Well friends, it's official. The gardens are planted. 8 plots of seeds, and 3 days of hard labor – working from sun up, to sun down. Now, all I can do is hope and dream, that maybe, just maybe – a smidgen of my garden will look like this glorious photo below…
My beyond wonderful neighbor gave me 3 of her HUGE antique seedling cages, to keep critters away from my sprouting babes. This gives me great hope!
(plus, she gave me another huge wooden framed cage, such kindness!!)
I have dug trenches, put down burlap, mesh - you name it, I am trying it. I did chicken wire trenches in the ground, with rocks as the bedding last year, and it helped a little, but I am getting tougher this year 😉
(an attempt at keeping gophers from eating my plants from underground)
I have schlepped home oodles of bags of soil, taller than me…
And planted a ridiculous amount of seeds.
All by my lil' ole self.
I hope something grows 🙂
I can't move another muscle.
I am one very tired girl.
But guess what?
I have been painting by night (and filling orders etc.).
I have a handful of new art pieces entering their final stages.
But for now…
I must rest, and dream of those seeds sprouting.
Wish the soil luck?
Oh oh, also….
I am Through the Secret Keyhole (at my other blog), in an abandoned castle…
See you super soon, with lots of good stuff, I hope 😉
(First photo borrowed from Suttons )
Vanessa:
You are a good time ahead of me! I haven’t planted, or even started my clean up yet. Your efforts will pay off….just like last year! So, so, beautiful!
Kim
Gerushia’s New World
Vanessa,
the best way to keep both moles and gophers out of seedlings is to dig your beds, make a trench about a foot deep and line it with chicken wire, the type that has the smallest holes, then add some gravel and then refill the trench. Make a mound in the middle and make sure you have some compost or cow’s manure and sprinkle some seaweed or fish fertilizer and let it rest for a couple of days before planting it. Turn the soil about a bit and plant what you like.
Don’t ask me how I know that this works 🙂 Just ask Lori Anderson about our garden and she probably will tell you about our nearly 200 antique roses, and our vegetable garden. We are organic “growers” and we found out that lining the beds with chicken wire would keep everything safe, including one’s fingers when harvesting fingerling potatoes! Good luck with your garden, I am sure it is going to be beautiful.
How lovely! * wishes good luck *
Still mountains of snow here, taller than houses.
that photo is swoon worthy!! good luck big patches of soil…
p.s. your delivery boy is growing way too fast and is super super cute!
%*_*% rosey
What a great house and garden in the first picture, Vanessa! Makes me think of The Secret Garden. I hope all of your gopher precautions help.
Oh, Vanessa, I am beyond uber impressed! You and your gardening energy, and with energy to spare so that your evening can be filled with painting? Wowzee. Looking forward to seeing what you are creating.
I know it will be so much fun in the days ahead to see how that garden emerges from the soil. The planted seeds are like tiny wrapped gifts, and now you are waiting for each to burst forth like a lady jumping out of a cake (convoluted comparison there? HA!). I’m sure each unwrapped seed will be met by your excited squeals at getting to meet a baby seedling.
I still can’t get over your energetic garden prepping and planting. I am left with one question. Do you hire out?
Hi Vanessa,
So much work, but your garden will be amazing like it always is, you have the gift. I just popped over to see your work through the keyhole. Your images are as enchanting as everything else that you do. I can’t wait to see your new artwork.
Have a beautiful day.
Karen
Miss Linda Diane, I did it all myself ;)))) I was tired last night –
but now I am re-invigorated to put in one more plot of seeds 😉
Oh. Me. Goodness. Beeeeeeeeutiful shots. Every single one. My Magical Muse, you never fail to delight. Please excuse my absence…I have been busy falling madly in love with 7 most special children at my new job. Next week; Spring Break! I am so looking forward to catching up with you. **happy smiles** Deb
Hi, Vanessa!
It’s my first comment in your blog, although I’ve been following you and your babies for a long time. I thought it was time! I’m an admirer of your work and character.
Wish you good luck with the garden. I’ll be checking here for the new pretty flowers!
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Me thinks me could jump into the first photo and roll around in the flower beds. Care to join me? Oh! I see you made it there before I did…hee hee!!
Dearest Fanciful Friendling, I’m sure all your hard work will grow into the most beautiful garden space imaginable. Did you remember to plant the Hollyhock? Most delightful and they grow very well in hot weather ;-).
See you through the Secret Keyhole.
xoxo
I’m sure the critters will stay away!!! cant wait to see the end result. hugs xxxx
Good luck soil!
I love the garden in the first picture and that’s what I want.
I full of envy that you are already planting seeds. I want flowers, flowers and veggies everywhere.
Soon I’ll be out there planting.
Hurray! I will be most excited to see your garden photos once everything blooms. 🙂 There is nothing like seeing the fruits of your labor spring to life. I just received seeds from a dear friend to hopefully attract hummingbirds and more butterflies to our yard. I’ll be anxious to see their progress. Now get a WEE bit of rest, dearest Vanessa!!!! And I shall wait most impatiently to see your lovely new art. xoxo Theresa
You are so amazing! I can’t wait to see pics of your beautiful blooming garden!
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