I am so excited about the weather today. I have completely enjoyed the yard. I built the two boxes in the picture on the right and put the gate up on the one side. This area will be for my tomato neighborhood. I am going to put things in this space that will work together to keep away pests and maximize nutrients. One of the boxes will hold tomatoes, possibly some basil and a few strawflowers. The other box will hold cucumbers (I'm still drooling over varieties) dill and possibly two more things. There is a yarrow already near and the trellis will hold something that will draw our favorites pollinators. The other side is still in the shade and if I can get the boxes built for that side this week we will get them filled with compost and get planting. I can put in lettuces, spinach and other greens now and possibly peas. I really didn't spend too much time out there working. I sat in my chair and just enjoyed the breeze. The kids are still outside. Even though the winter was pretty mild I am really feeling the spring fever coming on. The longer days, the warmer nights and generally a feeling of new growth! It is so exciting. I also feel like we've been here long enough to know what we're doing (ha ha) and maybe we can be more successful than previous years. For instance, we have decided that it is an absolute must to have a timer on the hoses so I don't constantly flood the yard. We are also adding more plants that will work as deterents for bad bugs and draws for the good ones. Finishing the pond is top priority and also getting the organic fertilizer out to boost up the perennials. My big problem now is how to keep my water loving lab out of the pond and the beds.
