bags almost an hour to empty. The water again goes straight to the roots of the plant and not the weeds over a long period of time.






...We have FINALLY had enough rain to fill the 3 rain barrels!! HOORRAAY!!

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Paying it forward - THANK YOU

The Cape Saint Claire Garden Club has taken their good fortune and re-given it to a cause they believe in. The funds acquired at their annual plant sale were donated to the Goshen Farm Preservation Society along with almost 10 tomato plants! We are so grateful for their generosity and thoughtfulness. We hope to have many of their members join us in growing and educating ourselves at the garden. THANK YOU Garden Club! http://capegardenclub.wordpress.com/

Monday, June 13, 2011

Get Dirty! Get FIT!

I was elated to be reminded that all this hard work at the garden is not only good for the community, but good for my waist line. A recent article in SHAPE magazine stated "getting down to earth burns 162 calories per half hour, boosts bone density and may even make you smarter (a bacteria in soil simulates the release of a neurotransmitter involved in learning)" It has also been noted that those who spend time gardening are more energetic and optimistic than those who don't. So go ahead get dirty and get fit!

Friday, June 3, 2011

Oh how we GROW!

Everything is growing is so quickly! We are watering everyday and things are thriving. We installed a rain barrel system by the farmhouse, but have yet to get any rain to fill it with. We have managed to keep the weeds under control with paper and a thick layer of straw. Pepper plants and fencing were donated (THANK YOU Rob and Christie!)and we will continue to improve the stability of the fence.
Snap Peas


Our first tomatoes!!
Sunflowers
The new baby pepper plants.