Author Archives: Sandy

Straw bale and other plantings

Posted on May 19, 2010 by Sandy

I thought I posted a picture of this yesterday, but it looks as though I didn’t. As mentioned in an earlier post, I am doing a straw bale garden this year. I’m doing this, in part, to fill in an uneven … Continue reading →

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Tomato towers, chicken RIP, and bees

Posted on May 18, 2010 by Sandy

Yay! I arrived home today to find a giant package from Gardener’s Supply Company. I could easily spend way too much at Gardener’s so I try to focus my purchases on “infrastructure” items that should last many seasons. Out of … Continue reading →

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Gardening zen part II

Posted on May 11, 2010 by Sandy

In my last post, I mentioned that I sometimes feel overwhelmed with gardening tasks and that I need to slow down and make sure gardening is fun, not a burden. Part of the problem is that I tend to be … Continue reading →

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Moles, bees, flowers and gardening zen

Posted on May 9, 2010 by Sandy

It appears as though the hardware treatment we did to two of our raised beds is working!  The moles have been digging like crazy around the beds, but they don’t appear able to get in.  Now I just have six … Continue reading →

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Hanging planters, herbs, peaches, and asparagus

Posted on May 2, 2010 by Sandy

This is my third year using the Topsy Turvy planters, so I think I have enough experience with them to review them accurately. I give them a grade of C-, maybe a D+. The good thing about these planters is … Continue reading →

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Stop and smell the lilacs

Posted on May 1, 2010 by Sandy

 The skies may be gray and temperatures cool, but spring marches on and blooms give ample reason to head outdoors. I admit, I tend to be a fair weather gardener. Cloud and drizzle leave me heading for a comfy chair and a … Continue reading →

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Video: Orchard mason bees + the straw bale garden

Posted on April 19, 2010 by Sandy

The orchard mason bees are going gangbusters! Listen to Lily explain the orchard mason bee life cycle, and then head over to Wikipedia to get the real scoop.  In any case, I’m really happy to see them out and about and … Continue reading →

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What month is this anyway? April or December?

Posted on April 11, 2010 by Sandy

The weather has been tumultuous and all I can think about is bees.  I really need the little guys to come out and pollinate my trees.  A few days ago we woke up to a mixture of snow and hail.  … Continue reading →

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Photo album: The garden in March

Posted on March 28, 2010 by Sandy

I finally finished the giant weeding project! Now, on to more fun things. It looks like hand pollinating the mini peach trees in the greenhouse was successful.  Both trees have set a lot of fruit.  The lettuce boxes we built a few … Continue reading →

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The bees arrive, the tomato seedlings rally, and pink blueberries!

Posted on March 21, 2010 by Sandy

 Just as I was about to embark on a series of beekeeping classes, I found Steve the bee guy on Craigslist. Steve offered to help me set up an orchard mason bee house. This was great timing because my schedule was … Continue reading →

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