Mary Mary Quite Contrary

Tuesday, June 8, 2010 |



The green house has been taken down and put away until next spring.
Over a matter of a few days I carefully planted my kitchen garden and then moved on to the vegetable garden.
My kitchen garden is planted on our patio in what I have termed the "bump out" around the grill. My husband built it for me when he designed our patio. It's perfectly placed not too far from the french doors so I can zip out and snip off fresh herbs when needed for a recipe.

I was lucky enough to be in front of the line and grabbed {yes, I did} a Chelsea tomato plant at the Essex Garden Plant Sale. I can't wait for the first tomatoes of the season to appear. This year I'm giving lettuce and collard a try this year ~ I'm making no promises.


IMG_0353

My herb staples ~
rosemary
chives
{they come back every year}
sage
{also makes a return appearance}
sweet basil
thai basil
lavender
oregano
thyme
and
mint
IMG_0350

If I haven't mentioned it before, I should probably share with you at this point in the game that I'm married to an engineer. Translated, this means perfectionist.
 I admit to teasing him on a regular basis for this trait.
When I told him I wanted to plant a garden again this year he suggested a raised bed. This would assist with soil drainage as well as providing the option of placing a net of sorts over the top in case the animals stopped by for a dinner buffet.
 I had to concure that this was indeed a good idea.

Let me share with you my design plans:
buy some wood
make a rectangle
fill with dirt
plant seedlings
sit back, sip on a cold beverage and wait for my great harvest to arrive.

OR

His design plans:
research raised bed options
call different suppliers
{I'm tired already!}
level ground
use surveyors string {my terms} and level
to align with patio
once design is securely in place add dirt, peat moss, manure and mix

OK ~ maybe, just maybe, his idea was a little better than mine, maybe.


IMG_0348

In my new garden I am featuring peppers, broccoli rabe, brussel sprouts, beans, peas, radishes, patty pan squash, zucchini, and baby jack pumpkins.
It's not a huge garden but it's just the right size for us.
Now I just need some sunny days and a little less rain ~ please Mother Nature.

IMG_0346

Speaking of rain, I have a bumper crop of mushrooms growing.
They are enormous, slimy and disgusting. I've never seen them so big or so many of them ... everywhere!
Our poor lawn still hasn't come back after the heavy rains this spring.

IMG_0356

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I'll have a healthy harvest to share with you in a few weeks.


Leave A Comment

14 comments:

Wanda said...

Looking forward to seeing your bounty. The gardens look great!

Tina said...

I love your herb garden Jo! Mine are in pots until Spring, it is so cold and windy here, the only thing surviving in my garden is the Rosemary. Your raised vegie garden looks fabulous too! Hope it is a bumper crop for you this year:) I love your whole garden by the way, so gorgeous!! ~ Tina xx

Karena said...

You garden like my daughter, both with green, green thumbs!! Perfect!

Karena
Art by Karena

Travelbugmom said...

First of all...I'm stealing your post idea for my wordless weds. today...I'll give you credit!!
Looks great!! I must must must find lavender and mint. I am trying brussel sprouts for the FIRST time.
Thanks for sharing.

Suburban Princess said...

My husband is the exact same way! I just want something done today! He wants a suspension bridge built lol!

The Shiny Pebble said...

I love the bump out kitchen garden. It is gorgeous and convenient. You are hillarious! It sounds just like me and my husband... But I am the one who has to do all of the leg work he comes up with! I love mushroom bumber crops... they always make me think of fairies.

Cathy~Mille Fleur said...

Oooohhh I am so wanting one of these! I have asked my husband a couple of times...I am going to ask louder next time;)!

Your garden is beautiful!

Enjoy!
Cathy

My Owl Barn said...

I wish I could grow mint but I am not with a green thumb. I use mint in salads, chutney, sandwiches and curries. Hope you have a great harvest!

GrannySmithGreen said...

I see I am not the only one dreaming IN the garden. We picked our fist tomatoes today!

Also, thanks so much for the information on the arborvitae. I think they are quite attractive and would do a great job as a background and screen.

(Thanks to Costco, I had Mystic Pizza tonight! Too bad it was hours away from CT though!)

Anonymous said...

I am in love with your little garden. I have tried to grow things other than flowers and I just have no luck. Guess you can say my thumb is not green. Enjoy those herbs!

Wallflower Diaries said...

Wow I miss being able to plant things in a yard. Living in AZ. isn't best for a garden. :(

paige said...

what a great garden jo!
i'm so impressed
oh & jealous too

bevy said...

You are amazing! I do know that fresh herbs are the best... but I still buy the little jars from the grocery store. I do have a little garden in pots that I could open the box and begin. Ok, guess I will as I have just made myself feel guilty looking at your BEAUTIFUL garden!

Glenna said...

Love your beds! Right now I just have tomatoes, but will be planting again in August/September. It's so hot and humid right now where I live that not a lot will grow :(

Newer Posts Older Posts Home