Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Permaculture 101

I use the mixture of chicken manure and pine shavings that I clean out of the coop as both fertilizer and mulch for shrubs and perennials. Since I apply it in a raw form, not composted, I don't want it where it could splash up on fresh vegetables. Keeping my own yard as self sufficient as possible, using rather than throwing away, is one tiny permaculture practice I can be proud of.

Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Clarity

Are you wondering what those last two photos where? I just left you hanging. I blame it in on confusion from seeing the first sunshine in months. So, the last post had two photos: the weeds in my beds (mostly annual bluegrass) and my flat leaf parsley.

Here is the second winter survivor, garlic! Also, my rosemary bushes had gotten huge again, at least 5 feet across, so they were chopped back down to nubs. Sure hope they respond properly! This is one of the branches covered with purple flowers.

Monday, March 10, 2014

Finally

After the coldest, wettest winter ever, finally a sunny day. My raised beds are much drier than the flat ground around here, so I was able to take two beds from weeds to snap peas! I am very excited.

Only parsley and my garlic plants survived the vegetable eating dog and the winter. They are beautiful. I hope these peas will pop up to join them soon. Lettuce comes next. It is so late compared to most years, but this truly is the first chance for spring planting. It feels very good to be out in the soil and sun.

Thursday, March 6, 2014

Don't give up

Despite all other signs to the contrary, a daily harvest of eggs and swelling buds on the maples and blueberries promise me that spring is here. It certainly is keeping itself well hidden beneath cold, wet winds and gray skies, but I will not give up hope. The hens promise that warm sunshine is coming. Eggs don't lie.