Garden Week Update

Well, my week of gardening is almost done. I didn't complete all of the tasks on my list, but I did complete some tasks that weren't on my list. All in all it was very successful, and tons of fun! I really enjoyed having my mother-in-law here for the end of the week. She said that she hadn't been that sore in years, but loved every minute of it. I can't wait until she moves to Austin in a few years so we can do this all the time.

Here's my progress in pictures ...

1. Make pvc/rebar freeze-protector hoops for the veggies

2. Clear out the grass between the raised beds and place new weed blocker down that I received from Gardener's Supply in the mail last week

I didn't quite finish this, but I'm close. I only have a few sections left. If the weather cooperates I could finish today.

3. Dig out more grass and make glass mulch/flagstone pathways. (Thanks to Robin of "Getting Grounded" for the glass mulch idea.)

Path near front door. You can see the new pink pot as well. I had a boring old white pot that was left here by the previous owners. My mother-in-law suggested we paint it pink. It really pops next to the Knock-Outs.

Another view of the front path. I moved the bowling ball to this new location

to showcase the path.

Path in backyard, next to Nana's garden which we put in Easter of this year. It is surrounded by some extra limestone that I got from the Cemetery. I moved these 1.5 inch flagstone myself, which was quite a feat. I plan on getting help next time.

Closeup of the glass mulch

4. Increase the size of the melon bed.

I didn't increase the melon bed, but I did clean it out. I had a watermelon plant still hanging on as well as some sweet potato vines that were out of control. Apparently, I should have pulled these a few months ago. They have to be the biggest sweet potatoes I've ever seen. When I managed to wrestle these guys out of the ground I found that most of them were hollow. You may be wondering what eats such a giant vegetable from underground ...

prepare yourself, it's gross!

Seems the world's largest grubs eat the world's largest sweet potatoes. Ewww!

I found three of these nasty things.

5. Pick up limestone from the cemetery and border the melon bed (Thanks to Brianna of "Seeds

for this idea)

Picking up the limestone was so easy. I just went to the front office and he told me to help myself. They have several large piles of rocks that are free for the taking. I recommend not going the day after a heavy rain, as I did. It makes it a bit more difficult to walk around and park. I will definitely going back here for more rocks at a later time. I love free stuff! My daughter painted the cinder blocks w/ some extra spray paint we had.

6. Pick up mulch from Natural Gardener and mulch all beds

A few of the mulched beds

My mother-in-law and I bagged and hauled 30 10-gallong bags. This new bed sucked up 20 of them. Two days ago this bed was a mix of half dead St. Augustine, another type of grass and weeds. Now it looks just awesome. This took most of yesterday to complete. I hadn't planned on digging out this bed, so it affected a few other projects. It was completely worth it through. The curb appeal is so much better than before.

We also added two grasses. I plan on growing potatoes in barrels in this area next spring.

7. Make wine bottle borders for beds in the back yard.

I didn't get this finished. When I started puting in the wine bottles I decided it would be much easier after a good rain. I'd rather spend a few hours than an entire day.

I'll revisit this project soon.

8. Add two bird baths in backyard.

Finished one bird bath. (Thanks to Caroline from "ShovelReadyGarden" for this idea).

For my second bath I wanted to steal an idea from Eleanor from "GardenOfE", but turns out that round pavers are really hard to find. I may have to come up with something else.

9. Improve borders around citrus trees

Mulched all of the trees. Here is the kumquat tree, which will have ripe fruit very soon.

10. Finish drip system for other two 4X10 beds

I decided to wait on this. Drip systems don't go together very well in the cold. You really need to heat to bend the tubing. We've also been getting decent rain, so I should be ok hand watering through the winter.

11. Put in edging by the road to keep the water/mulch in the new beds

Haven't done this one yet.

12. Sand/paint new potting bench

And the unfinished projects continue... I really will get to this one soon.

13. Plant new plants from San Antonio road trip, and any others I happen to purchase in the next week.

Finally, back to some success. I'm really excited about this one. My neighbor, Dana, recommended that I use this hollowed out tree stump as a planter. I found a pot and planted my "Living Easy" rose from the Antique Rose Imporium. I've also wanted a succulent garden, but didn't know where to put it. I've decided to put little pots around the stump. I've got one already, and will keep an eye out for little pots (or coffee mugs).

14. If I have time ... make new patio where grill is currently sitting

I didn't put the patio in, but I did pick up all the supplies while I had my friend's truck. These things were not light, 54 lbs a piece!

I had an incredible week gardening. It was so relaxing to just get away from it all and be outside. I had a great visit with my mother-in-law. It's amazing how much you can bond without saying a word, just digging in the dirt. I also enjoyed meeting so many people. I couldn't believe how many passers-by stopped to chat about the garden. I must have met at least 10 new people, several of whom I chatted with for a good 30 minutes. There were also at least that many who waved or gave a thumbs up as they passed by. It feels great to know that the hard work I've been doing is appreciated by others. Now I think its time to go outside with a beer and appreciate my hard work.