tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89901060307309428042024-03-14T11:34:58.984-07:00A Kootenay Country GardenA Blog about the joys and frustrations of growing food, herbs and flowers on a rocky hill near Nakusp, B.C.
Ien in the Kootenayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01766317652520657570noreply@blogger.comBlogger92125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8990106030730942804.post-48237434180247737832020-02-27T14:53:00.002-08:002023-11-01T11:39:31.672-07:00Paradise for sale<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large; text-align: left;">An early morning in June, right in front of the deck.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs6I8xMPrd5QSROh4nqTGMkwDRAMV7HH4yAGo1n2mbHhfi2sSIH1HckGX_Yhjw3JwtP7vvKuyyVPyH-WBwxDaOxQzu25SlqlDR4A1SkRbOl2jDfYe4gK4cpuyx6JPg76KBIcbByb708v8/s1600/THE+hoto+Samon+poppies+with+Box.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" id="id_fa4b_9465_6ab5_304d" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs6I8xMPrd5QSROh4nqTGMkwDRAMV7HH4yAGo1n2mbHhfi2sSIH1HckGX_Yhjw3JwtP7vvKuyyVPyH-WBwxDaOxQzu25SlqlDR4A1SkRbOl2jDfYe4gK4cpuyx6JPg76KBIcbByb708v8/s640/THE+hoto+Samon+poppies+with+Box.jpg" style="height: auto; width: 640px;" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></span></div>If you came here from Property Guys or MLS in search of a real farm, my apologies.</span></span></div><div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">I had to choose between the categories "mini/ mobile home", "vacant land" or "ranch/farm".</span></span></div><div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">There is no category like "Mobile home on acreage" or even better: "Wannabe seventies' back to the land homestead." <br /></span>
<span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Some people call their real estate “The acreage” or “The property”. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;">We always called our 10 acre chunk of mountain paradise The Land. </span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;">It has been wonderful to live here, but the time is coming to leave it. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The husband died, the children are thriving in Metro Vancouver, and I am getting old and lazy. </span></span><span style="font-family: georgia;">I have bought a lot in the village and am looking forward to car free life with a small intensive garden.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;">The land deserves younger energetic stewards, ideally handy and able to wield a chainsaw. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;">So here goes, an attempt to save everyone time by answering every FAQ I can think of. </span><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;">We are aiming for brutal honesty here, no sales nonsense.</span></div><div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
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<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;">First things first.</span><br /><div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;">Location: a rural neighborhood just South of Nakusp, an easy ten minute drive from town.</span></div></div><div><div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;">The neighborhood of Upper Crescent Bay is peaceful and feels far away from the world, yet if you have to you can walk to the job in town. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Legally the Land consists of two lots of 5 acres each, rather 4.90 after a strip was expropriated for a road allowance.</span><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;">The legal description of the place is as follows:</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;">Western lot, mostly empty:</span></span><br />
<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;">lot 77 Plan NEP 959 District Lot 398, Kootenay Land District.</span></span><br />
<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;">PID: 015-921-255</span></span><br />
<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;">Assessed value $133,600.</span></span><br />
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Eastern lot, the one with buildings:</span></span></span><br />
<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;">Lot 78 Plan NEP 959 District lot 398, Kootenay Land District.</span></span><br />
<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;">PID: 015-921-263</span></span><br />
<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;">Assessed value $217,800.</span></span><br />
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Asking $349,000 AS IS. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"></span><span style="color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">We bought the place as a whole. It should remain so for now for reasons to do with water.</span><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;">All buildings and gardens are on lot 78. It just happened that way. However, the well sits right on the border between the two lots. This year, for the first time, the assessment mentioned a building on lot 77 that has to be the pump house.</span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: georgia;">WATER.</span></span></u></b><br />
<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Water can be an issue on this ridge. We bought the land in November 1970, after a hot dry summer. My husband, Chris, was a geologist. He had taken </span></span><span style="font-family: georgia;">a course in hydrogeology. Chris borrowed an auger and drilled i</span><span style="font-family: georgia;">nto a spot in the field below. If water was there within a certain depth it should be good enough for a household at our level. Later a local dowser picked the same spot for the eventual well.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;">The image below, taken from the fence line of the field below us, clearly shows the depression that is caused by a mostly underground watercourse that starts at our place. The land slopes down to this field. The well sits where this depression emerges from our place, just above the road.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi2JCnV9StqH2qplSfQ4QxYNRMVp3PP9Gc0S8i7XGV70vniUGn4SeO8i2OegS9fJI_6UDBRdG3PQCSovcGULNVvWVEj_d5rapdH1zriCU4PQxskNMvcCLrpZ1wWFtucf1z9gYrUo6vUYg/s1600/watershed.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" id="id_fe7f_64b5_9de0_e631" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi2JCnV9StqH2qplSfQ4QxYNRMVp3PP9Gc0S8i7XGV70vniUGn4SeO8i2OegS9fJI_6UDBRdG3PQCSovcGULNVvWVEj_d5rapdH1zriCU4PQxskNMvcCLrpZ1wWFtucf1z9gYrUo6vUYg/s640/watershed.JPG" style="height: auto; width: 640px;" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;">The water course originates at the top of Lot 77. There is a depression where a pond forms in early spring. Mallard ducks used to come nest there in the early days, before we were surrounded by neighbours with dogs.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb84CNqoBB2EdvW336Y6MdH8ZHjVvwscZZP_HqIMNusZpXdSfC6YxCFIKySfG9RQZplBcp-QZb8sBV8roDfhmD-widR2r7Z5F4tmhLB3UoAfGVHfnoIMWDOc5hRBIq1JqzpqY0Pa31GiE/s1600/Easter+Vernal+pond.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" id="id_f97c_404a_8736_1da9" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb84CNqoBB2EdvW336Y6MdH8ZHjVvwscZZP_HqIMNusZpXdSfC6YxCFIKySfG9RQZplBcp-QZb8sBV8roDfhmD-widR2r7Z5F4tmhLB3UoAfGVHfnoIMWDOc5hRBIq1JqzpqY0Pa31GiE/s640/Easter+Vernal+pond.JPG" style="height: auto; width: 640px;" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;">From the vernal pond the water goes underground. The land gently folds in on itself, like a small watershed. You can tell where the watercourse is by looking at the fold in the land and at the vegetation. In the course of the years a lush grove of cottonwood has grown up. It can be seen here in the background. May is so beautiful here it hurts.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXzxOvHDgFYfNzBc0frRt0tBeWB1m94AbpxyEN2018aZPQNTyvWU9Sb2x7FY9ls7mTVfioINluN7Slt7IOthKfhZkvCvfjT5HjKDc5IicOlGGnVK4iYANkylyOYr9OaeLup4SKGWhHciw/s1600/May+20+sunny+border.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1213" data-original-width="1600" height="484" id="id_1a70_1b6b_5e77_50a7" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXzxOvHDgFYfNzBc0frRt0tBeWB1m94AbpxyEN2018aZPQNTyvWU9Sb2x7FY9ls7mTVfioINluN7Slt7IOthKfhZkvCvfjT5HjKDc5IicOlGGnVK4iYANkylyOYr9OaeLup4SKGWhHciw/s640/May+20+sunny+border.JPG" style="height: auto; width: 640px;" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">In the very earliest days Chris just dug a hole in the ground halfway the slope, and we filled buckets. For your entertainment, a photo of the earliest water system, </span><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span><span style="font-family: georgia;">prior to well drilling and culverts and pipes and power and so on. We were living in a tipi at the time. Those were the days!</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgStL3LEjiFBUT4d0vMB05LIr_22FRppaeBdK2xOnH7EU7Wsep6b48iYbEMEDnOEilAIxUJr6dg45fa3KzhuErQstc8iXy3g7vM8700PNUBje2eeSnUp1DHjoH5wGZ74LLtfh4YvuIvZwM/s1600/water+.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="706" data-original-width="960" height="470" id="id_8d6b_d7c1_ac15_70ed" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgStL3LEjiFBUT4d0vMB05LIr_22FRppaeBdK2xOnH7EU7Wsep6b48iYbEMEDnOEilAIxUJr6dg45fa3KzhuErQstc8iXy3g7vM8700PNUBje2eeSnUp1DHjoH5wGZ74LLtfh4YvuIvZwM/s640/water+.jpg" style="height: auto; width: 640px;" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;">We did not have a lot of money and just had a shallow well dug. No drilling, just a culvert sunk into the ground. The water is a bit hard but clean and delicious. We have been drinking it for forty five years without ill effects.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: georgia;">After a dry summer we have to be careful, but the only time we actually ran out had to do with a pump malfunction. By this time Chris was incapacitated in extended care. Replacing the tired old pump was all up to me. The genius (sarcasm) who installed the new pump had omitted a cutoff valve that automatically turns off the pump when the level runs low. It ran dry. This was after the freakishly hot dry summer of 2017. Many neighbours ran dry as well. We will never know if it would have happened while my husband managed it. The summer of 2018 was dry as well. B.C. basically burst into flame, remember? I had water then.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: georgia;">It would be easy to supplement the well with a cistern filled from eavestroughs on the barn. So much water comes off a metal roof even in a single rainstorm in a dry year. Supplying two households would require more complicated measures.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><u>Gardens and Trees.</u></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;">I promised total honesty, so first this: This is not farm land.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The Waterfield family gave this as their reason for sellling it. </span></span><span style="font-family: georgia;">The soil is sandy and stony, the slope just a bit too much to work easily with a tractor. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: georgia;">Gardening is different. Sandy soil is hungry soil, but it drains well and is easy to work. </span></span><br />
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;">Good gardens happen when bracken roots and rocks are removed and compost is applied. </span></span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;">Several neighbours have animals that produce more manure than they can use. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4a4XDSsjM4zYVyc2UpKucNoiYrTP9vq1hdesCTxlJ5D3NzoGg8s4_3IfqbLgTXmZKjGyND7nnfx9kdt2gqtldoFDTK7KE2mYiQRM3YXtTlyHanGmIAxBz929L445epOdwXszrjdC42zk/s1600/Sept+29+2011.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1461" height="640" id="id_b195_a3c3_68b2_bf13" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4a4XDSsjM4zYVyc2UpKucNoiYrTP9vq1hdesCTxlJ5D3NzoGg8s4_3IfqbLgTXmZKjGyND7nnfx9kdt2gqtldoFDTK7KE2mYiQRM3YXtTlyHanGmIAxBz929L445epOdwXszrjdC42zk/s640/Sept+29+2011.JPG" style="height: auto; width: 584px;" width="584" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Raspberries are prolific. </span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGSAytEJJqvkOfroxjWqa6CAjireFGu_4_2-Awkeiw8_oaTj2DECmPvaiGUmTPvPwvZL6Uqf_f67h4iGqe_vnPH70wYTXT4wU5CVIfPKHQOZTrxjN_bZsBMvCFXYAGE5bTJPquKu5AMo0/s1600/raspberries+in+the+freezer.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" id="id_63bd_4b58_c285_8553" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGSAytEJJqvkOfroxjWqa6CAjireFGu_4_2-Awkeiw8_oaTj2DECmPvaiGUmTPvPwvZL6Uqf_f67h4iGqe_vnPH70wYTXT4wU5CVIfPKHQOZTrxjN_bZsBMvCFXYAGE5bTJPquKu5AMo0/s640/raspberries+in+the+freezer.JPG" style="height: auto; width: 640px;" width="640" /></span></a><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; 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font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></span></div> I never got an orchard</span><span style="font-family: georgia;"> together, but wild apple trees flourish. </span><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">The large fenced garden is on the top plateau by the old cabin. What cabin? Wait a moment...</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGSI4MBiz2VyW77IAL8FxYiqqqJZpcfNWRQGaF-0R21fYVXRh9IoKKcnW9u_Y2CvRoY6BNpD7Ss7BqvS5VJBBAf49kJzE5wHTW57MkQC7i7zdyyKoTE9xxHT0PzRsUiyaljafrvOXar8E/s1600/IMG_2763.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" id="id_3d0c_cf80_4b25_b678" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGSI4MBiz2VyW77IAL8FxYiqqqJZpcfNWRQGaF-0R21fYVXRh9IoKKcnW9u_Y2CvRoY6BNpD7Ss7BqvS5VJBBAf49kJzE5wHTW57MkQC7i7zdyyKoTE9xxHT0PzRsUiyaljafrvOXar8E/s640/IMG_2763.JPG" style="height: auto; width: 640px;" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;">The fence is about 50 x 40, the established garden beds 20 x 50. Below, seen from the other side.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVxhEw2P-JiiFuRK3KD99PUjfN-HJhTU3PvHtfbkeXqKKuOZixmi1jGwLPnNmqu3IUL40lh0bYNZ7bLr47H-vMj3pg1vXR7ffvidM8ibY6rFmWHDGwxve96yXIOpgD6TsmCxOAWD4d_TQ/s1600/pano+from+by+the+old+house.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="535" data-original-width="960" height="356" id="id_3960_2387_6662_41e5" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVxhEw2P-JiiFuRK3KD99PUjfN-HJhTU3PvHtfbkeXqKKuOZixmi1jGwLPnNmqu3IUL40lh0bYNZ7bLr47H-vMj3pg1vXR7ffvidM8ibY6rFmWHDGwxve96yXIOpgD6TsmCxOAWD4d_TQ/s640/pano+from+by+the+old+house.jpg" style="height: auto; width: 640px;" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;">A smaller area at the level of the mobile home never got fully fenced, but I have a greenhouse there. Just this year an extra frame has been put to use as deer fence. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrppaPWSFiEaw_UCHsEij2WPj8Nh8DRiqwmNsVcggDrshprv6DNmR6pw9H2qFbki8Mrb21U3jqUjL4Cmh_O7Gmyy3bNeMLmmnS8FNAN3v6VUaNOjCHZupPNqLy_8-alJwbj2PWLj83PE0/s1600/April+22+Black+Currant+budding.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="478" id="id_f151_263_2c25_c7d7" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrppaPWSFiEaw_UCHsEij2WPj8Nh8DRiqwmNsVcggDrshprv6DNmR6pw9H2qFbki8Mrb21U3jqUjL4Cmh_O7Gmyy3bNeMLmmnS8FNAN3v6VUaNOjCHZupPNqLy_8-alJwbj2PWLj83PE0/s640/April+22+Black+Currant+budding.JPG" style="height: auto; width: 640px;" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">The greenhouse is actually a Clearview car shelter by Shelter Logic. I take the cover off in November, a cover will last about 5 years that way. I had to buy a new cover and ended up with a second frame, which will serve as a deer fence frame this year. The plan is to put the top garden mainly in clover and focus on digging up perennials to take with to the new place, plus some greens and beans close to home.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;">Browse this blog to have some fun at my expense and to see what you have to start with. Much more is possible. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfm-d37Y4vRUM1oWxZ6KTK4saecGGEZAJ2-EXQGYUp-yDocZMzf_eeEIQNgdjm2FU6prh-t4M0CAqE1lf2GddHmY_FrvreF0tPKTxL1a2Y8xSjR6U7uYSZ5PWlplH5U9gFfhHFWYVRfjQ/s1600/September+1975.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="734" data-original-width="960" height="488" id="id_abcf_81b5_473c_4ff4" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfm-d37Y4vRUM1oWxZ6KTK4saecGGEZAJ2-EXQGYUp-yDocZMzf_eeEIQNgdjm2FU6prh-t4M0CAqE1lf2GddHmY_FrvreF0tPKTxL1a2Y8xSjR6U7uYSZ5PWlplH5U9gFfhHFWYVRfjQ/s640/September+1975.jpg" style="height: auto; width: 640px;" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">These photos were taken in September 1975. </span><span style="font-family: georgia;"> It shows the South facing view in all its sunny glory. </span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">One area on lot 77 had </span></span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">been left in trees. That spot was too steep and rocky to even try cultivating. You </span></span><span style="font-family: georgia;">can see the tall trees in the top right hand corner. </span><span style="font-family: georgia;">Note how the land dips down a bit and then rises again. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbJYXkow7Ky0V12GJfy7-c4CRl7mS-P3ePdrnqKfq928WLpI21ZvmWDfG5ilCTvUY6Kg9l7bvsuhcshyPwwqqB33T7FWZFIvVBKXuCpA4y7y4H3UeUwRg_Ewu_iWPxEJFvAAIlSisSpnI/s1600/Magic+Spot+Trinity.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" id="id_4509_8209_be55_4214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbJYXkow7Ky0V12GJfy7-c4CRl7mS-P3ePdrnqKfq928WLpI21ZvmWDfG5ilCTvUY6Kg9l7bvsuhcshyPwwqqB33T7FWZFIvVBKXuCpA4y7y4H3UeUwRg_Ewu_iWPxEJFvAAIlSisSpnI/s640/Magic+Spot+Trinity.JPG" style="height: auto; width: 640px;" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia;">We call this small section of older trees the Magic Spot. It is like a small sacred grove.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;">There is a clump of lady slippers at the edge of it, and I have harvested wild sarsaparilla roots.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHoFaMiI5_A2dmBRA33Ct3KxHNkLDM0S6PRoHg0Mpsgjt4hmN4HHeTXIe8v62Vb0m4KrqpeRxh82cjnpQwmbm5DCXkKLOKKc_gzs2rzvk6oal89TYu-N37aKRaOLEIImoqG6ixO7kmcZM/s1600/My+Domain.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1190" data-original-width="1600" height="476" id="id_aed1_a484_9a1a_e2d0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHoFaMiI5_A2dmBRA33Ct3KxHNkLDM0S6PRoHg0Mpsgjt4hmN4HHeTXIe8v62Vb0m4KrqpeRxh82cjnpQwmbm5DCXkKLOKKc_gzs2rzvk6oal89TYu-N37aKRaOLEIImoqG6ixO7kmcZM/s640/My+Domain.JPG" style="height: auto; width: 640px;" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;">This photo, taken some years ago, shows the layout of the parts that are in active use. Note the roof of the old house just visible on the top level in between the greenhouse and the trailer.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">What the land wants to do is grow trees. It does that so well! First the surrounding forest seeded itself and a privacy barrier developed. I planted what I thought would be a hedge along the exposed Southern edge. This was easy. Dig up any volunteer fir or pine seedling, take it </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">where you want it in early spring, stick it in a shallow hole and it will say: "Oh, you want me here? No problem!"</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;">Unfortunately trees don’t know when to quit growing. The splendid view disappeared. This photo dates from October 2018, just before some logging was done. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOPDurn3X19crBx3FupdMnWJ5tu55-ls0L-bawFKCXxeBNidOBhB9Dynsm4ccWPc8zCboXObNzzJPSvsw56XGETiBpID3IUBK1NwGp88gWRgQ61pz6WwdFhyphenhyphencxYJurcZT-TDyP6SOWnwI/s1600/fall+2018+pre+logging.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" id="id_9876_2247_baa3_34c4" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOPDurn3X19crBx3FupdMnWJ5tu55-ls0L-bawFKCXxeBNidOBhB9Dynsm4ccWPc8zCboXObNzzJPSvsw56XGETiBpID3IUBK1NwGp88gWRgQ61pz6WwdFhyphenhyphencxYJurcZT-TDyP6SOWnwI/s640/fall+2018+pre+logging.jpg" style="height: auto; width: 640px;" width="640" /></a><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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</span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">I have never wanted to live right inside a forest. I like views and sunshine, which we had in spades the first years. </span></span><span style="font-family: georgia;">My husband preferred the added privacy and shade. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia;">Once he was gone (he died in June 2018) I finally had my way. Yeah, sunshine! View! </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;">The sale of the logs paid for the work and then some.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUThV48FfOTtTu4jqBqHqJHJiBsxoplgJNP19oWzwOmr2PhnUZGO6vs_vPRpUaSst-exSqolSDTlu-Jy_8pcV_z_f5UnEQyEPV7HhlWgGayLsJp8uTbjpZ9S4urKmYjGo9XaD6rDsCkxI/s1600/LOGS%2521.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" id="id_a96a_3b6f_a9e8_2a66" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUThV48FfOTtTu4jqBqHqJHJiBsxoplgJNP19oWzwOmr2PhnUZGO6vs_vPRpUaSst-exSqolSDTlu-Jy_8pcV_z_f5UnEQyEPV7HhlWgGayLsJp8uTbjpZ9S4urKmYjGo9XaD6rDsCkxI/s640/LOGS%2521.jpg" style="height: auto; width: 640px;" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;">Unfortunately <span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">the logging was done late in the season, and it got wet. This interfered with the proper piling of the slash. </span></span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">I had hoped to have it all cleaned up in spring, but it was just too wet. The area near the dwelling was mostly tidied up but there are some piles left. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">I did get the driveway some much needed gravel. The ugly piles on both sides of it are gone.</span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ebKp3P_Fmb8H63m8g87I9zc2is03dYXki2_8zLttQZmHWK91SXyxaiBhWBdj7AeiwgbShnjSpy1IljmG5SzS_vboCIbHGfKFhh3zM3Mz_xnH-y9YG8jb9ljzUOpLVx7vCpyTCYw7wJk/s1600/gravel.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" id="id_2bf9_f5f6_cb03_33d" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ebKp3P_Fmb8H63m8g87I9zc2is03dYXki2_8zLttQZmHWK91SXyxaiBhWBdj7AeiwgbShnjSpy1IljmG5SzS_vboCIbHGfKFhh3zM3Mz_xnH-y9YG8jb9ljzUOpLVx7vCpyTCYw7wJk/s640/gravel.jpg" style="height: auto; width: 640px;" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">I hope anyone who comes to look at the place can use their imagination and visualise the remaining piles GONE. If I had the energy and skill to take care of that myself I would not be moving.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;">Even after all the work there are still wooded trails left. The land could easily supply firewood for a household.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk6r26yRwMjToxVJTjIyVykO8ehsANqD5MNDXD1-8oG73NTj_2WExA0JSU8nnMYuldZBhE-bAZd7MlrP9b1RIZZLn4_E0l7j3yYSvc4wEiNZqQ-R7iA9Y_FQYK22cnChl_v2qhyphenhyphenn0a2iI/s1600/IMG_0644.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="640" id="id_82a3_cc15_54ad_b2f0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk6r26yRwMjToxVJTjIyVykO8ehsANqD5MNDXD1-8oG73NTj_2WExA0JSU8nnMYuldZBhE-bAZd7MlrP9b1RIZZLn4_E0l7j3yYSvc4wEiNZqQ-R7iA9Y_FQYK22cnChl_v2qhyphenhyphenn0a2iI/s640/IMG_0644.jpg" style="height: auto; width: 480px;" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;">Next:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span>
<span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><u>Buildings and infrastructure and how it all got to be that way.</u></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;">Let's be honest: for sale is a beautiful piece of land in a great location with all sort of potential, a place to live while you build your dream house, and outbuildings that can be used with work. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The mobile I live in now </span><span style="font-family: georgia;">dates from 1976. It is 14 foot wide, two bedrooms, with an addition of the same width consisting of one bedroom and a covered deck. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_jrQgU3rxO_0KXcIb7ZcX4ASjx6tdvazyIYBNiMHAq3Ixcsav1hbgUEohvZKdP34j2zDEvISZ8jtycs0HlotVMfK_3QkDHDBo5fQ_WLjf9741tuNBgQ5wG7Hs8rM-ogPNN14rGlg25Q0/s1600/trailer+with+chairs.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" id="id_d2dd_73cc_c37b_e1be" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_jrQgU3rxO_0KXcIb7ZcX4ASjx6tdvazyIYBNiMHAq3Ixcsav1hbgUEohvZKdP34j2zDEvISZ8jtycs0HlotVMfK_3QkDHDBo5fQ_WLjf9741tuNBgQ5wG7Hs8rM-ogPNN14rGlg25Q0/s640/trailer+with+chairs.JPG" style="height: auto; width: 640px;" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Over the years we replaced the forced air heat with baseboard heaters, replaced carpet with laminate and put new bay windows</span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> in the living room. Kitchen, hallway and bathroom could all do with a lick of paint and new lino. The deck, ditto.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgtfpoDnEW9PzZ1x73ZuNR4NiBf7dSsGEZh6AHyMzN4z1HizpANs_GhkbbkCjKuSvfzH_-rW_sgIqgJQ9KfoIMDeeHJ2xWFPJqyairDs0rVfo85uKCqWQz8kRRjJ1IORRQMkkQPYgW-PM/s1600/living+room.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" id="id_f3a7_8c8a_4c4a_fd06" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgtfpoDnEW9PzZ1x73ZuNR4NiBf7dSsGEZh6AHyMzN4z1HizpANs_GhkbbkCjKuSvfzH_-rW_sgIqgJQ9KfoIMDeeHJ2xWFPJqyairDs0rVfo85uKCqWQz8kRRjJ1IORRQMkkQPYgW-PM/s640/living+room.jpg" style="height: auto; width: 640px;" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;">It is a pleasant space. Books not included. The snow roof has performed like a champ even during the extreme snowfalls of the last years. It sheds without any need for going up to shovel the roof. Too bad we did not have it installed until 2008. Damage was done by leaks before then. In 2013 we had extensive structural work done by local trailer expert Hilary Bitten and her crew. It is a nice enough place to get started in while you decide what to do next.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">In the beginning there was a large empty field surrounded by forest on three sides</span></span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">, and then the tipi.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;">Read all about it here.</span><br />
<a href="https://freegreenliving.blogspot.com/2007/10/"><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;">https://freegreenliving.blogspot.com/2007/10/</span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">After the tipi, the owner built log cabin. It is still there, uphill from the mobile home</span>.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh95JvP7x3KougdrFX0Ef2ZChkGLq9L34ywkzUVkxYdo9ocyeM-pmJzMvAgOEFCBxRt7s5pOxfTfYDrik0vmvrHG9aXf9TUgZV9PoDDw0bkBsdZ68cMOU0CVoIpqzs2RM7a_PLwmgiGHK8/s1600/the+cabin+early.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">Read about it here. </span>It was home till September 1987.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://freegreenliving.blogspot.com/2007/11/proud-tradition-of-diy-housing.html">https://freegreenliving.blogspot.com/2007/11/proud-tradition-of-diy-housing.html</a></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifKzYjpKnTeu-crn3ani79x8-i6q6kdOhaSTAOqbdkBQEwPaPJt-SaUtookWakUQvjuf2QxqWdklPckjNPg8b8-_xjHbjZoevyn-oC2K2gL87ErcGGLiSlSbl1DEUCYUYzt1eabPICbeA/s1600/4449C2341EA0463595308BAFA8CD71EC.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="741" data-original-width="987" height="480" id="id_2907_d716_2f20_a453" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifKzYjpKnTeu-crn3ani79x8-i6q6kdOhaSTAOqbdkBQEwPaPJt-SaUtookWakUQvjuf2QxqWdklPckjNPg8b8-_xjHbjZoevyn-oC2K2gL87ErcGGLiSlSbl1DEUCYUYzt1eabPICbeA/s640/4449C2341EA0463595308BAFA8CD71EC.jpg" style="height: auto; width: 640px;" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large; text-align: left;">It did have electricity and cold running water, but it never had plumbing, just a rockpit for grey water. I had been about to just let it fall apart, but there was a complication: the electrical line goes up there first, and so does the water. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">When we got the mobile home we did not want to look at a landscape full of poles, and we had the electricity and the water go underground from the cabin to the mobile. It has all worked just fine </span><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">but one needs to know. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">By 2017 the old roof cover had disintegrated. Believing the place doomed I called BC hydro about the possibility of having a connection go directly to the trailer. They told me to find a local electrician. The well established electricians were all too busy or not available, but a man new to the valley answered the call. He came over, measured distance from the existing pole to the trailer, and told me it would require another pole and cost $5000, but for $8000 he could put a metal roof on the cabin and save it. The cabin has deep sentimental value. I jumped at the chance to preserve it.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">At the time I was still planning to stay here. Below, cabin life.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSYmg1UQtzxXY6lq-RSeRgVCiz1RZrlNrX8Gs-sHaIbZUP4di2-6tIay0HFmlZWpMagOR2N2fqRlrZNrCKpjfC4wTBK3_NUHREp8Es8TaiADcZDqXZUf3KzoH_Y0XV5C2m8RFhUjQ7w6E/s1600/F1000029.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1072" height="640" id="id_e959_8ab1_9af8_54d7" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSYmg1UQtzxXY6lq-RSeRgVCiz1RZrlNrX8Gs-sHaIbZUP4di2-6tIay0HFmlZWpMagOR2N2fqRlrZNrCKpjfC4wTBK3_NUHREp8Es8TaiADcZDqXZUf3KzoH_Y0XV5C2m8RFhUjQ7w6E/s640/F1000029.JPG" style="height: auto; width: 428px;" width="428" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2D6ln8Z9yuRyQngmWyITq3XuQ97k13oV6OyoDuPSjooF-rVq9_Umy2WGjbIPj2eBjN9yx9qP67YoLAzuZvNbBatiAJeBO9Vabosshm_jOVRI4b-O_Nye1O2f_eP-5-9yLkSdtI0r1b4A/s1600/bath+in+cabin.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="786" data-original-width="960" height="520" id="id_a8b1_455b_7e90_68ea" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2D6ln8Z9yuRyQngmWyITq3XuQ97k13oV6OyoDuPSjooF-rVq9_Umy2WGjbIPj2eBjN9yx9qP67YoLAzuZvNbBatiAJeBO9Vabosshm_jOVRI4b-O_Nye1O2f_eP-5-9yLkSdtI0r1b4A/s640/bath+in+cabin.jpg" style="height: auto; width: 640px;" width="640" /></a><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;">Another builder, too busy to do the work, had also expressed the opinion that the place deserved to be saved. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;">
<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">Well........The so called expert turned out to not be, and never mind the details, but that job could/should have been done better. However, the place has been dry. A handy person could have fun turning it into a workshop of some kind. Somehow it has amazing acoustics. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0RofC_B_WTuxL_UPJzsT8sKAnsc5EdbRO-8-OlkdV6NFR3rqecK5nKq_OTOdnoM9s8NLIjdjwIIGuT1NnYfLR4WlfPf0zzxCG2OKLTWmvhCkriQ6NhcZpZUaniVJfyatBqsb-l05Z4ro/s1600/005.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" id="id_c373_36d1_6137_2c68" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0RofC_B_WTuxL_UPJzsT8sKAnsc5EdbRO-8-OlkdV6NFR3rqecK5nKq_OTOdnoM9s8NLIjdjwIIGuT1NnYfLR4WlfPf0zzxCG2OKLTWmvhCkriQ6NhcZpZUaniVJfyatBqsb-l05Z4ro/s640/005.JPG" style="height: auto; width: 640px;" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"> <span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">Then there is the barn. It started its life as a roof over my mother's travel trailer. When she sold it we inherited the roof and had walls made of plywood. It is divided into three sections, one open, for storing stuff, two where I used to have separate flocks of chickens.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">Below, the path from the greenhouse to the barn and the top garden.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkrMQyH0bOIfT1ywo1dMXnxqW6-4hDumH_MgqHmXIK58-I08vUAyUWi2x9d1M5zhEOtRsIyZSMQpUHJDspa1tW5D7H_eOyrZIE4DZmpuLjgrqP_5D0MrwlPt473YAW9Av-oI2ZwjHMpgk/s1600/Path+to+barn+with+lupins.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" id="id_911_b405_4066_ab56" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkrMQyH0bOIfT1ywo1dMXnxqW6-4hDumH_MgqHmXIK58-I08vUAyUWi2x9d1M5zhEOtRsIyZSMQpUHJDspa1tW5D7H_eOyrZIE4DZmpuLjgrqP_5D0MrwlPt473YAW9Av-oI2ZwjHMpgk/s640/Path+to+barn+with+lupins.jpg" style="height: auto; width: 640px;" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">One more thing: <b><u>Potential</u></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">I have so many ideas for what could be done to the place! If only I were twenty or even better, fifty years younger and handier and better at Getting Things Done.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;">Well, <span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">I had my chances. Here are some ideas, just for the fun of it.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">An easy way to earn some cash with little investment would be to create a few level spaces and offer a camp site to self contained motor homes in summer. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;">Provincial parks are being over crowded, there is a demand for this. Imagine being on vacation and finding this peaceful paradise to park in instead of a crowded site.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">Look up </span><a href="http://campertunity.com/">http://campertunity.com</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;">Trees grow like crazy here. Why not start a small Christmas tree farm?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;">Raspberries love the place. How about a U pick?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;">This root cellar was built elsewhere by a friend who took the whole homesteading thing a lot further than we did. I put it here because the land would be perfect for it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;">The South facing slope would also be good for an Earth Ship style house and for solar power in general. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;">The cheapest way to get a better house might be to dismantle the snow roof and the addition, haul out the exisiting mobile and replace it with a newer. not necessarily brand new, version. Reattach addition and somehow rebuild snow roof. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;">I considered having that done myself, but then a bad hip day reminds me that I will be 80 in a few years. There is a time for everything. The village is calling.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;">Speaking of calling...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;">I prefer e mail for communication.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;">If the place interests you, contact me at </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><a href="mailto:ienvan@gmail.com">ienvan@gmail.co</a>m</span></div><div>
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Ien in the Kootenayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01766317652520657570noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8990106030730942804.post-74641654100627596402019-07-25T22:29:00.001-07:002019-07-27T22:30:18.644-07:00Gardens 2017, 2018, and 2019. three years almost lost but not quite!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I started writing this in spring 2018, had to hunt for pictures, got busy, see below. It is now Febraury 2019. The leeks are up, the seeds have been ordered, a new beginning is upon us.</span><br>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I will skip the A to Z, just some basic notes.</span><br>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The garden of 2017 starts in a spirit of great optimism with: "Let there be lights!" I went ape on grow lights and am glad I did. </span><br>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">On February 12 my husband, who had become increasingly incapacitated, moved into extended care. That story is not for this blog. I mention it only because it left me free to move things around. The grow lights from the room where I practice reflexology were moved to the living room.</span><br>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKg51oxI9IAFzQfpPKH9ir7D_egOWafiM0XuGsgHTvgeLT14KjvayJcun4nNN_AWetXHk1L4yDdm4oLQw3FdVwGgUXXMV-EWeQRmP8bubqu3WPv4-Yy6R_2LP_9Cc-rUw_Oi98_BNGgE4/s1600/living+room+with+grow+lights.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="478" data-original-width="640" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKg51oxI9IAFzQfpPKH9ir7D_egOWafiM0XuGsgHTvgeLT14KjvayJcun4nNN_AWetXHk1L4yDdm4oLQw3FdVwGgUXXMV-EWeQRmP8bubqu3WPv4-Yy6R_2LP_9Cc-rUw_Oi98_BNGgE4/s640/living+room+with+grow+lights.JPG" width="640" id="id_e309_ede5_ee97_b619" style="width: 640px; height: auto;"></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Carpentry was committed. Mistakes were made and corrected. When</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> the dust cleared I had two more feet underneath the original shelf and four feet extra in the reflexology room. For good measure </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I succumbed to the temptation of a </span><a href="http://kootenaygarden.blogspot.ca/2016/01/moar-grow-lights.html" style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: x-large;" target="_blank">second indoor grow garden</a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">, so now there is one in each side of the bay window.</span><br>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">So, with that promising beginning, was this the perfect garden? Sadly not. On the contrary, it was the worst garden I have had in years. The reasons are many, some of my own doing, some not.</span><br>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">To start with, the weather. Spring was late, cold and wet, everything a full month behind 2016. Around May 20 there was a sudden shift to full blown summer. Not just regular summer. E</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">pic drought with no rain at all and extreme temperatures. By early July we were in Forest Fire Fear mode. Our valley got off easy, but for much the summer it was too smoky to enjoy and too hot to move.</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Even so there were moments of beauty. And good bedding plants.</span><br>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;">Bedding plants in the greenhouse. May 14 2016</span><br>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The greenhouse roof did not go up till April 19th. It took a while before I could even get into the main garden. Then in May when I finally got going there I had no water in the big garden, which is uphill.</span><br>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Precious planting time was wasted diagnosing and fixing the system, and by this time the window of opportunity for peas had closed. They did not get watered during a crucial stage and barely germinated. I had some meals from the early ones I had put up in the greenhouse but that was it. Just when they started yielding it got too hot.</span><br>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> planted three lillies a few years ago. They usually get deered. This one escaped to bloom, but did not come back in 2018. </span><br>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Then there were the VOLES. The dreaded varmints ate potatoes and carrots but worst of all they chewed through the basis of pole beans, just when thosed started to yield. </span><br>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">So much for Nature's input. The next bad is mine.</span><br>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Even on the hottest days early mornings are pleasant, but did I get it together to hit the gardens first thing? Not. Without a spouse at home to give structure to my days it was very easy to fall into slouch mode. There has to be coffee before we start, but that should not take too long. Blame the iPad. I grab it for a leisurely read of news and a visit with virtual friends and there goes the morning. I swear the internet speeds up Time. Facebook is a black hole for someone who suffers from CCD. Coming soon to a DSM near you, it stands for Compulsive Comment Disorder.</span><br>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Before one knows 10 or 11 o'clock rolls around and by that time it was TOO HOT. In 2016 I had my garden day more or less in 2 shifts: a morning time, followed by lunch and rest in the hot afternoon, and then a second stint roughly between 4 and 6. In 2017 and early 2018 that was the time I would go to visit Chris in Minto House, the lovely small facility attached to our local hospital.</span><br>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Even with a bad garden there was still food in the freezer, just not the perfect abundance one hopes for and not much to share. The flower beds were mostly abandoned and left to quack grass and deer.</span><br>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Fast forward to 2018.</span><br>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The weather was a repeat of last year. Spring was slow and late, after an old fashioned Kootenay winter with record snow. I kept telling people we might be grateful for that snowpack come summer and was I ever right. The shift to summer came earlier than last year. May was warm and dry and could have been wonderful. Unfortunately that was the time my poor husband finally decided to leave his tortured body behind. It took two weeks after he stopped eating and drinking, even with palliative care only. He died June 1st. As a person he had been gone for a long time, so his </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">final departure was a liberation for us both. Even so a death watch takes it out of you. Once it was over I needed a lot of extra sleep. </span><br>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I did grow tons of splendid bedding plants which made many people happy. I might turn this into a tiny side job, growing to specification for a few people. Or I might just give them away to the planned community garden, some friends in need, and the table grow box at Minto house. </span><br>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Or a bit of both, we will see. I have become obessed with Charles Dowding's youtube channel. He has wonderful tips on prestarting almost everything except maybe carrots.</span><br>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">July was quite nice weatherwise but I was still in recovery mode. The long weekend in August brought a weather system with many violent thunderstorms but not much rain. B.C. basically burst into flame. </span><br>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Once again most of our valley was spared, but it was disgustingly smoky for most of August, interfering with the ripening of many crops. September can be a warm summer month but this year it was cool and rainy. We got some beautiful weather in October, but that often translates into valley cloud.</span><br>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Because the household consists of me, myself and I these days I ate mostly homegrown veg year 'round anyway.</span><br>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">It is now late July 2019 and the worst garden ever, my bad. To make a long story short, I have spent hours on my deck, looking at the view, unable to get into gear, </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">trying to make decisions. It is time to move to the village. Not right now but soon. I have bought a lot in the village, and will eventually put a modular home on it. I vacillate between excitement at the thought of being right in town, starting a brandnew garden from scratch, and premature nostalgia for this beautiful place. </span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">See next post.</span><br>
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Ien in the Kootenayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01766317652520657570noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8990106030730942804.post-33261178558428029632017-02-02T22:46:00.000-08:002020-02-27T18:18:52.346-08:00Asparagus to Zucchini 2016<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">By the time I finally finish this it is April 2017. Spring is late, as if to compensate for the late onset of winter. The killing frost stayed away till early December. Even so, I decided the dark season from Samhain to Imbolc is resting time. The mind wants a turn. I took the greenhouse roof off in the last days of October, by myself. I will need help to get it back on, any day now. The snow is receding fast.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">At the time I wrote this: Some bulbs were planted. About half the raspberries were pruned and the garlic is in.</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> If we get some nice days I may putter, weed flower beds and spread wood chips in pathways. If cold and snow arrive tomorrow the remaining work can wait till spring. After decades of this we know that work that is a chore in fall is joy in spring.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And now, the moment you've all been waiting for, the annual round up!</span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Asparagus.</span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">It came up just fine. We had a few good generous meals and expected many more.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiije0e7w-e-tsgW12URFpsiahbTU_i-ku3rPPj0WMGTAq_OBM124pBcQhden9zTemfV79PnKr5D0Q-sSxqy2XxIcXnGbKafJ8aLCcXE5Sf_p8_BJsEj1CFwJ6GOiBzQbu_aLVdDZeTD0g/s1600/asparagus.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiije0e7w-e-tsgW12URFpsiahbTU_i-ku3rPPj0WMGTAq_OBM124pBcQhden9zTemfV79PnKr5D0Q-sSxqy2XxIcXnGbKafJ8aLCcXE5Sf_p8_BJsEj1CFwJ6GOiBzQbu_aLVdDZeTD0g/s640/asparagus.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I did notice a few red spotted beetles on one plant but that's organic gardening for you, right? I briefly wondered why lady bugs would prefer asparagus. The next picking yielded a huge cluster of bugs, to the point where I threw out some spears in disgust. I noticed they were kind of elongated for a lady bug. A little bell went off in my head and I googled asparagus beetles. Bingo. Photo by Google.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDEXZhqgo6nQvqWtHHAxiGEMw11Aw3-ID_pgQsRhSNxy4oagF7R6mMxP0a_oM-MaTvjW65gI-pCjDcQsiqQmnn_i5pL5qJJemRY08EEgru6hpQaXWPRRaVfEnkjP6n18qP9J8rVNVTb3k/s1600/asparagus-beetles-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDEXZhqgo6nQvqWtHHAxiGEMw11Aw3-ID_pgQsRhSNxy4oagF7R6mMxP0a_oM-MaTvjW65gI-pCjDcQsiqQmnn_i5pL5qJJemRY08EEgru6hpQaXWPRRaVfEnkjP6n18qP9J8rVNVTb3k/s320/asparagus-beetles-2.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">At first there was just the orangey red kind, then they were joined by a more speckled variety. </span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfskotrnCL1vGRBK4akdPeck6oNmJ76P0GVngVjQVJ8i2rMlJCZq9sHhk78JSZTuziSOhyANmrTdT0SJs-zxKVTUXTua97-ajagks2l_BESfpxRnoOXptsglsbokCPIUGp6Y9XDldggiE/s1600/spotted+asp+beetle.jpg" imageanchor="1"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfskotrnCL1vGRBK4akdPeck6oNmJ76P0GVngVjQVJ8i2rMlJCZq9sHhk78JSZTuziSOhyANmrTdT0SJs-zxKVTUXTua97-ajagks2l_BESfpxRnoOXptsglsbokCPIUGp6Y9XDldggiE/s320/spotted+asp+beetle.jpg" width="320" /></span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">That was it for the harvest. I did not want to stress the plants more and focused on picking off bugs. I also removed the mulch, because the bugs love to shelter in the duff. They did not get watered enough but are once again a vigorous forest. I still have to do their fall cleanup and give them a dose of COF. We shall see what the spring brings.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>Beets</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Meh. I love them, but it is a one sided affair. They took forever and stayed small in spite of generous applications of COF. One good thing: the improved golden beet performs better than the old variety. I will keep trying.</span><br />
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<u><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Beans</span></b></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I planted three tipis of pole beans, 1 Emerite and 2 Blue Lake in the main garden.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE9Z36JqMQxZOcBFFxVbiZci_EA8Dy4VnFBBkflE0r3EpwSafV082mairDwwp3wwaF1zwYOS1oHPvgInHI4EmOarzjeYxpa8_YQ9E4OmWnkhV1NtkWPk6AffMT039HI57bmUgwWVzH7-Y/s1600/blue+lake.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE9Z36JqMQxZOcBFFxVbiZci_EA8Dy4VnFBBkflE0r3EpwSafV082mairDwwp3wwaF1zwYOS1oHPvgInHI4EmOarzjeYxpa8_YQ9E4OmWnkhV1NtkWPk6AffMT039HI57bmUgwWVzH7-Y/s640/blue+lake.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Emerite was once again less vigorous and not noticeably earlier than Blue Lake. No more.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Some Roc d'or and a small section of Jade bush beans were planted in the greenhouse, and a patch of Delinel bush beans in the top garden.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">For bush beans I much prefer Jade to Delinel. It is good at all stages while Delinel needs to be picked small. We ate lots and there is plenty in the freezer. For some strange reason the beans in the greenhouse did less well than those in the garden. In other years I had a tiny patch in the greenhouse yielding tons. </span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Broccoli</span></u></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmLT90KnsSB0KpxQ5u75WqjIiW_2LYXIoNqYT5-9bjwsdLtVG4rPrzHNO8ZuRxLHSOX75KIBcJxxLgHEhbbGGhfuY5tFq2-B0r4_zQuTv8n3J0k8hke_u3-D-J5dREt2U_oDiKGQ_Gd6o/s1600/Broccoli%2521+June+6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmLT90KnsSB0KpxQ5u75WqjIiW_2LYXIoNqYT5-9bjwsdLtVG4rPrzHNO8ZuRxLHSOX75KIBcJxxLgHEhbbGGhfuY5tFq2-B0r4_zQuTv8n3J0k8hke_u3-D-J5dREt2U_oDiKGQ_Gd6o/s640/Broccoli%2521+June+6.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">This gorgeous head was dinner on June 6! I came close to getting the succession right. They keep giving side shoots for weeks, but at some point it makes more sense to rip a plant out and replace it with a fresh start. The greenhouse works so well for getting lots of starts happening.</span><br />
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<b><u><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Brussels sprouts</span></u></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNw-snogAQFD70QZgVDSXp9nsrbLOZFtsIcqr242OLW6FYnQKzIttiPS9tatJGeFcSsABKc1wHEIOVrynxn91-_oRIv4GsEWPcmFhi-wdQYpMRS9pq8axSE64HDdc0FSzPoymZ7NALx1M/s1600/IMG_0625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNw-snogAQFD70QZgVDSXp9nsrbLOZFtsIcqr242OLW6FYnQKzIttiPS9tatJGeFcSsABKc1wHEIOVrynxn91-_oRIv4GsEWPcmFhi-wdQYpMRS9pq8axSE64HDdc0FSzPoymZ7NALx1M/s640/IMG_0625.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Not the worst we have had but not the best either. The plants looked great earlier but the sprouts were smaller than I like. No cabbage loopers but lots of slugs to make up for that. Also, the leaves turned a weird yellow, I have never seen that before.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsS74KT0zH3xvSgJnXTX7f70OH2WVPNTq2K5RLEsuXrvX8LW7ylK5JN-3PoT61RKlp1npP5uzYCIQ48gz65X7DPV8Zl83K_VLnWUposTYjxre0hshvyuFArVljQZ96l4Lja_acES6anmw/s1600/IMG_0626.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsS74KT0zH3xvSgJnXTX7f70OH2WVPNTq2K5RLEsuXrvX8LW7ylK5JN-3PoT61RKlp1npP5uzYCIQ48gz65X7DPV8Zl83K_VLnWUposTYjxre0hshvyuFArVljQZ96l4Lja_acES6anmw/s640/IMG_0626.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">They could have used more water in summer. By the time it got wet the days were short and the the slugs thrived on the moisture. Even so we have eaten many all during December. The last stalk is still sitting in a pail outside the kitchen door. I get the impression they would prefer to have the bed to themselves except maybe very early in spring. I have plenty of room for green leafy things elsewhere so I will do just that next year. It might be nice to have some narrower beds, just 2 feet wide, for crops like the large brassicas and peas on trellis that do not need three feet.</span><br />
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<b><u><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Cabbage</span></u></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3jCaWMMSqQo7-GLWgkcShEZl3MdVKTJ4YhJEaALwO2J2DoM6CESnAqcE3TgIz4mRBueLIqXvhXbDHwVz2qp5sHXxAeC8krVkKZgIMfNEbQMIxcnF1pDqUHnqhNlv6KbJyxiYf1lhd3bg/s1600/savoy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3jCaWMMSqQo7-GLWgkcShEZl3MdVKTJ4YhJEaALwO2J2DoM6CESnAqcE3TgIz4mRBueLIqXvhXbDHwVz2qp5sHXxAeC8krVkKZgIMfNEbQMIxcnF1pDqUHnqhNlv6KbJyxiYf1lhd3bg/s640/savoy.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Not a bad haul at all! I started with half a dozen nice savoys in a single file large brassica bed, in between the ubiquitous kale. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8T2WcXVY5lgWhPi-hDMnFeIGkKkdrOykEuptMJ_H3nsJux0b2UO14FP2xPW9v81xt5svbublHMYcTIpUzpHxvGRoQ2cWDvgtMKsdnVpPQ68RT3gCvh9CqmAT4cL-j9-D3BFZ_-qL7Ey8/s1600/savoy+and+kale+in+remay+july+8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8T2WcXVY5lgWhPi-hDMnFeIGkKkdrOykEuptMJ_H3nsJux0b2UO14FP2xPW9v81xt5svbublHMYcTIpUzpHxvGRoQ2cWDvgtMKsdnVpPQ68RT3gCvh9CqmAT4cL-j9-D3BFZ_-qL7Ey8/s640/savoy+and+kale+in+remay+july+8.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Remay kept the loopers off early in the season. Egg shells, sluggo and the vigor of the starter plants helped to deter slugs. Then there was the garlic/cabbage succession. In 2014 it worked, in 2015 it failed, this year it worked again. The trick is to have the cabbage starters as big as possible. This year I had vigorous plants filling their one quart yogurt containers, going in early August. Growing and harvesting is only half the work, then there is all the preserving. I made some sauerkraut and it worked! I should have made more but did not trust myself enough and just shredded/froze a bunch.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQn97rahHJPhyphenhyphen_LrENQ8fLzr_bwWjvyqtCTqYLOVrayeSi6BHRyEj8YP7KWFfniTwWNJIGRxbuPJ5aiO-bRTQBS2hwQ7sjxMtczHuZJQbuc0UmpjwV8AwkrTIWk6nnS2me3E2Zubc2s-o/s1600/cabbages+salvaged.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQn97rahHJPhyphenhyphen_LrENQ8fLzr_bwWjvyqtCTqYLOVrayeSi6BHRyEj8YP7KWFfniTwWNJIGRxbuPJ5aiO-bRTQBS2hwQ7sjxMtczHuZJQbuc0UmpjwV8AwkrTIWk6nnS2me3E2Zubc2s-o/s640/cabbages+salvaged.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Carrots</span></u></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Once again the early crops got slugged, in spite of being lovingly planted in between rows of egg shells. I finally got some going in one of the small squares after the potatoes had come out in August.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl3JuONhnM-yXWLMGzuzXSfj0UpR2ryXRKbxUxY3qPgjELsld8JKVqtFBwPOHfBCZdcoeLnXNwL28yPIQkteTp_7KeHPEakCEOaUvKQQ2vjTjtRORDHaelzW2t66csCKYGc__uX91b_CY/s1600/IMG_0627.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl3JuONhnM-yXWLMGzuzXSfj0UpR2ryXRKbxUxY3qPgjELsld8JKVqtFBwPOHfBCZdcoeLnXNwL28yPIQkteTp_7KeHPEakCEOaUvKQQ2vjTjtRORDHaelzW2t66csCKYGc__uX91b_CY/s640/IMG_0627.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">For some reason these came up fine, but it was too late in the season. I got some fresh carrots in October, the size you get excited about in early July.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><u><b>Cauliflower</b></u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Not this year. Let's face it, they are prima donnas. Fortunately Andy the Intentional peasant at the market had a bumper crop and I got some for freezing from him at a good price. I don't freeze broccoli. I had been pinning my hopes on Romanesco, that crazy green broccoli with the fractal towery thing, as a fall crop. It performed beyond expectation in 2014, failed in 2015, and almost made it in 2016 but not quite. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHGe0nzzhOzCLN1LK9Nw_ROADrX-IOSzmpLwmjUbicY77I6m9YBOFF6gbPEi6pzZrTse0xny_-yuP7l2QK_MWBEaEe1541Lglg_H0bvsnfU_bTKv3YbUolrVDh-51mq5DsuqvFFLxo234/s1600/IMG_0658.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHGe0nzzhOzCLN1LK9Nw_ROADrX-IOSzmpLwmjUbicY77I6m9YBOFF6gbPEi6pzZrTse0xny_-yuP7l2QK_MWBEaEe1541Lglg_H0bvsnfU_bTKv3YbUolrVDh-51mq5DsuqvFFLxo234/s1600/IMG_0658.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHGe0nzzhOzCLN1LK9Nw_ROADrX-IOSzmpLwmjUbicY77I6m9YBOFF6gbPEi6pzZrTse0xny_-yuP7l2QK_MWBEaEe1541Lglg_H0bvsnfU_bTKv3YbUolrVDh-51mq5DsuqvFFLxo234/s640/IMG_0658.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">No matter how long the last frost is postponed, at some point plants stop growing. These Veronicas were tiny, still wrapped in their cover leaves, and frozen solid when I picked them December 6. It was the latest haul ever! </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The picture somehow makes them look bigger. It took all three to make one meal.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><u><b>Celery</b></u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The good news is, I had tons of it from my own starts. Tango Hybrid comes up vigorously and is a good sport about being transplanted. I had it next to the Brussels sprouts and in between onions. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The sad news is, the stalks were thin and tough, no good for salads. They do work fine for winter soups and I froze lots. I suspect they want more water and more nitrogen.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>Chard</u></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Last year I fell in love with Lucullus, a pale variety that is more like spinach. Planted lots but, I hate to admit this, it suffered from being taken for granted. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">It needed more TLC in the form of a side dressing of COF and more water and/or mulch. Wait. Slugs love both mulch and chard. Sometimes you just cannot win! I did get some but wanted to have more of it in the freezer. This year I will plant it again, but will also plant more Rainbow chard. It is more vigorous. Besides, I love how it looks in the garden. I want more chard for the freezer and will not freeze kale again, dehydrator only.</span><br />
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;"><u>Cucumber</u></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I had high hopes for the beautiful vigorous starts in the greenhouse. Two varieties this year: Sweet Success hybrid and Fanfare. Fanfare because Home hardware was selling seeds dirt cheap at the end of the season, Sweet Success because the reviews were so incredible. Early, girl flowers make babies without needing help, and disease resistant. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The seeds were very expensive and the performance was disappointing. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Cucumber must have heat. As reported earlier, July and August were relatively cool. I had enough for fresh eating but not tons. I am the only one in the family eating them so even two plants performing below par yielded enough with some to give away. I wonder if planting them in the bed in the greenhouse that has hardware cloth in the bottom has an effect? The yield in those beds, prepared with such care, has been disappointing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>Garlic</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">As usual the rot demanded its sacrifice, even though I planted in a new section that had never been cultivated before. Crazy thing: one of the small beds, about 3 X 8, was more than half rotted, but the other bed was mostly fine. I did not plant them on the same day and wish I had kept better records. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Also as usual, the garlic that was intact kept just fine and I had enough for my small household with some to give away. I am still eating it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>Greens</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I had all I wanted to eat which is not saying much. I really enjoyed having some greens in containers in the deck, for easy grabbing of a quick lunch time salad. I finally managed to get arugula seeded every few weeks and I grew a nice crop of Pak Choy in the greenhouse. Praise Sluggo!</span><br />
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;"><u>Kale</u></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Kale was its usual abun</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">dant self, bless the stuff. Dehydrated kale makes a nice gift to health conscious non gardeners. I grew red Russian, or rather it grew itself, Lacinato, and the traditional Dutch curly variety called Westlandse. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I did get some aphids, but they are easily rinsed off with a good stream of water. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>Leeks</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">As reported earlier my own starts mainly failed. I bought some but they were pretty pathetic too this year. But wait! The 2017 crop has been started! Hope springs eternal in the gardener's breast.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><u><b>Onions</b></u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I wanted to grow extra multipliers, the variety that grows best for me. Regular onions always get some kind of rot. Yes, I rotate crops religiously. Multipliers are mostly grown for green bunching onions. The bulbs are tough as nails and will survive sitting outside without protection. Even getting frostbitten and thawing out again does not stop them from remaining either edible or fit for replanting. They keep well as an eating onion too. So I thought I'd be clever and just plant them by way of main onion crop. Somehow many of them turned out to be ordinary onions, maybe two instead of one, but not the cheerful cluster of bulbs I was counting on. Too big and singular to be a multiplier but smallish for a main crop onion. Many were also attacked by the rot. I wonder if the fault lie in the bulbs? Could some of the sets have been mislabeled by the seed company? I planted some of the good ones in fall. Meanwhile it was an excellent year for those wonderful Egyptian Walking Onions.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>Peas</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Once again</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> a nice harvest of Norli snow peas and Sugar Anne. I love having the earliest snow peas in the greenhouse. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">By the time the trellis is needed for cucumbers they are almost ready op top.</span><br />
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<b style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: x-large;"><u>Peppers</u></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The best EVER! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">In spite of the coolish late season I finally managed to grow decent bell peppers with a good thick wall. I kept them in containers on the table in the greenhouse and from now on that is where they will be. Only two plants each of Jalapeno and Bell yielded a surprising amount.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I may do more container growing. It is fun and age friendly. On a good day I am itching to get started on serious digging and hauling, on a bad day I can feel that I am not 60 anymore, 0r 70 for that matter. On such days the season ahead looks daunting, and I think it may be time to move into the village. Can you tell I have a mild cold as I write this?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>Potatoes</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">A decent year, with the earliest meal ever as posted earlier. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I actually did that chitting thing. I now keep them under Remay during flea beetle season in early summer. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I had been hoping to see more potatoes growing through the piled up straw, but I finally learned that forming spuds UP only works with late varieties. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Thanks for that to youtubing urban food growers <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9s4feiZqLo" target="_blank">Hollis and Nancy.</a></span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dovbTDDKaWc" style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: x-large;" target="_blank"> </a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">It does irritate me when food gardeners call themselves homesteaders but we will forgive these sweet people. Garden porn on youtube is my antidote for despair about the state of the world.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I learned from them that, just </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">like tomatoes, potatoes can be determinate or indeterminate. Early varieties are determinate, and will only set tubers below the point where they first emerge from the soil. I never knew! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We still ran out before January, but that is partly because we ate more potatoes this year. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><u><b>Squash</b></u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The success story of the year: BUMPER CROP! I have never managed to grow a meaningful amount of winter squash before, but I did it this year. The secret was using an unfinished compost heap, slightly flattened out to form a new bed in the newish section of the top garden, in between the asparagus and the former raspberry bed. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The beginning, July 1st.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Six plants of Avalon hybrid butternut squash grew into a wonderful jungle by mid August.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> In September we could see green squashes hiding underneath the foliage. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I picked one to test it. The catalogue said the fruits would be about 4 to 5 pounds. The first big ones were around 7 and the flesh was a pale greeny yellow, not quite ripe yet. I cannot stand food waste and made a mild curry soup out of it anyway that was surprisingly tasty. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">By early October I decided to harvest. I wanted that space for garlic, and I did not want to wait till autumn cold made the work a burden instead of joy. By this time I had learned that squash will keep ripening even after harvest. Tadah!</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijJfsJUTYh1yWkN7rWZPsA8bn7xuG_faSHnV4ps8ma6qhaYjtwHFzuGhlsIJeBUmEivVSm987s9J0H_Aq9HPpG3_x95qwlrR7d_U3hubDq_mzp2RgL_gH17h3UryaiVHOp5-5D_tuc0T4/s1600/squash+in+wheelbarrow.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijJfsJUTYh1yWkN7rWZPsA8bn7xuG_faSHnV4ps8ma6qhaYjtwHFzuGhlsIJeBUmEivVSm987s9J0H_Aq9HPpG3_x95qwlrR7d_U3hubDq_mzp2RgL_gH17h3UryaiVHOp5-5D_tuc0T4/s640/squash+in+wheelbarrow.JPG" width="640" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> They ripened to a beautiful, deep orange. Wonderful versatile comfort food. At some point in late winter I cooked them all up and froze them. I am still enjoying them.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> <u><b>Tomatoes</b></u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">This was not their finest year. First, a small tragedy occurred early in the season. I had splendid plants in one gallon pots waiting their turn on the big table in the greenhouse. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">They were so sturdy and I was so busy that it never occurred to me that they might be in need of staking. Wouldn't you know it, the very day before I was ready to plant them out they keeled over and I lost a bunch. I ended up with only 6 paste tomatoes. Roma never quite made it. Summer was coolish and by the time the trusses were loaded it was too late in the season. There was always a few for fresh eating, but never enough for canning or dehydration. The beefsteak tomatoes in the greenhouse took their time but did reasonably well.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Somehow I don't seem to have the knack for tomatoes. Needless to say I shall keep trying. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And, last but least,</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Only three plants but what more does one need? By the end of the season they did need all that room.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">They did great and were enjoyed, with plenty to give away.</span><br />
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Ien in the Kootenayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01766317652520657570noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8990106030730942804.post-3351895652154721332016-08-21T23:15:00.001-07:002016-08-21T23:15:59.525-07:00The redemption of the circle.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">If I had a grave, which I won't, since we'll go for cheap cremation, </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I would want the headstone to read:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Here lies Ien. Next year her garden will be perfect.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">This year the plans for doing things differently and better next year started before the snow was even gone, with the failure of the leek starts.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I am happy to report I have the perfect setup for them ready to roll. Home Hardware yielded a planter that fits on the window sill, and did not have drainage holes punched through yet. Yeah! It holds 4 large square pots with just a bit of room to spare. With the addition of a capillary watering mat it is a perfect fit. Leek babies do not mind being cheek to jowl as long as they have room to go down. Seeds are at hand. So there. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The winter window will be lively. I saved lots of tops of those crazy top setting onions for use in window boxes. Chives always just sit there and complain indoors, multipliers get wimpy, but the smaller bulbs of Egyptian walking onions make great green onions indoors. Is there any dish that is not improved by a last minute sprinkling of fresh green onions? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Then there will be the indoor garden I splurged on last winter for </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">microgreens. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The seed order will be small this time, but notes are being diligently made so we are ready for an early start. MOAR annual flowers! I loved having my own alyssum, snapdragon and baby zinnia from dirt cheap seeds picked up at the end of the season. Baby dahlias took a long time to hit their stride but are happening now. Why do I never get around to starting more flowers? There must be cosmos, the tall pink kind. Why did I not stick seeds of nasturtium, which I love, in every empty nook and cranny? And why not start petunias myself? I have added more tables to the greenhouse space to emphasize starter plants and container growing. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Next year.</span></div>
Ien in the Kootenayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01766317652520657570noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8990106030730942804.post-70096614645590601812016-08-02T12:34:00.001-07:002016-08-02T13:39:28.792-07:00A year out of sync<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">This is a strange year. As reported spring was the earliest and warmest we have ever seen. The season was ahead, but as usual I was behind. A while back I did a post on<a href="http://kootenaygarden.blogspot.ca/2014/06/months-in-garden-by-state-of-mind.html" target="_blank"> garden seasons by states of mind.</a> This year the seasons are overlapping in weird ways, due partly to Nature and partly to poor management. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">In Nature, we had excess heat and drought in spring, followed by a coolish summer that keeps threatening or rather promising rain without delivering enough where we live. An upside down year, or is that backside front? </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">As mentioned before on this blog, efficiency has never been my middle name and my body has never been able to keep up with my mind. The ambitions of an elderly (73) gardener with a failing husband (80) got out of hand. The section at the dwelling level would be plenty to keep me busy. Next year I might just put the entire top garden in cover crops and give it a rest, apart from raspberries. (Yeah, right.....)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">In short, the season of panic and obsession never quite ended.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">For starters I focused on the greenhouse garden, starter plants and the beds below the greenhouse, as reported in earlier posts. I did not get seriously going in the big fenced top garden till late May. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">In some places the improvised boards had disintegrated, giving free access of the raised beds to the creeping buttercups, threadleaf veronica, yellow dock and others. They made the most of it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Title of this picture: OMG. WHERE DO I START?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">To begin with I put potatoes in the two beds that were still sturdy, in front in this picture. I also planted the section with the fortress boxes. Once again, lovingly seeded carrots FAILED, twice. This in spite of lavish application of crushed egg shells in between the rows. I ended up sticking celery and multiplier onions everywhere. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Was this a well thought out, planned decision? Heck no. I just happened to have all those beautiful celery plants. Yes, puppies and kitten syndrome struck again. I want lots to freeze for winter soups, but do I need that many? Multipliers one can never have enough of, and the few leeks are in here as well. Note the tide of weeds lapping at the edge of the frame. The paths had been covered with cardboard and hay the year before last. The weeds enjoyed the extra nutrients.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">On the other hand, whil</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">e I was still prepping and planting the big garden a bumper crop of raspberries demanded to be dealt with, starting the last days of June. We had already enjoyed some fresh potatoes robbed from the earliest planted bed, broccoli heads and side shoots, snow peas, bok choy, and mesclun mix, all from the blessed greenhouse. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIGH5t5bNcoioaE5swyEUlWnrXetHVaOU3v-eHiHalm6XYD7b7uIT0CmISz77u74deSVuFHBsahfhR4jdiZUE6xDOElDRxDw6nYGe-3yJMKhiwx6lSfA149poOYg3EmMtLcUoAsccW_Ng/s1600/Broccoli%2521+June+6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIGH5t5bNcoioaE5swyEUlWnrXetHVaOU3v-eHiHalm6XYD7b7uIT0CmISz77u74deSVuFHBsahfhR4jdiZUE6xDOElDRxDw6nYGe-3yJMKhiwx6lSfA149poOYg3EmMtLcUoAsccW_Ng/s640/Broccoli%2521+June+6.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">My prize broccoli from the greenhouse, June 6.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw9-nzXsJs9kuR4oBnj5c84ckoNErEnBwro9Jc_DDEkzZrc0aNgNLz2Yj5jzRmJxBat3-JD04XbX99UsM9TnWAeon4se4kepoMtpLgUTe3b0cuuCkzjhIaGSD9kJpfNOVHDcIiGD7Kh1k/s1600/First+spuds+June+22.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw9-nzXsJs9kuR4oBnj5c84ckoNErEnBwro9Jc_DDEkzZrc0aNgNLz2Yj5jzRmJxBat3-JD04XbX99UsM9TnWAeon4se4kepoMtpLgUTe3b0cuuCkzjhIaGSD9kJpfNOVHDcIiGD7Kh1k/s640/First+spuds+June+22.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Sieglinde potatoes on June 22!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I thought we would skip the 'season of disappointment' this year, but suddenly in mid July the early vegs were finished, even the lettuce in the planter on the deck went tough and bitter and bolted, and the main glut had not arrived yet. Beets were started early in the greenhouse but took forever to form roots. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">There was always enough to scrape together for a stir fry, but one expects more in July. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The first half of the summer flew by in a frenzy of work, not quite enjoyed because I felt constantly under pressure. Never mind the astrological detail, but it is a year for Saturn, the symbolic representation of hardship and duty. Into each life some rain must fall etc, and I have had more than my share of good fortune, so no whining.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Well, Gaia bless the zucchini. It must be August. I have finally reached the stage of 'jungle and resignation', together with fullness of harvest, and feel in harmony with the Wheel again. Of course we are not caught up and never will be, and of course the work continues. It is my passion and my joy. But some priority will be given to just sit in the shade with a book every afternoon. Shady lawn is the new beach, a sure sign of age and that is O.K.</span>
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Ien in the Kootenayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01766317652520657570noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8990106030730942804.post-3289813980162454082016-05-29T23:23:00.000-07:002016-06-08T08:20:59.145-07:00Notes on a cool day<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">In the middle of that frenzied time known as Panic Week(s), when everything is late and screaming to be planted already! we are having a change of weather. The earliest spring ever, with droughty weeks of above average temperatures, gave way to a cool rainy period. The ground is too wet to do anything. I didn't even set foot outside today. I hope my potted plants in the greenhouse forgive me because even they did not get checked. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The day's main accomplishment was the finishing of a jigsaw with two parrots on the iPad app. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWqCYsYkDr0X7g_fdZlJEkZTHtm3WaNFrSxYNH8NYrxfHrvn-YtsB_TT61N7BDW2Csd7MTj3wHvCmr_Uny2qsdLV7r7okUyLE5Te_NuiwqD725fXFLlj_VlfQcvTpyeyQ35qYDXBZ2hFo/s1600/parrots..png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWqCYsYkDr0X7g_fdZlJEkZTHtm3WaNFrSxYNH8NYrxfHrvn-YtsB_TT61N7BDW2Csd7MTj3wHvCmr_Uny2qsdLV7r7okUyLE5Te_NuiwqD725fXFLlj_VlfQcvTpyeyQ35qYDXBZ2hFo/s320/parrots..png" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Gaia knows why I find that useless activity the ultimate in relaxation, but I do. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I needed the rest.</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Meanwhile, let's record what we have so far. I am focusing flower efforts on the area right by the dwelling. Anything else that gets done will be bonus. Once again begonias were planted right by the stairs. Must clip back that periwinkle one of these days.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3kSlq8Pr5IcjT7M1Lf-tf-55kHgPz5yurml9ZgIVaXuY7VgtiP0XeGyGLq4RaL0oEzoV16wCZ97PawE8e3o1lPHNVb8TjbxM8jp752jL0cLhAy4bDx6L7ZU-Huq9htXAp-s0XfL_qh50/s1600/begonias.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3kSlq8Pr5IcjT7M1Lf-tf-55kHgPz5yurml9ZgIVaXuY7VgtiP0XeGyGLq4RaL0oEzoV16wCZ97PawE8e3o1lPHNVb8TjbxM8jp752jL0cLhAy4bDx6L7ZU-Huq9htXAp-s0XfL_qh50/s320/begonias.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I managed to get the 'lawn' mowed before the downpour but that is all. The yard zone needs trimming and weeding badly. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The clematis blooms abundantly in spite of neglect.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZr8cEfl49zh2hsXAYJV9IdsUpE-9xdRJe0Jf6ZgKdpAvmMZ2uqocWM75x0_TI24RonOf1m49ciykuoKw58MzSeX99DTosbaX07Ag1XM5QrryG2KJcwMn7jAFpQ9_gLM2EP5sT96QswT4/s1600/white+clematis.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZr8cEfl49zh2hsXAYJV9IdsUpE-9xdRJe0Jf6ZgKdpAvmMZ2uqocWM75x0_TI24RonOf1m49ciykuoKw58MzSeX99DTosbaX07Ag1XM5QrryG2KJcwMn7jAFpQ9_gLM2EP5sT96QswT4/s640/white+clematis.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The big flower border is going to wreck and ruin, too bad but we can only so much. The white peony was stunning but the pink lupin in the border died out. Lupins bloom freely all over the land. Let's leave them in peace in places of their choice and enjoy their beauty without striving for control. This stunning specimen is a volunteer.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz3_O8mVGpzQv1KfhgyVvnyx3lmwagYHYVGGAdLebBVUIQfGmGJh6ZFdtq08jnsGuflDS5cboheWyrenU66isXoZHDQmulPh_NXxo7bbcuagCNq07nknmWmlddLScLmAk7JFMTj6cymK4/s1600/pink+lupin.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz3_O8mVGpzQv1KfhgyVvnyx3lmwagYHYVGGAdLebBVUIQfGmGJh6ZFdtq08jnsGuflDS5cboheWyrenU66isXoZHDQmulPh_NXxo7bbcuagCNq07nknmWmlddLScLmAk7JFMTj6cymK4/s640/pink+lupin.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I got started at renewing the corner where the Michaelmas Daisy had degenerated, but never got finished. At some point food takes precedence.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhucjbApg7fIXdNofZxc9M6v-SNhhUEax7MTCNm0VGFr81GEnyDUo62hm8sb6MQSQtRtCRz7ooqHL0NGXtMYWflOsy6k8kCFPO6hsKirLg0LI8pikeq_Qaav19OGI_GhsC3vCng5tjBxHg/s1600/To+DO+corner+with+pots.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhucjbApg7fIXdNofZxc9M6v-SNhhUEax7MTCNm0VGFr81GEnyDUo62hm8sb6MQSQtRtCRz7ooqHL0NGXtMYWflOsy6k8kCFPO6hsKirLg0LI8pikeq_Qaav19OGI_GhsC3vCng5tjBxHg/s640/To+DO+corner+with+pots.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Speaking of food: the earliest Sieglinde potatoes are thriving under cover in the section I call the Greenhouse Zone. It has those nice sturdy boxes but no surrounding fence. The row cover does double duty as deer protection.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi95Ent5ZKW5A_SiCO2POpV3PLq0j_mxe6gX8YtJXyatkUTxQBdlptRSybZo1bxgLntozt-XtNtrn2MlpvtpJg16wTOBWWajwdAbeb4fD5mG_IKQre6NDqZXv3Gwurx8beELCBYBH5yN1g/s1600/Sieglinde.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi95Ent5ZKW5A_SiCO2POpV3PLq0j_mxe6gX8YtJXyatkUTxQBdlptRSybZo1bxgLntozt-XtNtrn2MlpvtpJg16wTOBWWajwdAbeb4fD5mG_IKQre6NDqZXv3Gwurx8beELCBYBH5yN1g/s640/Sieglinde.JPG" width="480" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif; font-size: large;">Brussels Sprouts are doing well in two of the four large beds in that section. They are accompanied by Lucullus chard and celery.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8GLB5MA66Ja9WTCTPxi-jzBWKTmZkY5GS4D58ndauh0n6jjK3iFPepLkb7b3ba8IgEM3uKjszy6g-VoFDX9GWsRuPtab1DdbA8I0laFDIiI8LiUOcLxJLSmFIG8chU4ALa-SB9RKeQkk/s1600/bs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8GLB5MA66Ja9WTCTPxi-jzBWKTmZkY5GS4D58ndauh0n6jjK3iFPepLkb7b3ba8IgEM3uKjszy6g-VoFDX9GWsRuPtab1DdbA8I0laFDIiI8LiUOcLxJLSmFIG8chU4ALa-SB9RKeQkk/s640/bs.JPG" width="480" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">One of the other large beds, below in front of the wheelbarrow, has Norland potatoes, and one is still full of flowers that need to be dug up first. Since this was taken the Norlands have come up and been covered as well.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgeZOu95wzLxIZIuENzDvFnYtBoyOBBmv0czs5t4xxikhmbd_qFHsZK1uHr2-OhgUPfOWucHjX7Jkqm7RQXkEE-H7IQYSbqH5Pe0kl641l1BPIv5jejBr0ae23RY4AKooQAPYf6qC-SbQ/s1600/bed+by+greenhouse+with+flowers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgeZOu95wzLxIZIuENzDvFnYtBoyOBBmv0czs5t4xxikhmbd_qFHsZK1uHr2-OhgUPfOWucHjX7Jkqm7RQXkEE-H7IQYSbqH5Pe0kl641l1BPIv5jejBr0ae23RY4AKooQAPYf6qC-SbQ/s640/bed+by+greenhouse+with+flowers.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">A few years ago I stuck a few irises in front of the greenhouse, "just for now". They have gone nuts and were glorious. The picture does not do them justice.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsIHd39qlBTWmC6k7IbNhr7MGVDj9RhZAFCZf9CQ-JVJ0QvR5qcvZwRsSgAQwSw3zd6af3hgXG5Hek0jxPn4CRM52LtkuXKwlV-GoJq162ssKIITT9xwh5GnJpD2x_WaIt9XYF-o-2Zyc/s1600/Irises+by+greenhouse.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsIHd39qlBTWmC6k7IbNhr7MGVDj9RhZAFCZf9CQ-JVJ0QvR5qcvZwRsSgAQwSw3zd6af3hgXG5Hek0jxPn4CRM52LtkuXKwlV-GoJq162ssKIITT9xwh5GnJpD2x_WaIt9XYF-o-2Zyc/s640/Irises+by+greenhouse.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I could happily spend an afternoon tidying up that area, BUT. Food first. Inside the greenhouse things are going well.</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtb7sLpNO0sSZWwh2QiywXun5OqpWK4cYaH2CzyWSn-hdx2VBlASHiNNPdp-rczeU-ojtT5156RcGBfJ3qWYS4FVvGIAMoW2ZQ6GBl84XgbB3YGBH6kqU62tLiEVt9EiiyrPA6V_Qdw50/s1600/big+broccoli.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtb7sLpNO0sSZWwh2QiywXun5OqpWK4cYaH2CzyWSn-hdx2VBlASHiNNPdp-rczeU-ojtT5156RcGBfJ3qWYS4FVvGIAMoW2ZQ6GBl84XgbB3YGBH6kqU62tLiEVt9EiiyrPA6V_Qdw50/s640/big+broccoli.JPG" width="640" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I should have planted just one broccoli plant in this spot, more towards the middle. I almost did but greed overtook me. When will I learn? This variety, Packman, keeps giving side shoots for months. In the meantime this bed also holds two tomato plants in cages and two short rows of Jade bush beans.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The 3 by 4 boxes are planted in early greens and snow peas for now. Look Ma, flowers! That is only the few who survived being prestarted and transplanted.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcLASldcO0tuuHH2EWJpVCa4KbHnIjy_aDbVVjegseNpSnDyiOoyGLM3OAIqjMKzkkVfuW-Oq53YLrBg0cEsKYTsKKnEwUAPkgC74XSHFOTroIvWr3L-Doj0Cvw71oMhcf9uJjSy00C84/s1600/flowering+peas+in+greenhouse.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcLASldcO0tuuHH2EWJpVCa4KbHnIjy_aDbVVjegseNpSnDyiOoyGLM3OAIqjMKzkkVfuW-Oq53YLrBg0cEsKYTsKKnEwUAPkgC74XSHFOTroIvWr3L-Doj0Cvw71oMhcf9uJjSy00C84/s640/flowering+peas+in+greenhouse.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The other ones are catching up fast. The spinach in this bed has gone to seed, and meanwhile the green onions have been harvested. In between the peas and the bok choy is now a short row of Roc d'Or snap bans.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlHggLcEKuxBUxplc5KNjHdyGcLp1bNHYJJCsaV4E-dKohvyvbCu6BimBicLwtlKC9p4G0ksAgiHV6dyEiiTtNmHeHBG-Sa6KCrcG_HKP3SUxrnYjfrEKjCuQjC4kZUNTmhwZ0j4xs7Jk/s1600/bok+choy+in+greenhouse.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlHggLcEKuxBUxplc5KNjHdyGcLp1bNHYJJCsaV4E-dKohvyvbCu6BimBicLwtlKC9p4G0ksAgiHV6dyEiiTtNmHeHBG-Sa6KCrcG_HKP3SUxrnYjfrEKjCuQjC4kZUNTmhwZ0j4xs7Jk/s640/bok+choy+in+greenhouse.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Then there are many plants on the big table patiently waiting their turn to be planted out or potted up. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7tVIGgaj1NtYHeYW8f2xizKWXvoz0sM0ANr1IwwmDoCnwXfLlYeA3_zuI-qREyO59Lmbi7iDaXDz6o04ZqsR2lM-NfWvIp2kAxHQ3OtQwRGsLEuCVbfJu5Z41GPobbgDsf02YvEJIIH8/s1600/table+with+brassicas.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7tVIGgaj1NtYHeYW8f2xizKWXvoz0sM0ANr1IwwmDoCnwXfLlYeA3_zuI-qREyO59Lmbi7iDaXDz6o04ZqsR2lM-NfWvIp2kAxHQ3OtQwRGsLEuCVbfJu5Z41GPobbgDsf02YvEJIIH8/s640/table+with+brassicas.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">But that is a whole other post.</span><br />
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Ien in the Kootenayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01766317652520657570noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8990106030730942804.post-62301867639064937752016-05-03T14:03:00.001-07:002016-05-03T14:03:58.378-07:00Somebody knows my days! Buy this book. Seriously.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">No pictures for this quickie post, I am preparing an extensive OMG WHERE DO WE START? tour. Just a heads up about a book.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">If you are a gardener, or know one, the book "Crazy about gardening" by Des Kennedy is priceless. It is not a how to book, it is about life as a gardener. It has been around since 1994 but was new to me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I am an inefficient dabbler, always have been and most likely always will be. Trying to be efficient merely results in paralysis, so I have given up on that. I still always think that the land would be in near perfect order <i>if only </i>I were better at setting priorities! This is a post I did to a facebook gardening group.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">Why does everything I am trying to do lead to me standing at the sink in the greenhouse potting up? Yesterday I swore I would put the already chitted, cut up and healed over potatoes in. But first I had to remove the thick pile of leaves that someone had given me and that I had dumped in the boxes below the greenhouse, "just for now", last fall. The potatoes have to go there. Underneath I found a rhubarb plant I had also stuck there. "Just for now". I have a few other rhubarb plants desperate to be relocat</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #141823; display: inline; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">ed. There is a perfect place for them too, but that place has been occupied by Meadowsweet, which needs to be moved to the fenced garden's herb section because it turns out deer love it. I know several people who would love a plant, and next week is the big fund raiser plant sale for the local SPCA equivalent, so......off to the potting place we go. I had been toying with the idea of doing a market table with perennials once in a while, but forgot how much work it is.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Des Kennedy description of an afternoon in May, with a long list of chores, each one more urgent and overdue than the other, had me </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">laughing out loud. I feel comforted I am not alone in my madness.</span></span><br />
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Ien in the Kootenayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01766317652520657570noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8990106030730942804.post-27114062317327146632016-04-03T22:40:00.000-07:002016-05-29T21:12:05.113-07:00Little flowers in the chaos<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">It is April 3. The snow has been gone for weeks. The roof is back on the greenhouse. The last few days it has been warm enough to remove the sweater, once we get going. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I believe it is safe to say that the season of garden obsession is fully upon us.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">My energy leaves to be desired this spring. I am chomping at the bit on some days and "do I have to?" on others. This could be a normal reaction to stress (spouse is not well) or the fact that I am not sixty anymore, or a return of colon cancer. Fatigue was the only symptom 4 years ago. I am being a good girl and having a checkup tomorrow. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Meanwhile I am determined to enjoy the process no matter what and not beat myself over the head with the enormous To DO list. The envisioned perfection will never be reached anyway. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Apart from adding to the compost pile, standing around envisioning and nibbling a few fresh kale leaves I have done nothing in the top garden yet. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Today I mainly felt like playing with flowers.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The first flush of early spring flowers is gone, leaving the usual straggly mess of green that we must put up with if we want to have them back next year. After just sitting there for some years Eranthis AKA Aconite seems determined to take over the yard.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik3Yxj4thT50nWCWTPKqD4SZ5YGzeoxEX9vWg3Yi_46GaNPajWKoHZnZhvM4hxC7xG2plKqyK_vXrh57pGdL2mY5Qf3e_H7k-ZcjTgKWHaH8uL59lY58wDUlNCYuCpckB2HOLpnw8XER0/s1600/IMG_2223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik3Yxj4thT50nWCWTPKqD4SZ5YGzeoxEX9vWg3Yi_46GaNPajWKoHZnZhvM4hxC7xG2plKqyK_vXrh57pGdL2mY5Qf3e_H7k-ZcjTgKWHaH8uL59lY58wDUlNCYuCpckB2HOLpnw8XER0/s640/IMG_2223.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It takes a few years from seed to flower, I am not sure how many. First there is just one tiny leaf, then a single frilly leaf. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOsc3K-KrvRME3CcgPdubg7KCByyy2FTVqbPyvQEnQXgPo5MAsD_xBCqLQVeY2Yny_mg5pk74eUQWYjxPE2lgGB2t8Hv2BQ8IKNUuCFL3OTRMmCel3dm1JNXHk8nWO2tdSx4KGcb90oO4/s1600/eranthis+seedlings.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOsc3K-KrvRME3CcgPdubg7KCByyy2FTVqbPyvQEnQXgPo5MAsD_xBCqLQVeY2Yny_mg5pk74eUQWYjxPE2lgGB2t8Hv2BQ8IKNUuCFL3OTRMmCel3dm1JNXHk8nWO2tdSx4KGcb90oO4/s640/eranthis+seedlings.JPG" width="480" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I just love it, so let it spread. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">In between the mess the daffodils have started to bloom, accompanied by small primroses and Siberian blue quill. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAM4U6T9PBhBxzp7uxydTPWU0CMnUluKpOk9YH45hQX09v9SkbXvZ-Trd0_8IRQc5WAcU6Xt2OxLpJay9YPsoiCaixKroBZwRv30HFpbkTdH0WeLSu8vUBuD8owMZP6BKaKzLMMQIYc3U/s1600/IMG_2218.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAM4U6T9PBhBxzp7uxydTPWU0CMnUluKpOk9YH45hQX09v9SkbXvZ-Trd0_8IRQc5WAcU6Xt2OxLpJay9YPsoiCaixKroBZwRv30HFpbkTdH0WeLSu8vUBuD8owMZP6BKaKzLMMQIYc3U/s640/IMG_2218.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Coltsfoot should have come with a warning. I would have kept it contained, or planted it in the semi wild if I had known its invasive habits. It </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">will be making a nuisance of itself later in </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">the beds below the greenhouse. R</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">ight now its bright flowers, poking through the sawdust mulch in the pathways, are a cheery sight. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGphAcAjXdDZysT_KucBNM79DQkLxbTGgelXEzxFcK_47qGJRABKofrsqvgWHBBngwOHoY7vsSPmRd6yROVrAY3q33kaLjxQzjsYZ2CXgcDZEGF6D0rQd1zGYXNbEyM9mMdJWrI8YnrAo/s1600/coltsfoot+flowers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGphAcAjXdDZysT_KucBNM79DQkLxbTGgelXEzxFcK_47qGJRABKofrsqvgWHBBngwOHoY7vsSPmRd6yROVrAY3q33kaLjxQzjsYZ2CXgcDZEGF6D0rQd1zGYXNbEyM9mMdJWrI8YnrAo/s640/coltsfoot+flowers.JPG" width="480" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Springing up here and there in the weedy 'lawn' and at the edge of flowerbeds desperate for attention and compost are tiny sweet violets.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEBAxNFzLM5u1BpvuBqaaYq71cS6278UNsQEjzT5OIXfsKUlmqSrSDw01Z7FARZd0pqAtgwCV8gd4jAd4gPXIAO3ANDkJ_fX42ivIebk_ehbdYSbIhfGR18Wshnn78D7oMm41C51hmNvc/s1600/IMG_2226.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEBAxNFzLM5u1BpvuBqaaYq71cS6278UNsQEjzT5OIXfsKUlmqSrSDw01Z7FARZd0pqAtgwCV8gd4jAd4gPXIAO3ANDkJ_fX42ivIebk_ehbdYSbIhfGR18Wshnn78D7oMm41C51hmNvc/s640/IMG_2226.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I had some</span> violas in a container last year, and they actually came back, yeah! They are company for hyacinths that spent the winter in a veg bed but are now being honoured in a planter. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBuJ0xQoHWRbomh77yGgwLotLQ17Wd9nnupKfFlLsQw-MyB97Uvd-24tnr-vbJq3KLKqhR06NCTfzja4vkg9RIXOl1eJX2NJmMOUn7TAKU3REHpW8TQSNtslqItUFRathyphenhyphenOpACPsrL5DY/s1600/IMG_2224.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBuJ0xQoHWRbomh77yGgwLotLQ17Wd9nnupKfFlLsQw-MyB97Uvd-24tnr-vbJq3KLKqhR06NCTfzja4vkg9RIXOl1eJX2NJmMOUn7TAKU3REHpW8TQSNtslqItUFRathyphenhyphenOpACPsrL5DY/s640/IMG_2224.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">If I were sane I would just have a few nice big planters for flowers and let it go at that. Needless to say that will not happen. As a compromise the big flower border will be filled with fewer varieties, all undemanding. Even so, there is always need for maintenance. Last year the Michaelmas daisies had become a grassed over, tangled mess with bare spots in between. Golden Glow, </span><span style="font-size: large;">its perennial companion in early fall, </span><span style="font-size: large;">was barely visible after being repeatedly deered and invaded by grass. I have started digging that whole section up. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Something entirely different. Last year my <a href="http://kootenaygarden.blogspot.ca/2015/08/bent-out-of-shape-learning-curve-with.html" target="_blank">struggles with hoops </a>ended with the serendipitous discovery of the seven foot bow, consisting of a five foot length of PVC and part of the rebar. PVC in my neck of the woods comes in 10 foot lengths. Rather than trying to fence in this whole garden with a wobbly construction I will just use hoops over each individual bed. Cheaper and faster, though it does mean a small change of plans. I know from experience that one does not always get around to lifting the netting to work underneath it. Therefor, rather than fiddly little things like carrots, I will use these beds for less labour intensive plants like Brussels Sprouts and potatoes. I have started already.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisOPm834yzgYIX91CZkVCMroLGCZc_67C3o1SvFzj1gKKxc0AfaTMBiDMqFWEf5CqdxH8P9wAbCrZSPcobIZe8wGYJsBpRAiZes2VR8t-SQHJs9kKbdl3pmIKIiIy80DLkmqfmap60FMo/s1600/IMG_2228.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisOPm834yzgYIX91CZkVCMroLGCZc_67C3o1SvFzj1gKKxc0AfaTMBiDMqFWEf5CqdxH8P9wAbCrZSPcobIZe8wGYJsBpRAiZes2VR8t-SQHJs9kKbdl3pmIKIiIy80DLkmqfmap60FMo/s640/IMG_2228.JPG" width="480" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The small square behind the cardboard was planted with Sieglinde potatoes today. I had a bunch that were sprouting. </span><span style="font-size: large;">They take a long time and do not yield as much as other varieties but they are delicious. Remay will be installed once they start showing. The cardboard still has to be covered with nicer looking sawdust.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The square behind there is devoted to Egyptian walking onions. Most of these will not be eaten, but will be encouraged to set seed for replanting. They give the earliest greens of the year, beating out even fall-planted multipliers. I learned this spring that there is no advantage in planting them in the greenhouse.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPqobzykrlTCA2xwRHwVaQmZ3kdO2nY-7prnqCaQukWDZ2ZXeHf9swzCU7dE3hH4-tFIsR37L0xHMxrmrNVxoxC7ezX_fEAd0Y902-4X72WPDpsgoH8IzBkXCxVfXJ1Ia6SB2T6BSVzBE/s1600/green+onions.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPqobzykrlTCA2xwRHwVaQmZ3kdO2nY-7prnqCaQukWDZ2ZXeHf9swzCU7dE3hH4-tFIsR37L0xHMxrmrNVxoxC7ezX_fEAd0Y902-4X72WPDpsgoH8IzBkXCxVfXJ1Ia6SB2T6BSVzBE/s640/green+onions.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And finally, in the spirit of permaculture, some lettuces and arugula were allowed to go to seed in the far square bed. It worked! Behold, extra early Freckles romaine babies! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0XS3c2MdhfnSbDL4rCToFfbLbjcJ6-3ZHEV9Cb_akQBAf1Jpxfban6jV5Ysr_Y-YBFaWYMN9lZXOi7VieWxcoxClVqI5jpTU5387pwvOCzMHO_S5CrKhfhMeivlRWwLehOWW3F7waZg4/s1600/IMG_2233.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0XS3c2MdhfnSbDL4rCToFfbLbjcJ6-3ZHEV9Cb_akQBAf1Jpxfban6jV5Ysr_Y-YBFaWYMN9lZXOi7VieWxcoxClVqI5jpTU5387pwvOCzMHO_S5CrKhfhMeivlRWwLehOWW3F7waZg4/s640/IMG_2233.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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Ien in the Kootenayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01766317652520657570noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8990106030730942804.post-73472341801172165532016-03-10T21:37:00.001-08:002016-03-10T21:41:14.912-08:00First Flowers, First Fails.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Is there no mercy? The snow is not even totally gone yet and already we are reporting the first fail. But wait. First something more cheerful. We had a mild winter followed by an early spring. We may pay for this with drought, fires and low water in the lake/reservoir this summer, but let us rejoice today.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The earliest ever blooming flower, in the sheltered bed below the living room, even earlier than snow drops. February 23, beating the previous record by 4 days.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_oKk0TvpH6TAp_fQxXDUurAv_kjLECujCrS5xbBN0Zcx8EnYdUJT6Q_b0MeSGwY0M2kYDsipOmBUOO5K3C84vJ1Hyoij-CeinJR7vNTGGPGC74Kf_h2cCyUCMSZSTw46P0bBVkaDX6hU/s1600/IMG_2184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_oKk0TvpH6TAp_fQxXDUurAv_kjLECujCrS5xbBN0Zcx8EnYdUJT6Q_b0MeSGwY0M2kYDsipOmBUOO5K3C84vJ1Hyoij-CeinJR7vNTGGPGC74Kf_h2cCyUCMSZSTw46P0bBVkaDX6hU/s640/IMG_2184.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">These brave aconites have been joined by many more of their sisters, as well as snowdrops and purple crocus. That early flush is now at its peak, March 10. I find it hard to get a nice overview picture but we get the idea. I did not want to lie down on the wet ground this morning, which is what it takes to do them justice. We had a dusting of snow, which does not faze them at all. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Now the fail. My beloved leeks will be fewer and later. One cannot start them early enough. February is good, January better. Last year I had them in a <a href="https://www.blogger.com/"><span id="goog_2145485198"></span>planter in the window sill and that worked great.<span id="goog_2145485199"></span></a> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">First I discovered that leeks were not part of the leftover seed stash. I made a rush order for just leeks, but somehow William Dam forgot them and they did not arrive till later, included in the main order. Still, they were planted in mid February, not too bad. The planter had become damaged and I thought I'd be extra clever this year: fill the planter with 2x2 pots and do a precision seeding, 16 0r 9 in each pot. Using a skewer for a dibber, one tiny seed at the time. Painstaking is the word. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Well. Somehow the precision seeded babies were not happy. Only a few pots came up. I suspect they got too dry.</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Meanwhile the new toy was performing nicely. We enjoyed a few crops of baby arugula and some tender salads. I ripped out the arugula and planted leeks in one of the containers, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">just for good measure.The seeds in the grow light contraption, watered consistently from below , did much better. I also planted one container with celery. It came up surprisingly fast. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The contraption lives in the living room, which is kept ridiculously warm because of old spouse. Meanwhile I started preparing the big grow lights, which live in the reflexology room that is kept much cooler. In order to save on electricity I will move the celery and leeks to the cool room, where I will also start some brassicas, mainly broccoli and Brussels sprouts. The four planters in the living room can house tomatoes and peppers. I hope to get this done in the next few days. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Outside the perennial onions are coming up strong!</span><br />
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Ien in the Kootenayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01766317652520657570noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8990106030730942804.post-54720399343258585472016-01-21T15:05:00.004-08:002016-01-25T16:52:48.142-08:00MOAR grow lights!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The Indoor Garden contraption that I first saw on Lee Valley has been on my wish list for some time. I finally treated myself to it. I have grow lights for starting bedding plants, these are extra and will serve for microgreens. </span><span style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif; font-size: large;">With shipping and taxes included I paid almost $180. A tub full of California spring mix is around $6. You do the math. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">However, apart from the question how much longer we can count on California, and considerations of carbon footprints and all that, I need the therapy. Life has been somewhat challenging lately.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The words "assembly required" inspired some dread, but assembly was duly provided. By your's truly. If grandma Moses could start painting after 70 it may not be too late for me to become a handywoman.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">One thing I did right last fall was preparing for an early start in spring. Starter trays and pots, pails of fresh potting mix as well as a batch of Super COF are standing by on the deck. It is a mess but it is there. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Behold my new toy! Filled with COF enriched potting mix, capillary mat functioning beautifully, planted with mesclun mix, arugula and baby spinach. Let the growing therapy begin.</span><br />
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Ien in the Kootenayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01766317652520657570noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8990106030730942804.post-14530387896989792352015-12-21T15:35:00.000-08:002015-12-26T12:06:03.680-08:00Asparagus to Zucchini 2015<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">By the time I reach Zucchini it is the Winter Solstice. So it goes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">It is </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">November. Snow is creeping down the mountain and will reach our level soon. We f</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">inally had a light frost on November 10 and a killing frost this morning, November 16, a record I believe. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I am still putzing around tidying up some loose ends, and not everything that I wanted to accomplish got done. That was to be expected. Never mind perfection, or what is next year for? Overall it was a good season and I feel quite content. By now gardening is a chore. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I feel ready to pack it in for the winter.</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Serious reading, cooking and the blogosphere are calling. Soon. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Meanwhile we might as well get started on the almost-annual Asparagus to Zucchini post. </span><br />
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<u style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">Asparagus.</u><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Behold the jungle in August. The tallest fern must have been 8 feet high. We finally had a serious harvest this spring, with several meals a week for a month or so. It was wonderful and I look forward to more.</span><br />
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<u style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">Beans</u><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Did I even take pictures? I don't think so. The season was so long and hot I regret not trying to grow some dry beans. I also could have left more room for bush beans to share with friends. Too many healthy brassica plants led once again to puppies and kitten syndrome. How much kale does one household need unless there are chickens? Oh wait, chickens were one of the projects I was hoping to get done. Not. Maybe never again. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Anyway, we had all the fresh beans we wanted from mid July to late September and have quite a few bags in the freezer. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I played with a few different varieties of pole bean this year. The oriental yard long one was disappointing. It took forever to get going and the plants were not healthy. The novelty aspect was cute but the taste was meh. This would be worth the effort if there were grandchildren to impress. Emerite was not much earlier than Blue Lake. The latter do the best and I love the taste. Keep it simple! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Note for next year: do prestart some bush beans in the greenhouse. Like zucchini, they are best fresh as a seasonal treat and the sooner we get them the better. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><u>Beets</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The voles were mostly absent this year. I saw one at the start of the season and that was it. It may be a natural fluctuation or the presence of a visiting cat adding to the efforts of the resident. Anyway I am grateful. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I had a nice planting of small Kestrel Hybrid beets. The second planting, golden beets, suffered from not being thinned in time. Somehow I did not get around to planting more in time, which is a shame. </span><br />
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<u style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">Broccoli</u><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Pacman Hybrid is just fabulous. The succession of plants was less than perfect but the original six, planted in May, kept giving side shoots all summer. The second generation yielded some heads but they were no larger than the side shoots from summer, pictured below. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><u>Brussels Sprouts</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The best ever! This picture is from October. It is now early December. The sprouts were not large but solid, mostly undamaged and there were no gaps on the stalk. We have been enjoying them as a side for weeks. There is another meal or two worth in the fridge and 4 stalks are sitting in a pail outside, frozen solid. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><u>Cabbage</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I had planned more of a succession and did not quite pull that off. We did get 2 nice small savoys in early summer but I had been counting on the second generation of brassicas. The fall crop did not do well. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Last year a second generation brassicas followed the garlic and did great. I thought I was on to something. This year the starts got badly slugged in infancy. I must admit to some neglect as well. They should have been thinned and potted up sooner. Anyway, the plants that went in were smaller and September was much cooler than last year. A few Farao white cabbages made it to useful size, though small. The Savoys, my favourites, were a dud.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><u>Carrots</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">You'd think with my loose sandy soil I would have a bumper crop. Once they get going they do fine, but I have a hard time getting them started these days. Slugs are the main problem. It is quite normal to have to plant several times. Lining the rows with crushed egg shells helps a bit. I also did not always get around to timely thinning of the later plantings. The square foot method, planting in clusters 10 cm apart, causes gaps in the row where slugs have hit. I will keep trying. We make carrot juice almost daily, so I could use several beds worth.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><u>Cauliflower</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I got two nice heads in early summer, in spite of heat and drought, always a triumph.</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Vae2HD-G37TWqIWh6Hd7HmKm6ekJxTOVrt5dwa0hL4c1hDkK4C74n3vQiX779loB5bBAjTonwTSCVo0ySSFYhBtvuFiOTGLU0eBjZoODuaHcV4C2NnXGwlfYg1rlMZNsADOxHWwBcTk/s1600/caulkiflower.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Vae2HD-G37TWqIWh6Hd7HmKm6ekJxTOVrt5dwa0hL4c1hDkK4C74n3vQiX779loB5bBAjTonwTSCVo0ySSFYhBtvuFiOTGLU0eBjZoODuaHcV4C2NnXGwlfYg1rlMZNsADOxHWwBcTk/s640/caulkiflower.JPG" width="640" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><u><br /></u></span>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> I had hoped for some of those crazy green fractal things in fall. Romanesco, variety Veronica Hybrid did great last year. This year Veronica did not make it, see note on second crop of brassicas. Close but no cigar.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><u>Celery</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I started my own from seed, and wonder why I did not bother to do that earlier?</span><span style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif; font-size: large;"> Like their cousin parsley they take their time coming up, but are excellent sports about being transplanted. I cook a lot of soup, which always starts with the holy trinity of onion-garlic/celery/carrot. Why did I never bother freezing celery before? Chop it up, freeze first on cookie sheet, bag. I had lots but could have used even more. Plan for next year is to dehydrate more of the leaves.</span><br />
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<u style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">Chard</u><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Both Rainbow chard and the light green Lucullus grew well as usual. I grow the rainbow mix mainly for pretty. I should grow even more Lucullus for freezing. For dentally challenged seniors a soft sauteed side of chopped greens is easier than a salad. </span><br />
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<u style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">Cucumber</u><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I only had three, then two plants and that was plenty for fresh eating and sharing. Marketmore, a tried and true OP variety, did better than the expensive hybrid, which was supposed to be resistant to all sorts of cucumber ailments. This was the first time I had used trellis and net instead of a tripod. What a difference! Picture below is from July. They had a late start but caught up fast.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGYCQ7B_noFpZuvdwmjFR3BBOK4FcoJvDkrvnt1ox0muhbQfgzHuFBu3KqAI7KmK-uVHuW2ZswLMuXF5BoT9Eaf7HArnFvroDRX3nA0aWysPlLyhzCOd4k9POyF-6ty9EG2g9ZCEE2F8A/s1600/cucumber.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGYCQ7B_noFpZuvdwmjFR3BBOK4FcoJvDkrvnt1ox0muhbQfgzHuFBu3KqAI7KmK-uVHuW2ZswLMuXF5BoT9Eaf7HArnFvroDRX3nA0aWysPlLyhzCOd4k9POyF-6ty9EG2g9ZCEE2F8A/s640/cucumber.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<u style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">Egg plant</u><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We had egg plant! I had no idea they would get as big as they did. Kip at the market told me to just get the plain purple variety since they are more prolific than the fancy white or striped ones. He may have been right. They will get more room next year.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU5H1_yZidvCtdMWtIJHoCtdagmA9hfsCIjtnpP3MK86vU1sz56eSseX8zUzOawIk3ieEgSR4zM2RdNMiN-yF7CPy4AYYw5AIbJ8byJSvGuFkpdfF56RIpZfu77bWbamAUlyD77kKspHw/s1600/egg+plant.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU5H1_yZidvCtdMWtIJHoCtdagmA9hfsCIjtnpP3MK86vU1sz56eSseX8zUzOawIk3ieEgSR4zM2RdNMiN-yF7CPy4AYYw5AIbJ8byJSvGuFkpdfF56RIpZfu77bWbamAUlyD77kKspHw/s640/egg+plant.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> They are so pretty I would grow them for the flowers alone. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfF2DwzqPywePr08TSH7fJhpyUvGOBeb3Wc_s8nLIZqgp7DJq1huJHpRrz5Cw1wjs_EKQ0vXux7UyHd63QxniY6bdV_z9stLnbJ3Jy_gMBvrr_Rc7q7ZAUfRtnRTEPj2j3sBFpRUMaR9g/s1600/egg+plant+flowers+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfF2DwzqPywePr08TSH7fJhpyUvGOBeb3Wc_s8nLIZqgp7DJq1huJHpRrz5Cw1wjs_EKQ0vXux7UyHd63QxniY6bdV_z9stLnbJ3Jy_gMBvrr_Rc7q7ZAUfRtnRTEPj2j3sBFpRUMaR9g/s640/egg+plant+flowers+%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><u>Garlic</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">They were small this year because they did not get watered much, but rot damage was only 10%. Most years between 25 and 30% of bulbs are affected. I refuse to give up growing my own garlic. The bulbs that are not affected store well, so we just plant extra, give them extra space between bulbs and buy fresh seed every year.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><u>Greens</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Greens of all kinds were enjoyed from April till November. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">You'd think someone with 10 acres would not need a container garden on the deck? Think again. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Arugula goes to seed at the slightest hint of heat. I now grow it in a pot on the shady deck, more like a herb than a vegetable. Ideally, start a fresh pot every 4 weeks. I love my planters for </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">those times when you just want a few lettuce leaves for a sandwich or some parsley to garnish lunch. As mentioned, salads are hard to chew for dentally challenged seniors. We don't need as much lettuce as we used to. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix74lH99bmPrPRQEECCsgjFVPBNus3vhs-lT3ra5QYe54_YxARLamPtZ_2WggGxCTAyrlGOw7FxG0Oots0vj1fdQhmLv9qPOfiCZZtQRQN2qePmC_2eBG9uesl_Wi6etNTjPptwfSj0zw/s1600/bok+choy+in+planter.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix74lH99bmPrPRQEECCsgjFVPBNus3vhs-lT3ra5QYe54_YxARLamPtZ_2WggGxCTAyrlGOw7FxG0Oots0vj1fdQhmLv9qPOfiCZZtQRQN2qePmC_2eBG9uesl_Wi6etNTjPptwfSj0zw/s640/bok+choy+in+planter.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Pak Choy goes to seed when it is hot as well and slugs go ape over it when it is young. I started some in a planter on the deck instead. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6SBE4Be1h744JmRJzEdOfGh0i-40rTISgNVEJd7OkeVmTSUuFSvlA3CrmvGvg5_f0XHhnkvkBB0AXtJXRD1Nn6Pv86hyefhc3acOn2Kz01KxKqZ2R7Tsy2yJgjL_MUEhqGnTpY5ibpNc/s1600/salad+on+balcony.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6SBE4Be1h744JmRJzEdOfGh0i-40rTISgNVEJd7OkeVmTSUuFSvlA3CrmvGvg5_f0XHhnkvkBB0AXtJXRD1Nn6Pv86hyefhc3acOn2Kz01KxKqZ2R7Tsy2yJgjL_MUEhqGnTpY5ibpNc/s640/salad+on+balcony.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">It is amazing how much one planter with leaf lettuce will yield if you just keep taking the outer leaves. Freckles Romaine remains my favourite. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><u>Kale</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Where there is compost there will be kale as a welcome weed. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe4HwFcU55TIXqYglHTP9vdvpT58_fJONSF79ucx5_EuU8ot7UAP4YF76Rs_wdIx1AgGDQ28QWFpIJTaFDK6ByUMu0kWkmUkvp7zluJYaSXrbSL0WNA-25y5OZVfNxfZV9w2pd9JEIufo/s1600/compost.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe4HwFcU55TIXqYglHTP9vdvpT58_fJONSF79ucx5_EuU8ot7UAP4YF76Rs_wdIx1AgGDQ28QWFpIJTaFDK6ByUMu0kWkmUkvp7zluJYaSXrbSL0WNA-25y5OZVfNxfZV9w2pd9JEIufo/s640/compost.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif; font-size: large;">I call the picture below "Fifty shades of kale". </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Somehow the three varieties I have planted (Dutch curly, red Russian and Lacinato) have crossed and created many versions of themselves, all slightly different in leaf shape and colour. I love it. Most of the harvest was dehydrated. I use it in all sorts of dishes that call for chopped spinach and have given quite a bit away as well.</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAs5FMlnwZOeS4VxaP582omFi0-lYTOE_rfoddW0dq7CtEbMjsoAbuYDvtRzr8cLVlwGNuJVUuP6UeumGho1W72C0ofOwMYA3GrCr1ZVP8nRre_6p94kxDLgPJ-CpTNUyNIPnLiZ1Oono/s1600/KALE.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAs5FMlnwZOeS4VxaP582omFi0-lYTOE_rfoddW0dq7CtEbMjsoAbuYDvtRzr8cLVlwGNuJVUuP6UeumGho1W72C0ofOwMYA3GrCr1ZVP8nRre_6p94kxDLgPJ-CpTNUyNIPnLiZ1Oono/s640/KALE.JPG" width="640" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><u><br /></u></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><u>Leeks</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Best harvest ever! Thanks to the planter in the window sill there were tons of seedlings to set out. Next year I will give them a few more side dressings of some high N substance, probably feather meal. The giants produced by the local grower show that there is much room for improvement. I am not complaining. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif; font-size: large;">We had our last fresh leeks just before Solstice.</span><br />
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<u style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">Onions</u><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Regular onions get fungused so I don't bother with them. Green onions are one of my favorite things. Multipliers and top setting onions did well. I finally have it together to get fresh salad onions late in the season: start some rows of bunching onions at the same time as you plant your multipliers. They will take their time but will be ready when your bulbs go to seed. I might plant even more multipliers for winter eating. They always keep well.</span><br />
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<u style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">Peas</u><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I just love getting a head start on snow peas in the spring greenhouse. Once the season gets really going it can get too hot fast. I only grow snow peas and sugar snaps. Shelling peas are not on the list of gotta-be-organic. Considering how much garden space they take up and how cheap frozen peas are in the grocery store I don't bother. I would if I had small children or grand children. There is something so magical about opening up a package of garden candy. In spite of the heat they did well this year. The key to enjoy them from the the freezer is to give them the berry treatment: freeze spread out on cookie sheet before bagging.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5eym3O-zlFE16sgM_PmSCMpAnEg60V822QJiKCgW6NnR5P5jMSP8LftlLs6NeAlkZH3ZiQTXaZAHWW9u1jy2kKFNOT5TfF8U_JOcDWouZ_wkpfsrZQOlf-CDY2ZrEk3DV81DkIL9Jotk/s1600/first+pea+blossom.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5eym3O-zlFE16sgM_PmSCMpAnEg60V822QJiKCgW6NnR5P5jMSP8LftlLs6NeAlkZH3ZiQTXaZAHWW9u1jy2kKFNOT5TfF8U_JOcDWouZ_wkpfsrZQOlf-CDY2ZrEk3DV81DkIL9Jotk/s640/first+pea+blossom.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><u>Peppers</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Nothing to write home about or take pictures of, which is disappointing considering the excellent season. I suspect an unbalance of nitrogen and potassium. We had some and will keep trying. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><u>Potatoes</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">They are perhaps the ultimate survival crop and there are never enough. These days we eat less rice and more potatoes because dentally challenged. </span><span style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif; font-size: large;">They did reasonably well but I always think it ought to be more. The plan for next year is to plant more of the top garden in potatoes and manage the close to the house sections very intensely. They absolutely loved being under row cover during flea beetle season! One small bed below the greenhouse got row cover by way of deer protection. What a difference! This picture was taken after the Remay was replaced with PVC hoops and netting. Hardly any beetle holes while the cousins up the hill were full of pin pricks. MOAR REMAY! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji3_WO2rR4hKXG9He1w9JH5qGT68DQsnoK6hlFMf981MZIjFbRK2EqAdKCfuufsm50Ns_Gt_brTHy3yUl84Rw0K897nvPPEdthUoo0zZqTyvEQIYVz9tBzhjDLGBgajWM8951G0lHENjk/s1600/potatoes+close+up.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji3_WO2rR4hKXG9He1w9JH5qGT68DQsnoK6hlFMf981MZIjFbRK2EqAdKCfuufsm50Ns_Gt_brTHy3yUl84Rw0K897nvPPEdthUoo0zZqTyvEQIYVz9tBzhjDLGBgajWM8951G0lHENjk/s640/potatoes+close+up.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<u style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">Radicchio</u><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">This was the third year for Indigo hybrid radicchio and the best yet. Radicchio is slightly bitter. It is not everyone's cup of tea but I just love those little red balls. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The seeds are not cheap but every single one of them seems to come up. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">They are among the most resilient of crops.</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Slugs love to devour them in childhood, but as long as they have the tiniest growing tip left they will bounce back. They are so tolerant of a gardener's neglect they almost make me feel guilty. Did they have to wait too long in a crowded starter pot before getting thinned and transplanted? No problem. As soon as they have been potted on they take off. They withstand both frost and heat.</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> The heads will wait patiently till the gardener is ready to pick them. If they get overripe, the worst that happens is that the outer leaves get slimy. The heart may look small but they are so dense that there is still a lot of salad material in there. They keep forever in the fridge. I like them best raw, chopped fine with a ranch dressing. Raw purple onion and crisp chunks of a </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">sweet apple really make it a treat. Bonus for us dentally challenged seniors: the crisp texture makes them easier to chew than regular lettuce.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And last but not least: they look so beautiful in the garden while they are growing, like roses.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLzWfxHrGldHnOlTa3UUWF6OlW65PD_t8aHw-s4pneLwhLvZEyREw9bDv_R9kCh-frl0vQNk9mKujpST9ayX-8ZtKR29C_ce_Gn7bP3cOC4iPkbGderEksO8m0U0-W6HPVrinln49kEXM/s1600/radicchio.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLzWfxHrGldHnOlTa3UUWF6OlW65PD_t8aHw-s4pneLwhLvZEyREw9bDv_R9kCh-frl0vQNk9mKujpST9ayX-8ZtKR29C_ce_Gn7bP3cOC4iPkbGderEksO8m0U0-W6HPVrinln49kEXM/s640/radicchio.JPG" width="640" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;"><u>Raspberries</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;">How I love those red bursts of health boosting deliciousness! In this case the love is mutual. This is not always the case, see cauliflower and winter squash. Raspberries grow well here, this is a natural habitat.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;">One of these days Project Raspberry, about moving canes around, will get its own post. Meanwhile we had another excellent crop, earlier and more concentrated than usual. We have eaten lots, made some drink base, and this half bushel fruit box, raspberries all the way, is still waiting in the freezer.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixEoqHbq2dnTmIWzeIS7_LYr3NNRrS5tbkFZupsCjZsLn1lelYrIziKrhiIKZ8Af0Bg1t4NH1BNGEt4upHaElWJg3qD4-Lx10OM8B57UF8_7zNvkNLFeeAC5ANgnDrgtXWOTQKvHrvEeo/s1600/IMG_2166.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixEoqHbq2dnTmIWzeIS7_LYr3NNRrS5tbkFZupsCjZsLn1lelYrIziKrhiIKZ8Af0Bg1t4NH1BNGEt4upHaElWJg3qD4-Lx10OM8B57UF8_7zNvkNLFeeAC5ANgnDrgtXWOTQKvHrvEeo/s640/IMG_2166.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;"><u>Tomatoes</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;">We knew it was a going to be a hot summer so I devoted a whole bed to them in the top garden. However, t</span><span style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif; font-size: large;">hey had to wait their turn under the grow lights till after an Easter trip to the offspring on the coast. April 13 is later than I would have liked. Most of them went outside, just a few stayed in the greenhouse. Surprise: </span><span style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif; font-size: large;">they did much better outside. We enjoyed tomatoes for fresh eating since the second week of August, Stupice leading the pack as usual. Once again, too much leafy growth, not quite enough tomatoes till late in the season. By the time I finally had Romas just loaded with trusses it was early October. Frost was late too, but tomatoes ripening in October lack flavour and tend to succumb to rot before they ripen. I never had enough at one time for canning. However, I did dehydrate quite a few. I keep them in the freezer just in case. They are delicious and so handy when you just want a few.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbGC5zhusfc7P1ktWv8qI1dAPnxOUuPcNDLrmZQejFaddyCNLNOFrutOYYGbiaPgTZd5uvYO4nJeAR9mharZjzOyx1ZmwbFmZA8tlL3l9IuDrl8eYEk1GFwvCHc5SQ3Q_lvvANH9ORO0U/s1600/IMG_0414.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbGC5zhusfc7P1ktWv8qI1dAPnxOUuPcNDLrmZQejFaddyCNLNOFrutOYYGbiaPgTZd5uvYO4nJeAR9mharZjzOyx1ZmwbFmZA8tlL3l9IuDrl8eYEk1GFwvCHc5SQ3Q_lvvANH9ORO0U/s640/IMG_0414.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif; font-size: large;"><u>Zucchini!</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif; font-size: large;">I did not mark each star</span><span style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif; font-size: large;">ter plant separately, so when it was time to give some away I lost track of which one was which. I ended up with 3 out of the 6 being patty pans, not my favourite but what does it matter. I did not bother preserving any. We ate various kinds of zucchini to our heart's content from early August to late October, and that is that till next year.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif; font-size: large;">And that's a wrap! Oh yes, there were flowers too. Lots of them though never enough.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg50G6kPCjLapKkpICxFtpdzHqi9clYJZwRdjd0bHKJld_CJt_XJ6DBlJb4gFhM9xARSNvTP-bEZuojCpbQ8J8IiBJFPtgLjLjAQzInxp3zHhvOenWzJ1UZS0GlvR4NqPDoD2I017mmUXc/s1600/red+peonies.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg50G6kPCjLapKkpICxFtpdzHqi9clYJZwRdjd0bHKJld_CJt_XJ6DBlJb4gFhM9xARSNvTP-bEZuojCpbQ8J8IiBJFPtgLjLjAQzInxp3zHhvOenWzJ1UZS0GlvR4NqPDoD2I017mmUXc/s640/red+peonies.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Ien in the Kootenayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01766317652520657570noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8990106030730942804.post-61243955097190284552015-10-14T10:48:00.001-07:002015-12-21T13:50:52.771-08:00Farewell to summer. (written early September)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large; text-align: left;">Hallelujah, it has rained! It is also much cooler, quite a shockafter months of living without so much as a sweater. For much of the last months the thermometer on the deck looked like this, in the shade. For the first time in 72 years I was tired of summer before its end. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I love heat up to the low thirties. Beyond 34C all I can do is sit in the shade and sweat. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Nature is tired as well. The lawn is littered with ugly dead leaves that fell from the drought-stressed trees in August, without turning pretty colours first. The bracken is turning. Geese started gathering in the field below in mid August. Since spring everything has been almost a month head of normal, and that seems to go for the coming of fall as well. The last week of August was the worst. The air was choked with the smell and taste of smoke from the many wild fires in B.C. and just across the border in Washington state.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-sSqnLDi-oSTzf9dyfednwyD6B_014ZZcFPXIJinUxPYL9P_Ii4oMyO0Xni8oxtYxwfsIQauZC3WiCmzwP6xJSrFFJh0gjv9sTD39An088nyHddHt13uoACSulgj1_AsuCYbE57zy5gM/s1600/smoky+box.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-sSqnLDi-oSTzf9dyfednwyD6B_014ZZcFPXIJinUxPYL9P_Ii4oMyO0Xni8oxtYxwfsIQauZC3WiCmzwP6xJSrFFJh0gjv9sTD39An088nyHddHt13uoACSulgj1_AsuCYbE57zy5gM/s640/smoky+box.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We could barely see across the field to our friendly Box Mountain, the one we see from our living room.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Saddle Mountain across the lake, our view in the other direction, was completely invisible. The sun was a red ball in the sky one could look at without hurting the eyes. People in Midway near the border reported not being able to see across the street. We all counted our blessings at being spared fires in the immediate area. The rain was welcomed but the dip in temperatures is still a shock.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBHYvYZafRXEHe2vNF9j6FytS_S5aL2kLakXQ3DJhlQLEsAD-peb-CQWSfT3Cq74ob6NMOR_pZ3c5KQhHaz-9RXwGHlikgq63MtBN9rjxu0TvxVezm-zqXX-scl0ThueiQnKJkTNGh0jQ/s1600/Sun+back+on+messy+lawn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBHYvYZafRXEHe2vNF9j6FytS_S5aL2kLakXQ3DJhlQLEsAD-peb-CQWSfT3Cq74ob6NMOR_pZ3c5KQhHaz-9RXwGHlikgq63MtBN9rjxu0TvxVezm-zqXX-scl0ThueiQnKJkTNGh0jQ/s640/Sun+back+on+messy+lawn.jpg" width="478" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The same view after the rain. Note the bedraggled state of the lawn which has spread to everything in the flower gardens. I barely did more than harvesting and preserving for two whole weeks. The air quality was such that people were admonished to avoid exertion. It doesn't take much for a pleasant yard to start looking like a sad mess. To make things worse the rain washed off the Bobbex deer repellent. Late blooming perennials got deered earlier in the season.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> By now I depend on annuals in containers for colour.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTsoX8vdR66hGzIG9kjtJ81CKqVapKxGBRhKb9N1sg50S9hxGQ2lgP3F4drvx2ojl9ccudvQI1NiG1AsmB0hK_-rXXdHUdCqI7IMVSrTtxRm8RzaEqP1-5-wojEAMczlq4fMszT8dupIU/s1600/eaten+pink+geranium.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTsoX8vdR66hGzIG9kjtJ81CKqVapKxGBRhKb9N1sg50S9hxGQ2lgP3F4drvx2ojl9ccudvQI1NiG1AsmB0hK_-rXXdHUdCqI7IMVSrTtxRm8RzaEqP1-5-wojEAMczlq4fMszT8dupIU/s640/eaten+pink+geranium.JPG" width="640" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The geraniums which are my pride and joy were much enjoyed by the white tailed rats. I could spruce things up by mowing the lawn and doling out some badly needed TLC to the flowers in containers, but there are only so many hours in the day. The mornings are now unpleasantly cold and the days so much shorter. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It takes me longer to get my butt out there. Once I am going I don't want to stop.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Garden priority went to shifting gears in the food garden, from favouring the heat lovers to planting some hardy things for the fall garden. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">That's all she wrote in early September. I guess I was planning to add more, never got around to it and it sat in draft. Typical. Now I wish I had hit publish before the previous one. Oh well. Record keeping is not my strong point.</span></span></div>
Ien in the Kootenayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01766317652520657570noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8990106030730942804.post-30172620234376775942015-10-14T10:42:00.002-07:002015-10-14T11:04:30.892-07:00Space well wasted. <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">A variation on the old theme: </span><span style="font-size: large;">LESS is MORE. I have to learn that over and over, but the message is finally sinking in.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">If one has a limited amount of garden space the first instinct is to cram in as many plants</span><span style="font-size: large;"> as possible. Even though I have ten acres to play with, vegetables have to be grown inside the </span><span style="font-size: large;">fenced garden and the </span><span style="font-size: large;">greenhouse. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">When I make a garden plan I hate wasting square footage on pathways. Surely, a foot and a half in between beds should be enough? It's not as if I plan to drive a roto tiller in between the rows. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Space is especially at a premium in the greenhouse. One hates to waste any square footage in that precious micro climate. This year I crammed the three two feet diameter tubs together and fitted a fourth container in as well. The location of one tub is a given, It sits on a huge unmovable but flat topped rock. I have to work around it. The picture below is from early May. Arugula on the left, the other tubs just used as table tops to hold trays with starts.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3q17Cj2HlOM_eYh-lcGwjV8TRLb-2Mc1GUrWA54RrODTmYYxuYdv721TKPp3jmcqVBVRNXdhaUz6QrTiiaMZssSK7SypCeR6bptUIPQvc9cdEJOOxkO92OwKuYSzExOKsJoluKzldDX8/s1600/May+4+red+tubs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3q17Cj2HlOM_eYh-lcGwjV8TRLb-2Mc1GUrWA54RrODTmYYxuYdv721TKPp3jmcqVBVRNXdhaUz6QrTiiaMZssSK7SypCeR6bptUIPQvc9cdEJOOxkO92OwKuYSzExOKsJoluKzldDX8/s640/May+4+red+tubs.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Well, by the time the permanent residents of those tubs grew up I could barely get around them to tend to the plants. The slugs on the other hand had no such problem. They love slithering up the smooth sides. The three large tubs were planted in heat lovers, jalapeno and egg plant, plus a few marigolds just for pretty. They suffered from slug depredation because I could not get to them easily enough. The smaller black pot held strawberries and became sadly neglected. Not that it was impossible to get to the plants, it was just awkward, and during the growing season one is just TOO BUSY. At least I am. I really have too much garden, but I keep thinking that if I can just figure out how to do it smarter I should be able to have flowers and herbs and vegetables in all the available spaces, and get the successions all figured out, and never have to buy anything I can potentially grow ever again....Dream on. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Anyway, e</span><span style="font-size: large;">very action that requires that extra bit of effort tends to get postponed, not out of laziness, but because there are so many other urgent things that need to be done. So, semi fail for that one.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The most productive space in the greenhouse has been the narrow bed across from the tubs. Even there, I noticed this year some neglect crept in because the space behind it was crammed full of pots with plants in waiting and I just could not get to the beans without carefully stepping over things. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I finally got around to making a box to protect that space, and even though I could potentially make it 3x8 or even 9, I choose to leave easy walking space and make it 71/2 by 21/2. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">This bed can also get separate protection and be a mini hoop house or cold frame before and after the greenhouse cover comes off, any day now.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">As long as the building supplies store cuts the boards to size I can create my own boxes. I am quite pleased with myself. </span><br />
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Ien in the Kootenayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01766317652520657570noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8990106030730942804.post-87439000559047667112015-08-14T11:42:00.002-07:002015-08-17T09:08:47.822-07:00Dandelions, a love affair<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">This too was sitting in draft, started some time in May. Oh well.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Some plant lovers believe it is possible to call plants onto your land. Not by direct means like seeding or transplanting, but by sending a mental invitation to....what? Plant spirit? Why not. I rather like the idea, which is definitely out of the realm of 'evidence based'.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">There was a time when no dandelions graced this land. Some time in the mid eighties I wrote a little piece for the local newspaper extolling their virtues. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">The next year the first yellow visitors appeared. This may of course be pure coincidence. We also started seeing Arion Ater, the large black slugs, which were definitely not invited. Nevertheless, I have enjoyed toying with the notion that Dandelion is a personal friend. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">When I received my first Reiki activation (I prefer that word to initiation) the teacher told me to visualise a lotus in my crown chakra. Now I have never liked lotus worship. All that talk about purity in spite of it growing in the mud. Such patriarchal snobbery. Where would that pure white flower be without the life giving mud, huh? How about honouring the mud instead? This insight owed to Starhawk's "Dreaming the Dark."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I saw a dandelion instead. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Glorious, or what? A word in Dutch my brother will get.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Een zonne dyade met een krachtige pippeling.</span><br />
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Ien in the Kootenayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01766317652520657570noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8990106030730942804.post-16507111847485222192015-08-14T11:34:00.001-07:002020-02-27T11:58:36.703-08:00Bent out of shape. A learning curve with PVC.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">This post was started early in July. I realise tablets have been slowing down my bloggery. I used to work on blogs in the evenings while relaxing on the couch, watching spouse's TV with half an eye. These days I take the iPad into the living room, while the laptop stays mainly plugged in on the kitchen table, there to provide entertainment during drudgery.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">__________________________________________</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I am finally catching my breath after a frantic two months. P</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">rogress report of actual gardens with pictures next, but first I want to finish this tidbit that has been sitting in draft. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">When it comes to practical matters involving spatial insight and fine motor skills (or any motor skills) I am a bit learning disabled. The kindergarten teacher had asked my mother, in</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> all seriousness, if I would not be happier in a school for special needs children. She was flabbergasted when I went on to test highly gifted and attended university. There are days when I can see where she was coming from.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The days I wasted messing about with PVC structures were some of them. I am writing this as a reminder to self of where the H the time went. Be forewarned, it gets boring. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Anyone who enjoys garden porn has seen nifty hoop houses made out of PVC pipe. They always start with: pound some rebar into the soil. Now my soil is rocky. Augers for drilling fence posts are useless in it. Years ago I had tried to use that oh so handy T-post, AKA as T bar. Forget it. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgMK1fznFU-M5CLl0-zUSL3s2l6F-HR7MaMVyP4qsAZi34YPXBeGIketMBZm9Osrlp3xTZW3AP9xugo_R3UNBf16YegSFMtyUdHKz9nRn7KGirOyFbweiz9rIu4TPVPAX7ASlIif4uA1c/s1600/6153_T-Post_7Foot_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgMK1fznFU-M5CLl0-zUSL3s2l6F-HR7MaMVyP4qsAZi34YPXBeGIketMBZm9Osrlp3xTZW3AP9xugo_R3UNBf16YegSFMtyUdHKz9nRn7KGirOyFbweiz9rIu4TPVPAX7ASlIif4uA1c/s320/6153_T-Post_7Foot_4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">As you can see above, T post is three sided. It gets snagged on obstacles. Hardwarese is a foreign language I have not mastered. It took a while before I found out rebar is not the same as Tbar. Rebar is just one straight round piece of metal, see below. (Pictures stolen from Google.) It comes in 20 foot lengths and the hardware people cut it to size.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I bought one stake cut into 7/7/6 to take home. Hallelujah! It could be pushed into my soil! There was much rejoicing. Visions of shovel free fences and nail free hoop houses started dancing in my head.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">As reported, last year's experiment with straight rebar poles with deer fence netting attached to them was disappointing. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The netting sagged in the absence of a horizontal element.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Next, take all rebar posts back to the store and have them cut in half, and start playing with PVC in the section below the greenhouse. This is the part I would like to start gardening intensely. It has been neglected for a while. I did not feel like spending the money it would cost to enclose the whole garden, some of the beds still have perennials in them that need to be moved, there is too much to do already, so I decided to protect a few beds individually. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The first one was easy. Start potatoes, protected by Remay, with wire hoops I already had. Will keep off flea beetles as well as deer. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The second one posed a dilemma: Hoops, or posts? In order to play with the stuff I bought some 10 foot 1/2 inch pipes, as well as a snipper to cut them with and a variety of connectors. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Great was my joy when I found out I could just bend one whole pipe, slide it over the shortened rebar spikes and voila, instant hoop, almost tall enough for me to stand up in. I am not much over 5 feet. Never mind the connectors, we'll just sling floating row cover over this and call it a day!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Readers familiar with floating row cover will know that it comes in rolls 7 feet wide. The deer netting ditto. The beds are 8 feet long and we also need extra fabric to cover the sides. Readers with more spatial insight than yours truly will immediately grasp that we have a problem and just slinging a length over will not work.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Remay is fragile stuff and PVC is slippery. I have no idea how to attach them to each other. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Something 7 feet wide will obviously not cover an arch made by a 10 feet pole. (obvious in hindsight, see what I mean by being LD?) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Solution: use the deer netting instead. Deer netting can be attached to PVC pipe with handy twisty things. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Now at this point I became obsessed with the notion of adding a horizontal ridge to the structure so I could atta</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">ch the netting to it. Cut </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">poles in half, use the right connectors, add a horizontal pole. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Excess fabric could just be bunched up at the bottom.</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I felt very clever and in theory it was a perfectly fine idea, BUT! It was not that easy to keep the bendy hoops in their connectors. They kept wanting to pop out. The force of a hoop wanting to go straight again even broke one connector.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTLUghtY-0QxxEIa80slzE7cRSQY_PIx8DG2E_z3h0RDDxOXRq8A9_LO_45_QWk4Wj1HxPzmJSFcCjcneNiE6bqvF4C9lmA_U4UlhyphenhyphenpGTyPAc_mis0Xep1SoFNdwrU2LQBHX8qUF1gYN8/s1600/broken++connector.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTLUghtY-0QxxEIa80slzE7cRSQY_PIx8DG2E_z3h0RDDxOXRq8A9_LO_45_QWk4Wj1HxPzmJSFcCjcneNiE6bqvF4C9lmA_U4UlhyphenhyphenpGTyPAc_mis0Xep1SoFNdwrU2LQBHX8qUF1gYN8/s320/broken++connector.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">With much struggle I almost had all hoops in when the very last one popped out of its spot. The whole works went SPROINK! and fell apart. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Grrrrr.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I understood the problem. The tension was too great. That bent hoop wants to go straight. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The very sproinkiness of the PVC pipe that made it work while whole worked against the structure when it was composed of parts. When the hoop is whole the pressure is sideways, against the boards of the bed. It is not going anywhere. But in pieces the easiest way for the hoop to go straight is to slip from its connectors on the top.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIwT2UT2v6ZShrv8OlaI9OBkHdJ2DcAceDOgP8lm1R9k3k1A5z9aNThj8zUQVQP9LDKx0_hnpwvfwFqX0FtlC5l6Up8EHgqez3fF6I6vSydRjWsYY0WPcME4goLKa-YKxBsqtB1czlY4c/s1600/hoops%252C+post+sproink.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIwT2UT2v6ZShrv8OlaI9OBkHdJ2DcAceDOgP8lm1R9k3k1A5z9aNThj8zUQVQP9LDKx0_hnpwvfwFqX0FtlC5l6Up8EHgqez3fF6I6vSydRjWsYY0WPcME4goLKa-YKxBsqtB1czlY4c/s400/hoops%252C+post+sproink.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The only way I can learn this stuff is by standing there and fiddling with it. I have NO theoretical insight in practical matters. Friends who tell me they can visualise a structure and turn it around to see it from another angle<i> in their mind</i> completely baffle me. They must have a different brain. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I messed about a bit more with my five foot pipes, just trying to figure out what length of pipe would cover what width. Fifteen feet would made a nice hoop over two beds side by side. The picture shows three pieces of five, but two plus a horizontal would work well. Turn 4 beds into a second greenhouse? But then you have to deal with the sides and need doors and figure out how to throw the cover over and attach it. Maybe not, but it is nice to explore the option. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">PVC is such a forgiving medium! A bent pipe can be made straight again by inserting rebar and sticking it straight up into the ground. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">At long last some of the pipes went over the potatoes after they outgrew the wire hoops. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I slid them over the rebar till they were exactly the right height to still hold deer netting.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">From now on all my potatoes, even those inside Fort Knox, will get floating row cover in their infancy! Look how gorgeous these look, without flea beetle holes. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4-fOyC10951775e3OAgfN96thN4FN49B4OwDxPJAvMXr3Z0p2DdN75FjlAb7k-03v82ipIv5GtXiCncJOsOC9JkB6g5lLKfRMJcm70aui3qApL6eeehs3Eq6HR0VJ8jZiZZrqn_BowhE/s1600/tall+hoops.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4-fOyC10951775e3OAgfN96thN4FN49B4OwDxPJAvMXr3Z0p2DdN75FjlAb7k-03v82ipIv5GtXiCncJOsOC9JkB6g5lLKfRMJcm70aui3qApL6eeehs3Eq6HR0VJ8jZiZZrqn_BowhE/s640/tall+hoops.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">One more effort that came to naught: Try horizontal structure in the middle only and make a tent out of deer fencing, one width on each side. Not. In practice trying to get in and out of excessive amounts of deer netting makes one understand why the Roman gladiator armed with net and trident was such a formidable opponent. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSPaPWfVUXjMw7tRziM1p69h7aAi2cotrU8VQ5YvU_0h1vk3Xf0lU7Iro7bO7LAddWMkIgbKKi0xIvE4amK-ieFwjefHGkgPkvPslKR4fiJetN8H_Hp0NZskwdcj66jw6UcApj-D48ewA/s1600/IMG_2018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSPaPWfVUXjMw7tRziM1p69h7aAi2cotrU8VQ5YvU_0h1vk3Xf0lU7Iro7bO7LAddWMkIgbKKi0xIvE4amK-ieFwjefHGkgPkvPslKR4fiJetN8H_Hp0NZskwdcj66jw6UcApj-D48ewA/s640/IMG_2018.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Finally, some of the freshly straightened poles were used to make a trellis for cucumbers in the greenhouse. This is the first time I had a decent trellis with a net for cukes instead of improvised poles, and what a difference that makes!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I already know where they will go next year, at the far end of the greenhouse in the boxes, following early snow peas. The trellis is wasted on tomatoes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I will take the risk of planting the same crop year after year. I know several good gardeners who do not rotate because they don't have the space. They just make sure the needs of the plants are well met and grow great peas on the same trellis year after year. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Ah, NEXT YEAR! Always the perfect garden!</span><br />
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Ien in the Kootenayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01766317652520657570noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8990106030730942804.post-23328229977915717552015-05-08T21:21:00.000-07:002015-06-03T09:24:19.465-07:00A wonderful spring!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The world may be a mess, here in the Shire it is a wonderful spring. These double narcissi are still blooming after the regular daffodils are finished. Picture from May 3.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7FTxL7dokSh9S413OMmKHw6iGrppfwN83CdP81Lxcd4LA5GN6b_HUVMU6ft6X8Xj6OlnT1WsLGFApPNupN-0Sj1kfU3LeG6gR1GL9MxI4f_b4Eo7IOqAOOcmlJuOISKEbTNNIQ3BCTCU/s1600/flowers++May+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7FTxL7dokSh9S413OMmKHw6iGrppfwN83CdP81Lxcd4LA5GN6b_HUVMU6ft6X8Xj6OlnT1WsLGFApPNupN-0Sj1kfU3LeG6gR1GL9MxI4f_b4Eo7IOqAOOcmlJuOISKEbTNNIQ3BCTCU/s640/flowers++May+3.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">As reported, snow melted early. Then we had an alternation of sun and rain that was just perfect for growing things. Everything is early, at least compared to the last few years. I do remember this being normal in our earliest Kootenay times. It would be so nice to have a clear record, but I don't. This blog is as close as it gets. The trees are still bright green but fully leafed out. Spirea has started to blossom.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhucp-k8lziBe3c89OlELLvca0XFeKEUeSU9BzYHJ4plGT7Y4MPSyK1Xb5Za3rqabWHfVEDrUxx1wY2XgKRw4SNETK9p5C8u9UwEqPyrGJpuZKWfV5sMWzhBwbFEtrlDLG97wxxqXsluFY/s1600/border+May+8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhucp-k8lziBe3c89OlELLvca0XFeKEUeSU9BzYHJ4plGT7Y4MPSyK1Xb5Za3rqabWHfVEDrUxx1wY2XgKRw4SNETK9p5C8u9UwEqPyrGJpuZKWfV5sMWzhBwbFEtrlDLG97wxxqXsluFY/s640/border+May+8.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">It is now May 7. Food production is a bit later than last year, when we had abundant salads from the greenhouse by May 11. That is the price we pay for taking off the roof. We are making up for lost time fast. We are getting green onions, sorrel, the odd leaf from overwintered Lucullus chard and the first lettuces, and best of all, asparagus!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPccszlu-OPMP5p69hHJnnls4owsJ_8ZBsbF8DrgOPCawCm-k3_thBvUGmzUliZ5lDQxYOPdTBrG0EDViTcIqUQs7bqnRvceGCwl7kqe-ELnSRG46IIxz3mUEGwJ_ieUOU9Ca7BnLhD5A/s1600/Salad+from+garden!.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPccszlu-OPMP5p69hHJnnls4owsJ_8ZBsbF8DrgOPCawCm-k3_thBvUGmzUliZ5lDQxYOPdTBrG0EDViTcIqUQs7bqnRvceGCwl7kqe-ELnSRG46IIxz3mUEGwJ_ieUOU9Ca7BnLhD5A/s640/Salad+from+garden!.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">As usual I wish it were 4 weeks earlier. Time is going much too fast. I am a poky puttering worker at the best of times, and besides my energy tends to fluctuate. Oh, the things I could do if only I were at peak level and totally focused all the time! I am slowly learning to not, in the flush of high energy, make promises I cannot keep when it is lower. That only took about half a century.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilds8b_dNSkcHBmcvJXcRbUgKZmzGb9tRmtNk9QkTY1a7vfJfpFDjoX6yWASLsRxpJhQdpaoBxx1ekvufIj92OhfGfHpePdEk1W0e22Ti12MxtK-Pa2orO3rIyyxUZbmbcKGl1iAHGP3s/s1600/transplanted+yl.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilds8b_dNSkcHBmcvJXcRbUgKZmzGb9tRmtNk9QkTY1a7vfJfpFDjoX6yWASLsRxpJhQdpaoBxx1ekvufIj92OhfGfHpePdEk1W0e22Ti12MxtK-Pa2orO3rIyyxUZbmbcKGl1iAHGP3s/s640/transplanted+yl.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">My last serious garden work days were spent, I almost say wasted, on moving perennials around in the big sunny flower border. This ticks me off because it is work I thought I had done last fall. I had a lovely patch of bee balm that was in need of revival. I had dug it all up, fertilized it and planted pieces over a wide area. This is a member of the mint family. Need I say more? I expected a healthy, major emergence in spring. Not. Only the strong big chunks returned and the patch was overrun by weeds. I blame the early frost and late snow. Meanwhile the vigourous, much loved yellow loosestrife got hit by deer again. It also looked in need of some TLC. Those rhizomous (is that a word?) perennials tend to go off in search of new ground if they are not happy. I wasted time trying to sort both patches out, and then decided to take drastic measures: dig up both patches, rework the ground and made them trade places. That took a whole day.We had a good rain afterwards and they look good. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_CWYl545_4EJduci3kkOHwltoCo4HdgEmHPrs14MsFp8qGEBu56HRlYIOgSgO-DWp9f-Zr8cTzT06jgW5JncunDBoUWd9ciV81XZZfb4-Rel7B0pqULNWWKtJPciy-4BNxvEjlPz8vuM/s1600/beebalm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_CWYl545_4EJduci3kkOHwltoCo4HdgEmHPrs14MsFp8qGEBu56HRlYIOgSgO-DWp9f-Zr8cTzT06jgW5JncunDBoUWd9ciV81XZZfb4-Rel7B0pqULNWWKtJPciy-4BNxvEjlPz8vuM/s640/beebalm.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">The beebalm looks skimpy but the stuff spreads.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">The top garden is still waiting for attention. However, once I get there it will be instant greenery. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">The blessed greenhouse is full of thriving bedding plants. I worried about the lateness of tomatoes and Brussels sprout starts, but they are looking super healthy, vigorous and already bigger than when I took these pictures two days ago.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYztnHokh97R6MAStNYtB_j4BRQIcOfzRnEJGCP1WIG76y-IAzK9Gp0BmJaj92eDy0zH8Ja9ffn7w3zRhSNXR5yV51bS0KGxpUMnDUGZz-5C1vnOzZXEYAuEmDS4OYpQr4priv1Q4QKPQ/s1600/trays+in+greenhouse.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYztnHokh97R6MAStNYtB_j4BRQIcOfzRnEJGCP1WIG76y-IAzK9Gp0BmJaj92eDy0zH8Ja9ffn7w3zRhSNXR5yV51bS0KGxpUMnDUGZz-5C1vnOzZXEYAuEmDS4OYpQr4priv1Q4QKPQ/s640/trays+in+greenhouse.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">There is an immovable, huge, but more or less flat topped rock underneath the red tub that is closest to the front. It dictates the layout for that section. I scored two more of the tubs, which were originally used to store some animal food supplement. They will be used for the real heat lovers, peppers and eggplant. They serve as a safe place for bedding plants in the meantime. The farthest visible tub holds a quickie planting of arugula.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj6TTuT1Ffvz47libXIp8eP0Z9MWSb5X7pJuBpltWk4w2eapQ2airPV2hE7iUeWL7Q9Vx7-kNH4o7200BHKeC_nhVjG2UUfQ1PkED1wH83nOoGd1B7sAA1Roz9QMlZS_-hbd-jUDvBJ3A/s1600/greenhouse+overview.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj6TTuT1Ffvz47libXIp8eP0Z9MWSb5X7pJuBpltWk4w2eapQ2airPV2hE7iUeWL7Q9Vx7-kNH4o7200BHKeC_nhVjG2UUfQ1PkED1wH83nOoGd1B7sAA1Roz9QMlZS_-hbd-jUDvBJ3A/s640/greenhouse+overview.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">The greenhouse does not look nearly as fruitful as a year ago at this time. Give it a week. The small bed that did so incredibly well last year got a generous sprinkle of COF and was planted mainly in mesclun mix, to be followed by snap beans. It is up, just hard to see. The two boxes at the end are also still awaiting their final destiny. Both have been fitted with a trellis. Snow peas in one are up, yeah! They will be followed by nasturtiums in one box and yellow pear tomatoes in the other one. One box will hold a total of 4 tomato plants, the other one broccoli, Lucullus chard and radicchio.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">The tipi of poles, just barely visible here, will be devoted to cucumbers this year. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Speaking of boxes, I really want to grow more food closer to the dwelling in the raised beds. This section was not fenced and originally planned to be a herb garden. It was also used to store the bedding plants I was selling at the farmers market. I am not doing that anymore. It just takes too much time and something had to give. Last year I experimented with rebar and net by way of fencing. Without a top rail the netting tended to sag. I will play with PVC this year. I have not yet decided whether it will be hoops or poles or some of each. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9rh7KoQzfLonfWr6rrC842V7lvaQIBWMUKN7p7MSwGydT_bBhpSFi56isJe15nj-1um-Z3o4dsZZasPtbw7QqPdj9fIIu61BMs_blPOxV5jYlbwAX268SAmPh5FfKtzsq3qDiAQJhgXk/s1600/covered+boxes.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9rh7KoQzfLonfWr6rrC842V7lvaQIBWMUKN7p7MSwGydT_bBhpSFi56isJe15nj-1um-Z3o4dsZZasPtbw7QqPdj9fIIu61BMs_blPOxV5jYlbwAX268SAmPh5FfKtzsq3qDiAQJhgXk/s640/covered+boxes.JPG" width="460" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">But for starters I rigged up an improvised net cover over the three small ones. They are planted in green onions and early greens and I am quite pleased with myself.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">To be continued.</span></div>
Ien in the Kootenayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01766317652520657570noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8990106030730942804.post-19951693728399281142015-04-20T20:30:00.000-07:002015-05-07T08:12:40.501-07:00Wresting late out of the jaws of early.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Late April already. Green grass is poking through the bracken duff. Perennials are racing out of the ground. Panic season is approaching. We were early, right? Note past tense.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">What happened in two months? The snow was <i>almost </i>gone for weeks. It was nice weather but the nights were cold and the snow took its time. Without the cover on the greenhouse I couldn't do anything yet.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Below, February 25, view of the bracken field with home from the edge of the grove we call the Magic Spot. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijE3GgY99DFNQMjEckTGLVg8kPmPbdTHu5OSjcUgR9ejIzQQu23g_v03rEek9hpownb9HBRIuM8-LZW-DjdtaISm5ecs2P-V-OynNB9DIxjaXSO1gxYjd9DGdt8-tAl6_hyphenhyphenx0KzsO_A10/s1600/February+25+Snowy+field+from+magic+spot.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijE3GgY99DFNQMjEckTGLVg8kPmPbdTHu5OSjcUgR9ejIzQQu23g_v03rEek9hpownb9HBRIuM8-LZW-DjdtaISm5ecs2P-V-OynNB9DIxjaXSO1gxYjd9DGdt8-tAl6_hyphenhyphenx0KzsO_A10/s1600/February+25+Snowy+field+from+magic+spot.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Snow was gone in sheltered places, like the small flower bed just below the living room window. Yellow aconites are spreading and welcome. It takes them a few years to go from seed to flower. I started out with just 3 and look at them now! Some have also been given away. They are the cheeriest little things and I just love them. This was March 10. Not the greatest photograph but it will do for a record.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP4pXcYfIxHzVqjKOcR4DNk4lk4uKcOI_Dr1YZJWMsH10xK-sOcHZk4s1yriBVpvbU5XhgKGioftq253_L4GhGluoAsJIvDNY5-E1wFGb6m4ezLY6oeRIgogMv2uxBC7mdVrNslvj0ets/s1600/aconites+March+10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP4pXcYfIxHzVqjKOcR4DNk4lk4uKcOI_Dr1YZJWMsH10xK-sOcHZk4s1yriBVpvbU5XhgKGioftq253_L4GhGluoAsJIvDNY5-E1wFGb6m4ezLY6oeRIgogMv2uxBC7mdVrNslvj0ets/s1600/aconites+March+10.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The deer were merciful, or Bobbex was applied timely, and I got to enjoy the crocus.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBXx-0MuCxmSQ3TqazT6sLKadUxu7tQJie7cUwJMOaplpVrMTgRi7jsHxlQkP52BQLImVvb-flylR5Kc24uZiZtVvx6TIYm7Qc0RHbGZd7I9sZJKhVk8RAusz7pimrUGUq6FhQl0RRMio/s1600/crocus.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBXx-0MuCxmSQ3TqazT6sLKadUxu7tQJie7cUwJMOaplpVrMTgRi7jsHxlQkP52BQLImVvb-flylR5Kc24uZiZtVvx6TIYm7Qc0RHbGZd7I9sZJKhVk8RAusz7pimrUGUq6FhQl0RRMio/s1600/crocus.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I just found out that my beloved greenhouse/car shelter has been discontinued. This new cover should be good for four years. Who knows where we will be after that.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyHh6gwnF8crDZSfe1tR4lq5NhGBnIklKr-YTPMA30s12RZ50E8xZTzhazmeS-n2GQHcv6ogUSipzH-Gwqyd7CpUETZInG9kXqijy_J_WfGNo1fK7zra-XGZnRgAFpx2i4p568VZ9hro8/s1600/greenhouse+with+new+roof.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyHh6gwnF8crDZSfe1tR4lq5NhGBnIklKr-YTPMA30s12RZ50E8xZTzhazmeS-n2GQHcv6ogUSipzH-Gwqyd7CpUETZInG9kXqijy_J_WfGNo1fK7zra-XGZnRgAFpx2i4p568VZ9hro8/s1600/greenhouse+with+new+roof.JPG" width="640" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; text-align: left;"> Getting the roof back on might have taken me days of struggle. Instead my handy</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; text-align: left;"> buddy Rick did it in one morning in return for three hour long sessions of acupressure. Barter rocks! We will take it off again in early November. Yes, we lose a few weeks of growing time but the advantages are worth it. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; text-align: left;">The greenhouse went up in the last week of March. Until then there was no place to put the first batch of early greenery. Many plants got too leggy and some bolted, not worth transplanting. We ate them as microgreens. This is the crowd on March 31, just before they were finally moved.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia0wyuCaYr-N0O7VEa9yO60PxCbBWivkPNlbCgN-vJO7royN6GJoGdju0v8t70xwd6Yzx5aYrNvylj323Hx8NADQMWnUe9P90fDqdVnWajPFny3_w4mhytxQ1pr05fLGUr8EwD6nJtlnQ/s1600/overdone+greens+March+31.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia0wyuCaYr-N0O7VEa9yO60PxCbBWivkPNlbCgN-vJO7royN6GJoGdju0v8t70xwd6Yzx5aYrNvylj323Hx8NADQMWnUe9P90fDqdVnWajPFny3_w4mhytxQ1pr05fLGUr8EwD6nJtlnQ/s1600/overdone+greens+March+31.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">The Chinese cabbages and arugula were a total loss, but chard, kales and lettuce did fine. I gave quite a few away too.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrL95TROR-aE0mjPspde2R7S1o_PxfMEE0Up5GxdbwxWtRK7ZfGXf8QUQgJTE3EWD7jueSpzZ4jIS06N9noGvclfG15ZwOZseDOX1JM-6lg-V5Hmz57S4pJWshzblvrZJ7smZmVWWYdgs/s1600/good+brassicas.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrL95TROR-aE0mjPspde2R7S1o_PxfMEE0Up5GxdbwxWtRK7ZfGXf8QUQgJTE3EWD7jueSpzZ4jIS06N9noGvclfG15ZwOZseDOX1JM-6lg-V5Hmz57S4pJWshzblvrZJ7smZmVWWYdgs/s1600/good+brassicas.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> This planter with lettuce and Lucullus chard will be moved to the deck once the weather warms up.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1WwaN6t-aeXoCfYe-2TaRcyKzlzTvdueWdpeBFaEMRT2yRJlhJ_pV9oGuTpa_XzDOEz3qUjuyW-lgLQZB04YBx2hh2pbe1Bfi7RH12POiwSt1f_qZQyA066o0QP1k41gJmqYWUpeUv64/s1600/planter+with+lettuce+and+chard.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1WwaN6t-aeXoCfYe-2TaRcyKzlzTvdueWdpeBFaEMRT2yRJlhJ_pV9oGuTpa_XzDOEz3qUjuyW-lgLQZB04YBx2hh2pbe1Bfi7RH12POiwSt1f_qZQyA066o0QP1k41gJmqYWUpeUv64/s1600/planter+with+lettuce+and+chard.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">These trays were started in the greenhouse after our Easter trip to the coast. The grow light space is taken up with tomatoes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> Brussels sprouts, more kale, broccoli.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">The first thing I did after the trip was check the bulbs in the veg garden. I had been very clever last fall: tulips were planted inside the veg garden in containers. The plan was to put the containers on the deck in spring. Planting tulips in the flower garden is an exercise in futility. Guess what. Deer may love tulip greens, but voles love the bulbs! And I had been so kind to leave them in loose potting soil mix instead of underground. About ninety percent of them were gone. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I should have remembered tulip bulbs are nutritious. During the bitter winter of 1944/45 my relatives in Rotterdam and The Hague ate their share of tulip bulbs as an emergency food. M</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">y parents with infant me lived in the Eastern part of the Netherlands in a rural town and never went hungry.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">All the more reason to cherish daffodils. Actually their bulbs get ravaged by some soil dwelling wormy thing but that only hurts next year's blooms. As long as I treat them as an annual we're good. Some dafs do make it back, enough to transplant into these containers by the stairs.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">We had a week of wonderful weather, green up is early this year.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Last Wednesday, April 22, the weather turned. The rain was welcome but one could do without the beastly cold. Anyway, I am now in the "OMG Where do I start?" phase. As usual, I have to choose between the bottom garden and the top one, either section would be plenty to keep me busy. The plan is to make the top garden an extensive section, with wider spacing among plants, and have all the fiddly piddly stuff like salad greens at the level of the dwelling, gardened intensely. I am finally claiming the whole space inside the fence. The section between the old raspberry row and the asparagus bed has now been covered with cardboard, wonderful cardboard! Hay will be piled on top and then we will see.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">And speaking of asparagus, they are coming up, yeah!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Also coming up: sorrel.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And so it goes. To be continued.</span><br />
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Ien in the Kootenayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01766317652520657570noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8990106030730942804.post-68085495007796803742015-02-28T18:20:00.000-08:002016-01-05T11:36:22.034-08:00Garden 2015. And so it begins.. .<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We are eating green onion tops. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">The leeks just had their first haircut. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">The first seeds of hardy greenery are emerging under the grow lights. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I hereby declare this garden season officially opened.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvT_uXFCD6uyKiCZp_87098AP8YYvrgBb9qB3Ver06nbnejKgc2gah-boiElbiZPM6R207ZGmmonTk74zvnCThv7aqOYXZBWKLCh2yDb6lTxkZXIsKTQKByCmALiCTIIy_4d0xvEtDo94/s1600/grren+onions+and+leeks.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvT_uXFCD6uyKiCZp_87098AP8YYvrgBb9qB3Ver06nbnejKgc2gah-boiElbiZPM6R207ZGmmonTk74zvnCThv7aqOYXZBWKLCh2yDb6lTxkZXIsKTQKByCmALiCTIIy_4d0xvEtDo94/s1600/grren+onions+and+leeks.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Leeks are one plant I can put in the window sill. They get trimmed when they get floppy, and the container gets turned around to keep them growing straight. Leek babies don't mind being crowded but love having vertical space for their roots. This narrow planter fits on the shelf and has a good tray to catch drips. The shelf space next to the onions has to stay clear for the sake of the cat. She insists. OR ELSE!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">We are having an exceptionally early spring, unless winter makes a comeback. As mentioned elsewhere, the land can be clear of snow any time from early March to mid April, with snowfalls in late April or early May not uncommon. It looks like we will have an early start to the season this year. Even if we get more snow, whatever is gone now will not have to melt later. I am itching to get the new roof over the greenhouse, but </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">there is still too much snow in the way. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Go snow go! I get frustrated imagining how warm it would be in there if the roof were on and what a pleasure it would be to mess around in thawed out dirt. However, the soil will be healthier for the exposure to frost and snow, the cover will last longer and it sure was nice to </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">have no worries about the works collapsing. We had one epic snow fall that would have been impossible to keep up with.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">The vernal pond is trying to become just that. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">The grow light setup has new tubes. This necessitated taking the heavy frame off its stand and putting it back on. At first I thought something was broken, but fortunately my handy electrician friend and barter partner Rick knew exactly how to twist them into place. Phew! Rick will also give me a hand when the time comes to reinstall the roof in return for body work. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Old Dutch did it 4 years ago, all by himself, but that was then. It still took me the better part of a morning to get the tubes back onto their metal frame thingy. I had to do it three times. Never mind all the details, I am a bit learning disabled when it comes to practical things. It is done and that is all that counts. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">The first planting is just early greens, hardy stuff that can go into the greenhouse ASAP. In a few weeks I will need the lights for tomatoes. If the roof is not on then we will enjoy them as microgreens.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And so it begins.</span></div>
Ien in the Kootenayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01766317652520657570noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8990106030730942804.post-88538437334519290512014-11-13T10:47:00.001-08:002015-01-15T12:00:18.119-08:00Asparagus to Zucchini 2014<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<u><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Asparag</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">us</span></u><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">The good news: We finally had enough for a delicious dinner for two. The bad news: </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">that is all we had, just one dinner and some raw treats for the gardener. S</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">ome of the plants looked as if t</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">here was some pest trouble. The emerging spears were thin in places. Voles? Beetles? Slugs? Otherwise most of the ferns are looking fabulous at the end of summer, in spite of scanty water. They have received a fresh weeding, a generous sprinkle of COF and more mulch and are now ready for the first snow. Next year, right?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><u>Beans</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">As mentioned the greenhouse gave us a delicious early start of haricot vert type snap beans. Blue Lake pole beans did well but were hit by an early frost in September. Just one quick light frost but it did in the beans and squashes. We had weeks of growing season afterwards. I had been counting on the pole beans for more beans later in the season and for freezing. Never mind, we can live with them being a seasonal treat. We ate lots for 2 months. Next year do start a succession of bush bean plants for a second wave. And DO prestart beans. It works fine and really gives them a head start.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><u>Beets,</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Voled, as mentioned in previous post.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><u><br /></u></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><u>Broad Beans.</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">We have the wrong climate for them. They will not set fruit if it gets too hot, like, over 70F, around 20C. They thrive in places with long slow springs, like the Netherlands, Great Britain or the Pacific North West. I have fond memories of them as a special Sunday treat in June or September, the same season as cauliflower. Everyone ate with the seasons in those frugal post-war years in the Netherlands. Brother Jaap and I loved shelling them and playing in the kitchen sink with boats made out of the fuzzy aromatic shells.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">This year I stuck some seeds in between the cabbage plants that succeeded the garlic, in early August. They were meant more as a cover crop and to have something to show for my efforts in case the cabbages failed. To my surprise they grew and bloomed profusely, in between the thriving cabbages. But that was all, blossoms. The temps should have been perfect. I don't know what they want. Pollination? I planted one whole bed in broadbeans as a cover crop quite late, well into September. They grew insanely fast. The frost just killed them but there is lots of loverly plant matter to be incorporated into the soil next spring. Must buy a few kilo seed next year.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><u>Broccoli </u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Packman hybrid is a great variety that will be planted again. They did well and kept giving sideshoots for months after the main head was done. They yielded till hard frost</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> but the shoots were minuscule towards the end. Next year I must have another batch ready as a succession crop.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSAaUvgksVi5ikTHCcNcdZhjv5F3BuIcGJ2rYVvSNL5627eNk6HAXnaK4wN7xauu1N1DIPR8lOGdX-iP9bJhvxbOK17bRDAj4BlJQ_AO2StSZmZfPHOwAMb5gJPHSWT_PAJ7bKK-uIRn4/s1600/broccoli+closeup.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSAaUvgksVi5ikTHCcNcdZhjv5F3BuIcGJ2rYVvSNL5627eNk6HAXnaK4wN7xauu1N1DIPR8lOGdX-iP9bJhvxbOK17bRDAj4BlJQ_AO2StSZmZfPHOwAMb5gJPHSWT_PAJ7bKK-uIRn4/s1600/broccoli+closeup.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><u>Brussels sprouts</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">The mystery of the year. I always devote one whole bed to them. They got everything I have to give.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">The bed received a generous supply of rotted manure and compost as well as COF before planting, and several top dressings of COF during the season. The plants were well mulched and reasonably watered all summer. D</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">uring the worst of the cabbage butterfly season they were protected by Remay. They grew great. Huge whole leaves, tall plants. Look at this. Promising or what?</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOVUZY4lXOmbaqmSNWpbJPIOfTdGZuJb4fIWhxN7IU7wx8sKvg1vdzkDEnHM2yp6dp9vGxSaI2lsHzWWqdr4DqpqMjULJc8GfPFOTuV2tMkWJRTXe_S3D5ROWTilf_bedvXu_ygIEm_3M/s1600/Brussels+sprouts.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOVUZY4lXOmbaqmSNWpbJPIOfTdGZuJb4fIWhxN7IU7wx8sKvg1vdzkDEnHM2yp6dp9vGxSaI2lsHzWWqdr4DqpqMjULJc8GfPFOTuV2tMkWJRTXe_S3D5ROWTilf_bedvXu_ygIEm_3M/s1600/Brussels+sprouts.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; text-align: left;">This picture was taken in mid September. By now they had outgrown the protective covering but most of the cabbage loopers were gone. In August I had started removing bottom leaves, right after this picture was taken I removed the tops to encourage the formation of sprouts. I expected a bumper crop. NOT. Here is the crazy thing. The top sprouts are gorgeous. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvtGxIoBADeVBGwFbI3oK5T_cBfABLUVz1ioB8OgN_QVUbdzHMWZywP7MDXkWxv-85Vorg6oSY_QxcfulatUA0g3EB2p_dwubrNMcRhMuoubUDmc7HltwF0RrRkYIdpb1i3Fy-e8uqL6s/s1600/IMG_1742.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvtGxIoBADeVBGwFbI3oK5T_cBfABLUVz1ioB8OgN_QVUbdzHMWZywP7MDXkWxv-85Vorg6oSY_QxcfulatUA0g3EB2p_dwubrNMcRhMuoubUDmc7HltwF0RrRkYIdpb1i3Fy-e8uqL6s/s1600/IMG_1742.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">About a third way down the stem they start looking awful. The transition happens suddenly and across the entire row.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; text-align: left;">I would sure like to know what caused this. Meanwhile we have been enjoying what we have, after a hard frost that mellowed them to beautiful sweetness.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><u><br /></u></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><u>Cabbage</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I had beautiful starter plants for the first spring planting. The final potting up was in one liter yogurt containers. The roots were just right.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjos3SLJtk2p38RyJ54S3EKc2wQPLcGv61hyphenhyphen_euLUVpFG9dKQ25cTkTfhb-MfbHna74LYtvESvsTGt4E7RX28PrYqFvn8FyNI4ji69ZLXBzuPWY8t6dvmyEAPVlgJiF2HQNM0zbODs_vTo/s1600/starters,+waiting.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjos3SLJtk2p38RyJ54S3EKc2wQPLcGv61hyphenhyphen_euLUVpFG9dKQ25cTkTfhb-MfbHna74LYtvESvsTGt4E7RX28PrYqFvn8FyNI4ji69ZLXBzuPWY8t6dvmyEAPVlgJiF2HQNM0zbODs_vTo/s1600/starters,+waiting.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> Then the slugs hit as soon as they were planted out. Look at this poor victim.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwwERj7o1zyg3vF8F6ClzrGF5jfTbdrB9WnJQk0rgy99bnIzRFXf1ZZqFDtdJpZ5wnnqCmVdeb6CIEVOG2a1mhfZ38wtBg6jKlcIEHO33wS65Fdh38ee82w2hte2cr2MAfdvywnzGHzls/s1600/slugged+red+cabbage.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwwERj7o1zyg3vF8F6ClzrGF5jfTbdrB9WnJQk0rgy99bnIzRFXf1ZZqFDtdJpZ5wnnqCmVdeb6CIEVOG2a1mhfZ38wtBg6jKlcIEHO33wS65Fdh38ee82w2hte2cr2MAfdvywnzGHzls/s1600/slugged+red+cabbage.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">A planting that was started in the greenhouse to succeed the garlic did amazing once they were in the ground. Must plan better, with smaller plantings but in succession. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Once again Alcosa hybrid Savoy cabbage performed like a champ, as did early Wakefield pointy cabbage. With a household of two it makes no sense to grow giants.</span><br />
<u style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></u>
<u style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">Carrots</u><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I grew some beauties but not nearly enough to satisfy the almost daily juicing habit. The earliest plantings were ravaged by slugs. Only one 3x3 square out of 5 escaped their wrath. Below, extreme close up of carrots slugged in infancy. I used to think the seeds had not come up, but when you look really close you can see tiny stumps of green. I suspect Arion Ater, the big black slug, sometimes kills them just by slithering over. I started saving all my egg shells. They might not be enough to deter the big one but it is worth a try.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Because of the slugs I cannot use the square foot method of spacing, which makes thinning so much easier. I seeded again later but those batches suffered from not enough watering and thinning.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><u>Cauliflower</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><u>I</u>t is a Prima Donna, but I like it so much I will keep trying to grow it. The spring planted regular ones were first demolished by slugs and then by heat. Below: my one spoon cauliflower.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><u>Celery</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I planted lots and it did great! Usually I just buy a few plants but this year I started some as well. They all did well, except for one dumb thing. The market buddy who had sold me some starters asked me how I had liked the red variety. Oops! I had forgotten there was such a thing, and had ripped them out, thinking it was some disease. Here is the funny thing. Several other local gardeners also had great celery this year and weird Brussels sprouts. It is not always something we do.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><u>Chard</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Chard was its usual abundant self. Bless the hardy reliable stuff. Rainbow chard looks so beautiful in the garden, and it brings out the collector in me. I want one of each colour. But really, for eating I prefer the lighter green Lucullus. It is mild and tender and an excellent subsitute for spinach. Slugs like it better too but there is enough leafy green goodness for all of us.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">However! In the fall we had some nice Romanescos, love those crazy fractal florets. I wonder if this plant is easier to grow, or if it was the timing? Will play with both.</span><br />
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<u style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">Daikon</u><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I tried growing some fat white radishes and failed miserably. They were woody and bitter. I suspect the sudden excessive heat is too blame. I did not feel like repeating the experiment in fall. I don't really care much for them anyway.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><u>Garlic</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">In spite of all the good care about 30% of the harvest was lost to the dreaded rot. It appears to attack just before harvest, when the temperatures rise. You see a perfect bulb with the yucky mold covering it, sometimes only part of it. There is enough left and the clean bulbs last all year. My best friend has a garden that keeps being invaded by deer, so almost nothing grows except garlic. She does not have the rot. This year we planted most of her garden in garlic. I just planted one small bed at home. Meanwhile I grow more than enough of everything else for both of us. Cooperation with neighbours is a good thing. Fingers crossed!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><u>Greens</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Many green leafy things were grown and eaten, dried and frozen. I don't feel like going into detail. In recent years kale, that easiest to grow member of the cabbage family, seems to have acquired near cult status among the young wannabe homesteader crowd. This makes me laugh. I remain the Queen of Kale but as mentioned, this year I also fell in love with Lucullus, a mild variety of chard. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><u>Herbs</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Basil did very well. I have a confession to make. I don't really like pesto. Fresh basil in tomato salad I love, pesto not so much. One large planter on the deck is enough. Yes, I have planters on the deck. You'd think with 10 acres that would not be necessary, but I love having the fixings for a lunch salad or some herbs for dinner right next to the kitchen. Parsley did spendidly, cilantro went to seed like it always does, why do I even bother? And somehow I never did get around to starting dill. I have a serious borscht addiction and must have dill. The medicinal herbs were sadly neglected. I really need a bed of echinacea again, not to mention growing mushrooms on stumps. SO MUCH TO DO!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><u>Leeks</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">To my everlasting shame I ruined my own seedlings and had to buy them. I did not get as many as I would have liked. One batch that I grabbed when I was in a hurry and had low blood sugar to boot turned out to be red onion, which does not like my land. But the ones I did plant did fantastic. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I know what I did wrong. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Seed for this year is standing by and the planter was filled with mix in the fall. Coming soon to a window sill near you!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU2qYJF6FTrS0uuBWXbe0dYKYnkbYrrASO49DHdRXcVe0IGBNARWuPC8KviVlfusGzvel8id8PuSWbCf4UqzHxDlcIH6SEHObH0yUvF_FduYcEpu8ZGcA1ayEQZUvv-ML0qQzLpxV1bX0/s1600/IMG_1489.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU2qYJF6FTrS0uuBWXbe0dYKYnkbYrrASO49DHdRXcVe0IGBNARWuPC8KviVlfusGzvel8id8PuSWbCf4UqzHxDlcIH6SEHObH0yUvF_FduYcEpu8ZGcA1ayEQZUvv-ML0qQzLpxV1bX0/s1600/IMG_1489.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<u style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">Peas</u><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I had Norli snow peas in the greenhouse in June, a first.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaOEY4C_GVeD0ivg267Glk8IGdp7tkcloRZAX67Be4oghHANVFcXnwdjbANGY3YxZ5XfqTuKsEDq6CXlLgkYToOAhgtFFezBR89ZZ8j2WHrwxpL3OHxMwVS198a22TDtoK3PuenTnducA/s1600/peultjes+June+26.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaOEY4C_GVeD0ivg267Glk8IGdp7tkcloRZAX67Be4oghHANVFcXnwdjbANGY3YxZ5XfqTuKsEDq6CXlLgkYToOAhgtFFezBR89ZZ8j2WHrwxpL3OHxMwVS198a22TDtoK3PuenTnducA/s1600/peultjes+June+26.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">This was just a teaser row of 3 feet. Tasty but just a few. The main crop did not do well because it got too hot. I only grow edible podded peas for fresh eating in season. They don't freeze that well. Regular peas are on the list of plants that do not have to be organic, and they are cheap frozen. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><u>Peppers</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The best peppers ever! I had only 8 plants in the greenhouse in the same small bed that housed the early greens followed by the snap beans and some leeks.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMniGn6VtGMhcf5zhIGtfCwCKptAFa-NpvSHEsxDjx8VwiskZY_2JC_6cwUykhNEUfmo2Q6StlQrPFrRj973fyYEMl4cZWT_yrpf7fdslIU7pmiBeao-qwiMwEhFEDSOEHFBdyFaePFlk/s1600/IMG_1488.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMniGn6VtGMhcf5zhIGtfCwCKptAFa-NpvSHEsxDjx8VwiskZY_2JC_6cwUykhNEUfmo2Q6StlQrPFrRj973fyYEMl4cZWT_yrpf7fdslIU7pmiBeao-qwiMwEhFEDSOEHFBdyFaePFlk/s1600/IMG_1488.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Why oh why did I not keep better records of what went into that bed? That two and a half by eight foot bed was by far the most productive section anywhere. I do remember it was in tomatoes last year and received generous amounts of compost and COF.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><u>Radicchio</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I have come to love those crisp bitter balls. They are incredibly resilient and will bounce back after being mercilessly slugged like the one shown below, as long as there is a growing tip left. They resist heat, drought and frost.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Also, they look cute in the garden while growing. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg40iNxpkpFRW9b0gTO27DlvZJvUA73dhkaXxsiPw1o30Dptw-9b4Od73JGX0AH8hsYEihfIp350lF81jHJbtUFzgFPqwIRk3ky6gmKO-mssRcWr2vwCEFRJ3RhJf5-ALRHaRujjBDvsao/s1600/eaten+radicchio.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg40iNxpkpFRW9b0gTO27DlvZJvUA73dhkaXxsiPw1o30Dptw-9b4Od73JGX0AH8hsYEihfIp350lF81jHJbtUFzgFPqwIRk3ky6gmKO-mssRcWr2vwCEFRJ3RhJf5-ALRHaRujjBDvsao/s1600/eaten+radicchio.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<u style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">Winter Squash</u><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I wasn't going to bother, they are such space hogs. My friend gave me one plant, a mystery acorn variety, that did amazingly well considering how late it got planted. It went in after the garlic. Also, I love their glorious flowering sprawling </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">exuberance. Squashes are almost a bonus. I still have seeds and <strike>may</strike> will get seduced for 2015.</span><br />
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<u style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">Tomatoes</u><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Once again there was too much plant and not enough fruit.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Two plants in a boxed bed in the greenhouse got a mystery fungus in the stem when they were just starting to fruit. They got ripped up and dumped. There was also a tipi in the greenhouse with about half a dozen plants of different varieties that did so-so.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">In general it was a good year for them. I had planted more than I normally do and there was enough for fresh eating. But my neighbour with only 4 Roma plants was harvesting enough to can! Towards the end the late fruits were cracking. I can't control the rain but I suspect a need for more potash. Paste tomatoes did suprisingly well, especially Principe Borghese.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><u>Zucchini</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Covered in previous post. Lots of seed left from last year, including an untouched package of hybrid mix. I loved the suprises.</span><br />
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Ien in the Kootenayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01766317652520657570noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8990106030730942804.post-18532489304665719912014-09-19T21:57:00.000-07:002015-01-06T11:00:23.301-08:00Random notes from the year so far.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I got the pictures on a stick, which saves me the trouble of figuring out how Windows 8 organises them. So here goes, finally!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The year so far with pictures. This post is started on August 17. The day is cool and cloudy which suits me fine.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Q9ckkFnp8Ns5rirm25Q2L65vw1oA0W2VF0QF3jg_-lB_fyC0_T8hVvGwMC5R5yG8B4CPnZ1wvN4hX_rt8etzfvVfPEcmvIY_BtrvMiGMHNrf431fF4jWr53eFt32CiJg0TNZRssd6lw/s1600/Greenhouse+perfection.+May+11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Q9ckkFnp8Ns5rirm25Q2L65vw1oA0W2VF0QF3jg_-lB_fyC0_T8hVvGwMC5R5yG8B4CPnZ1wvN4hX_rt8etzfvVfPEcmvIY_BtrvMiGMHNrf431fF4jWr53eFt32CiJg0TNZRssd6lw/s1600/Greenhouse+perfection.+May+11.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">May and June this year were great growing weather, a nice mix of sun and rain. Not too cold and not too hot. Thanks to the greenhouse we were eating fresh salads in early May. For the umptieth time, I love my greenhouse! The picture above shows the abundance as of May 11. I must have done something just right with that small 21/2 by 8 ft bed. It yielded an anazing amount of food.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj41NHggN0cLkqgwkgUVQSxjVpoCAQPqBE2LyTQUIquAitZCh4J_mnFA1ZQsO9Fxdl0gZtCqHHlOdkpmtd9GuWpnioZzUIYqDn34FRyi3dec7w_TcmpObE8N15OsORyH7EuaonRb82Vb3U/s1600/Overview+of+side+bed+May+25.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj41NHggN0cLkqgwkgUVQSxjVpoCAQPqBE2LyTQUIquAitZCh4J_mnFA1ZQsO9Fxdl0gZtCqHHlOdkpmtd9GuWpnioZzUIYqDn34FRyi3dec7w_TcmpObE8N15OsORyH7EuaonRb82Vb3U/s1600/Overview+of+side+bed+May+25.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Early in the summer perennial flowers did their thing in the bed to the side of the lawn. This is a poor picture, I had not figured out the camera's menu yet. The deer were relatively merciful. Somehow they left the astrantia alone.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDacojCqqDGEisDLir1Od6ZlYVI5EAjeLOIIHFd6br5QbHwZzb4oNLX3V3-KOINQxIoFoMvDIKGl9g-gXoEZGl5gPSehEViBAyrLoeC41FNuNFt9h4fsB7y4VTEGXl09hHo42T6UpEN44/s1600/astrantia+and+red+peony+close+up+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDacojCqqDGEisDLir1Od6ZlYVI5EAjeLOIIHFd6br5QbHwZzb4oNLX3V3-KOINQxIoFoMvDIKGl9g-gXoEZGl5gPSehEViBAyrLoeC41FNuNFt9h4fsB7y4VTEGXl09hHo42T6UpEN44/s1600/astrantia+and+red+peony+close+up+3.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span style="text-align: left;">Of course I had to create some more work for myself by buying annuals to fill in the gaps.</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3hKYrTRzu36szblI5Yaz0_jmoGKusyJIx-_HgsJUB0xi0tM4QAlzW_J7b1MukQHkISmyItipPNTOi4f7vx45jRyNYS2gzxiSQx17kv7Wwi_C-MVSz0tKsI9SFyb9F-G-ehqG3G8Zeuso/s1600/wheelbarrow+full+of+flowers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3hKYrTRzu36szblI5Yaz0_jmoGKusyJIx-_HgsJUB0xi0tM4QAlzW_J7b1MukQHkISmyItipPNTOi4f7vx45jRyNYS2gzxiSQx17kv7Wwi_C-MVSz0tKsI9SFyb9F-G-ehqG3G8Zeuso/s1600/wheelbarrow+full+of+flowers.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Salmon coloured poppy is always a brief and uncertain glory. It bloomed during a showery period and we never got more than a few blooms at the time. I did get this one picture I am quite proud of.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkYB-bXm43_r3CfqnSJZue2TTnIm40Eo3CKw09rxU12jUGbltwy3-88kP0zyURd_j-BUmXoGmm4eez-pH4Va83SuKDa3i4tvFoYs58Bm8Z7htsfCzXchFkbnm4uky5mUqzyWqFQA3hkdc/s1600/poppy+perfectioon.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkYB-bXm43_r3CfqnSJZue2TTnIm40Eo3CKw09rxU12jUGbltwy3-88kP0zyURd_j-BUmXoGmm4eez-pH4Va83SuKDa3i4tvFoYs58Bm8Z7htsfCzXchFkbnm4uky5mUqzyWqFQA3hkdc/s1600/poppy+perfectioon.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Since I am a non technical klutz I was quite pleased that I managed to remove the dull, nicked beyond repair blade from the lawnmower in order to replace it. The mower had cut the lumpy space that passes for lawn here for almost a quarter century and was otherwise working just fine. It turns out they don't make blades for this sturdy model any more. I went to town for a blade and came home with a new mower. It works great and is lighter, but I doubt the plastic body will last as long as its metal predecessor. Planned obsolescence, don't get me started or I'll be ranting on the insanity of the economic system for hours.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjILwfDbrZlpS64N20t8RXX9rVVI6Q7-UAhkLnvGe7ycE8kOfo5NJX7bpd6DE-ingMdrG6Js2k6aa_mnEH0Ug-_qXwotdXNmww8s2CFyw-Ab0q1kWJ5-WtcYgyu9i_tnYCGcV0l-EIVuzI/s1600/lawnmowers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjILwfDbrZlpS64N20t8RXX9rVVI6Q7-UAhkLnvGe7ycE8kOfo5NJX7bpd6DE-ingMdrG6Js2k6aa_mnEH0Ug-_qXwotdXNmww8s2CFyw-Ab0q1kWJ5-WtcYgyu9i_tnYCGcV0l-EIVuzI/s1600/lawnmowers.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">By late June it got HOT and by the second week of July we were in a nightmarish heatwave/drought that defined much of the summer. That nice blue time of early July, when the rains have stopped but summer is still young and all is lush and green, that time was cut short this year. It soon felt more like August. The valley was choked with smoke from the many wildfires, fortunately none right here. It felt scary. At the beach the water was delicious, but the atmosphere was so weird I didn't even enjoy it. The sky was white, the mountains across the lake were barely visible in the smoky haze. A hot erratic wind made one worry about the fate of the many brave souls fighting wildfires. We had one week of respite, cooler temperatures and one rainy day around the twentieth of July. The heat soon returned with a vengeance and did not abate till August 14. It was often smoky/muggy, and more to be endured than enjoyed. In spite of the many weeks of hot dry weather I feel strangely unsatisfied with the summer. I was also very busy, a mixed blessing.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It feels like September now. The trees were weakened by drought and are shedding leaves, some of the bracken is yellowing. Our Saturday market yesterday was quite wet and nobody minded, we were all so glad to see some moisture.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvqvc2wAth7TQlnJlojTwUb27jhN2XPa7A-i8i6MYBtC9cb7yUjpomV3sSPpgOEOTvPNCymtpsUPdj6MnQirSMPxC1nBsEwvtpSb29v2dMoztri_dk7VymEeeJVew6foCXLVCZcY1mnBs/s1600/beans+on+red+plate.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvqvc2wAth7TQlnJlojTwUb27jhN2XPa7A-i8i6MYBtC9cb7yUjpomV3sSPpgOEOTvPNCymtpsUPdj6MnQirSMPxC1nBsEwvtpSb29v2dMoztri_dk7VymEeeJVew6foCXLVCZcY1mnBs/s1600/beans+on+red+plate.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">On the plus side, harvests were early too. We had the earliest green beans ever, these beauties came out of the greenhouse on July 15. I had stuck them in between the Chinese cabbages, so when those bolted the beans were well up and raring to go. Better: just pre-start them in pots. They got a bit too leggy from having to fight their way up in childhood. One smart new trick: sticking bamboo poles in between the beans, one per plant. Even a bush bean likes some support. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Continuing August 29.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Blame the Nexus 7 and the cat for the long interval. These days I spend more computer time in my comfy chair with the tablet, lap free for cat. This makes it less likely I will work on a blog post. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Even my four fingered efforts on the keyboard are faster than the tap tap tap with the stylus on the touch screen and besides I have not figured out how to add pictures.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Once July was past t</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">he flowerbeds were TOAST, victims of drought and deer. The only late colour comes from </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">the petunias, geraniums and marigolds in containers that are placed along the edge of the border and diligently sprayed with Bobbex. Plants the deer never used to touch, like sedum and golden glow, are now systematically demolished. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5EDbyWkBs-bVzMK1FGMJzejb206LEJgRWkUtqkgl_PYSNMswTMaDoYedJoTdzwF7YPOuQopBom5yVunh2Vr6TA7sWVParO1LjvdgAwsuDotlVMNTSOLtq4aN3qITKgIlmAGUmkB3vxvU/s1600/deered+golden+glow.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5EDbyWkBs-bVzMK1FGMJzejb206LEJgRWkUtqkgl_PYSNMswTMaDoYedJoTdzwF7YPOuQopBom5yVunh2Vr6TA7sWVParO1LjvdgAwsuDotlVMNTSOLtq4aN3qITKgIlmAGUmkB3vxvU/s1600/deered+golden+glow.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">The veg garden on the other hand is starting to look decent again after an interval when I felt like a total failure. I mean, if you can't even grow zucchini, what's the world coming to? It turned out the small fruits that started rotting in infancy were suffering from blossom end rot. The same plague hit many gardens in the area, even a professional grower. Extreme heat may have played a role. I removed one plant to improve air circulation, encouraged the other three to grow in a certain direction, removed all sick leaves and stems and gave them a good spray with liquid seaweed. The temperatures also moderated. Whatever did the trick, we are finally enjoying the usual zucchini season with lots to eat and plenty to give away.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">We have carrot pulp to use up for all the things that used to soak up the excess zucchini crop. Muffins, sauces, veggie patties. Last year I dried a bunch but we did not really like them. Conclusion: consider summer squash a seasonal treat and relax. I</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">t makes no sense to let them grow beyond tiny deliciousness.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://littlemountainhaven.com/20-questions-garden-journal/#comment-1921">I</a>sis Loran posted a <a href="http://littlemountainhaven.com/20-questions-garden-journal/#comment-1921">list of questions</a> to ask ourselves NOW, while we can still remember what was what. Good plan. I try to do that with an almost-annual Asparagus to Zucchini post.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">but I love these questions, especially 4 and 6. As the attentive reader can see, the beets were eaten up again. The dastardly voles are back. I had planted lots because we juice carrots and beets almost daily. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Before they were eaten the beets were looking great, with the healthiest leaves I have ever seen. Credit goes to Steve Solomon's COF with a tiny bit of boron. The few we did get were delicious.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">These golden beets came from the greenhouse. Could I have prevented the loss? Maybe. I could have planted them in a fortress bed, but that is what I did with the gourmet Sieglinde potatoes, supposedly a late variety. The plants started to die down quite early. When I pulled back the hay I found the vines had been chewed through. The varmints had managed to get in there. There were a lot of half eaten potatoes. Voles can JUMP and I had allowed the buttercups around the base of the bed to get too high. I saw a big fat culprit, It took him or her a few tries before (s)he managed to jump out of the box, which gives me hope that with better weeding at the base the fortresses will hold. By the way, the few Sieglindes that we did get were delicious. Yellow, firm, waxy, will plant again.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">My nomination for Plant of the Year goes to Lucullus Swiss Chard. It does not look as dramatic as Rainbow chard with its many colours of stems, but is it ever delicious! It is mild and tender, without that set-your-teeth-on-edge oxalic acid quality. Much more like spinach. Since spinach always bolts here this makes me very happy. At the end of the season I am transplanting it in any gap.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Meanwhile.....it is September 19. Forget the rest of this, I might as well start on the Asparagus to Zucchini overview!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Just one picture of the flower beds reduced to containers.</span><br />
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Ien in the Kootenayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01766317652520657570noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8990106030730942804.post-23534776404961108592014-08-16T20:47:00.000-07:002014-08-29T21:03:13.601-07:00Gardening with an accounting principle<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Many years ago, when my daughter was a baby, I took a course in accounting. The idea was to acquire a usable skill that might lead to flexible employment, perhaps as a free lancer from home. I didn't get very far. My brain was Mommy Mush, totally obsessed with the adorable 4 months old at home. She was extra special because it had taken two pregnancies to produce her.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">But I did learn something in that course that has always stayed with me: </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">The Principle of Ongoing Concern.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">It means that no matter how brief the future of an enterprise may be, you keep the books as if it will continue forever.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">You may be planning to declare bankruptcy on your startup next week, you still maintain those books as if the business is working towards its centennial celebration.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Right now I am applying that principle in the gardens. One moment I want to stay on this land forever, the next the village beckons. There is much to be said for having</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> friendly coffee shops and the beautiful waterfront within walking distance. A friend is considering putting her home up for sale. I love her place and have often imagined myself there. It is right in the heart of the village, but the fenced sheltered lot is private and offers plenty of scope for the aspiring urban food gardener. No deer and a longer growing season. Dilemmas, dilemmas. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">But meanwhile we serve these gardens as if we will be here for years to come. We garden with the principle of ongoing concern.</span></div>
Ien in the Kootenayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01766317652520657570noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8990106030730942804.post-36853597144816988692014-07-14T07:42:00.001-07:002014-10-24T10:47:03.787-07:00Moments of truth<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I came into the fenced veg garden on the top level and noticed that a wind storm the previous day had damaged two pole extensions. When the fence was built some years ago Old Dutch did a brilliant job of extending it upwards. Some of the extensions had snapped. For reasons I will not go into here any fixing is up to me. I did a temporary job using the material on hand: duck tape. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">But while I stood there taking in the damage and wondering how to keep the hungry hordes of deer out now it suddenly hit me: This is getting to be TOO MUCH. The time is coming to retrench instead of expand. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">For the first time ever the thought of a nice small house in the village with a decent size garden began to appeal to me <i>in the middle of summer</i>. In winter the thought has occurred before but once the snow is gone, never! I will die here! Or so I thought. People can change. The thought of the actual move is daunting. It's not like you can wave a wand and magically switch places. But there is much to be said for making those changes while we can and before we must. The offspring has a sentimental attachment to the place but it is unlikely they will want to live here again as long as the present geological and social order holds. It may not but that is another story.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Another moment of truth: I have run out of "If onlies" and I am still nowhere near the perfect garden. You know, if only my hips did not hurt. If only I was not side tracked by the farmers market, house guests or reflexology clients. If only I did not get tired halfway the day. If only I had a greenhouse.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">If only I had a fence. If only I had enough manure. If only I had enough mulch.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Well, this year there are no excuses.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Body parts: working fine, thank you chiropractor and physio.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Energy level: great, thank you surgeon and bluegreen algae.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Time: In May and most of June I was available to the garden almost 24/7. I potted up a few plants for the market but not much. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Greenhouse: check.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Manure: check. I started the year with an ample supply of sifted compost and COF.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Mulch: last fall a friend delivered 25 bales of hay. I can pile it on. Straw is better but hay is more easily available.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It is still not done. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">There. Moment of truth. I am trying to do too much. If I did not get it all together this year I never will. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">We have now hit the season of extreme heat as well as harvest. Keeping things watered and picked will take precedence over working ahead, framing another raised bed etc. I am also taking part in the farmers market again, getting reflex clients again, and the grandson is coming over for three weeks. The time of total garden obsession is over for this year. Either we relax in the wabi sabi of it and enjoy what is there, which is plenty! or we drive ourselves nuts. Wabi Sabi (the appreciation of imperfection) it is.</span><br />
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Ien in the Kootenayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01766317652520657570noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8990106030730942804.post-335085130079660232014-06-19T21:21:00.001-07:002020-05-20T16:34:14.245-07:00Garden seasons by state of mind.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">June 2014. (started early in the month, finished later)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Surely it cannot be the sixth month of a year whose date still sounds slightly unreal? Ruminations about <i>time</i> must be reserved for the rants blog, or I get side tracked even more than usual.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I am behind, of course. On the other hand we have been eating home-grown salads since early May, which is pretty good, and I froze my first bags of greens for spanakopita and non-palak non-paneer. One of the reasons this blog has been languishing is the lack of good photos. I have never liked the Canon Power shot A1300 as much as its predecessor, the A560. We finally figured out how to access the menus in the first, and cleaning the lens restored bulky Old Faithful. Better pictures coming soon, I hope.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Meanwhile </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I have been incubating a post about the states of mind that seem to accompany each micro season in the garden. Today is the first cold rainy day in some time, a perfect time for it. No pictures.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><u>March/early April: Re-awakening.</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We have starts under grow lights, and are slowly shifting into garden mode. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">"Brown Time" is the time after snow melt and before the grass and bracken kick in. The soil is still too wet to work, plants are sleepily stirring underground but not doing much yet. There are aconites, crocuses and snowdrops in the small flower bed underneath the living room window, but otherwise every green shoot is a rare cause for celebration.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We can walk all over the land. In winter the snow is too deep, in summer the bracken too high. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Ideally, Brown Time lasts from about mid-March to mid-April, and is a leisurely season of poking and puttering, collecting stakes from the woods, dragging messy branches to brush piles for burning, raking up some of the dead vegetation from the bracken field to use as mulch later on, tidying up the flowerbeds, moving some perennials around.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">In a not-ideal year like this one March is still winter and snow lingers till mid-April. We have to hit the ground running.</span><br />
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<u style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">Mid April/early May: The season of promise.</u><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We are fully engaged now. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Perennials are popping up in the bare flower beds. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Hardy starts like leeks and brassicas have been moved into the greenhouse, tender seedlings remain under lights but have been potted up. We are preparing the soil, one of my favourite things to do. Changing a lumpy weedy bed to a smooth dark seedbed is so full of promise. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Everything seems possible, even c</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">rops that look like the glowing pictures in seed catalogues</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">.</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Could this be the year we pull it all together? </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The land is like a park, a total joy.</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Daffodils and primroses are blooming in the flowerbeds. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The open spaces are green,</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">but the bracken lags behind the grass. We can still see everywhere. </span><br />
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<u style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">Mid May/mid June: Obsession and Panic</u><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I live, breathe and eat gardening. It is truly all I want to do, all I can think about, all I want to read about. If this state of mind lasted all year I would be a very boring person. (I may still be) Everything is still possible, but we now feel a sense of urgency verging on panic as the Solstice looms ever closer. Nothing seems more important than to get those last beds planted, those yearning babies in the greenhouse potted up, the flower beds trimmed and finished with annuals. I resent anything that comes between me and the garden work. Peace in the Middle East would be nice, but how will it affect my cabbages and irises? </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I am behind, of course.</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> I love the work, but I would be much happier if only it were late April instead of late May. Bracken is coming up and unfurling.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><u><br /></u></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><u>Later June: Disappointment</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">It is becoming clear that once again this will not be the year of the perfect garden. We are still behind, torn between flower beds and vegetable garden. The weather has been too hot or too cold, too wet or too dry. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Carrots may need reseeding, beans have rotted in the wet ground, spinach and Chinese cabbages have bolted in the heat. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Slugs have taken their toll, or flea beetles, or cabbage moths, voles, or all of the above. The novelty of having green leafy things to eat has worn off, but the peas are not ready yet. Disappointment season is brief but it happens every year. Bracken is fully up and out now, closing us in. The obsession is waning a bit. We remember that there is more to life than gardening, that minds and friendships need cultivating as much as the ground.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><u>July: Resignation and jungle.</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Winter seems impossibly far away. We have always been in the garden and we always will be. Not all visions came true, but the plants that are growing are doing it so fast we can barely keep up. I call it jungling. Besides, it is getting too hot to get upset. Who needs perfection? Let's do some beach, or flop down on the shady lawn with a good murder. In the hottest months the garden has to compete for attention with summer guests, the farmers market and the desire to have some summer fun.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><u>August: The fullness of harvest.</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The fullness of summer. Even in a bad year there should at least be zucchini and snap beans. Watering may become an issue. We are starting to fill the freezer. There are early potatoes. In years we have chickens this means we can put an entire home grown meal on the table, I love that.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><u>September to early October: More harvest, and thinking of next year.</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The climate seems to have shifted. These days spring is late to warm up, but September has become a true summer month. This has been the pattern for some years now. I love September in the garden. The summer guests have gone, and we don't feel torn between garden and beach. The days are cool enough for serious work. We are enjoying the plenty of this year, and leisurely working ahead for the next season, when the garden will be perfect, right? In a good year garlic gets planted between September 15 and October 15. In a bad year it gets planted with clumsy freezing fingers with the first skiff of snow already on the ground.....</span><br />
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<u style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">Mid October/early November: Wrapping it up, working ahead, maybe.</u><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Once it gets cold the garden feels like work. I may still put in a few hours a day, but when the temps fall below 7 C my hands start hurting after half an hour or so. Guess I am allowed some signs of old age. Brussels sprouts get harvested by sawing whole frozen stalks off and dashing back inside. We start to look forward to the winter break. If the raspberries get pruned before the snow flies, great. If not, by now we know that a painful chore in fall is pleasure in spring.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Halloween to Imbolc: REST.</span></u><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">In May I may picture myself studying and planning during the off season. The reality is that by November I welcome a break from the whole thing. Once the snow covers everything the garden is out of sight, out of mind. The cycle starts again in late January or early February, when we seed leeks. You can't plant them early enough.</span><br />
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Ien in the Kootenayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01766317652520657570noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8990106030730942804.post-67803595392694777382014-05-10T21:30:00.001-07:002014-05-11T09:01:09.435-07:00Let there be light! The trouble with trees.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">As said before, what this land wants to do is grow trees. It is very good at it. While waiting for trees a lush cover of grass and bracken fern, interspersed with wild flowers, </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">holds the soil on the slope</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">. One of these days I will devote a post entirely to bracken.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkHj2yq3hYb0q4z5VnYrDSVq5c3ert20og0fyjkCuJH8v2sALz0_ab9GvjFZFjxLBIgntuY7tNieBHTRsRQ7iQl-P_iZwBbiHH63MBJcuIW9tGdgG95A_fM6ObBV23aVuM8NIebAlNFl4/s1600/tigerlily2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkHj2yq3hYb0q4z5VnYrDSVq5c3ert20og0fyjkCuJH8v2sALz0_ab9GvjFZFjxLBIgntuY7tNieBHTRsRQ7iQl-P_iZwBbiHH63MBJcuIW9tGdgG95A_fM6ObBV23aVuM8NIebAlNFl4/s1600/tigerlily2.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">June is tiger lily month.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">It is hard to remember, but in our earliest years we were thrilled to find baby trees here and there. We wanted a fringe around the place for privacy in case neighbouring lots ended up being cleared. We got it. Indeed, we are now surrounded by clearings, but our neighbours are mainly invisible thanks to our own trees. We also wanted a few islands of trees here and there. They obligingly appeared. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">There is one problem: trees don't know when to quit. They just keep spreading and they just keep growing. I love trees but I also love sunshine and views. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We have had several cullings when the price of timber was higher. The money we got for the wood paid for the work done by the horse logger. That was some years ago. It was time for a new round. I would have done it earlier but for two factors. Finding a way to get it done without paying anyone, and domestic politics. It seems that in every household in the woods one partner likes shade and privacy, while another prefers sun and openness. My own inertia is a powerful force to begin with. Add the desire to avoid conflict, and years passed with more shade than I like. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">What finally shook me up was remembering that non-action is a form of action. (Thanks for the lesson son Alex) We have never sat down to discuss the pros and cons of turning an abandoned hay field with stunning views into forest with a few openings. It just happened. So why do I feel guilty about removing a few trees? The culling done now is still a compromise.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">One large tree shaded the greenhouse section. Every year I pictured it gone, but put up with it for one more year. Its time had come. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">The last blow to inertia was struck by a good friend who found an experienced faller to do the job. The friend pays for the work in return for the firewood. I know nothing about the value of wood, but apparently it is a good deal all around. Win/win.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXwIEs-4RAWYMMag4zSMXM7UhyWueI3nPPSD8zEI-LUObWiSyTOScxQ9T22cKuc0XmaTBt37AaQU8PXb-HpF7HPDv0IBHv_c-x5jBz45KYBDpdDkS8_XwNjNQEbU7h5nn-a-3jOeMnu7w/s1600/IMG_1179.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXwIEs-4RAWYMMag4zSMXM7UhyWueI3nPPSD8zEI-LUObWiSyTOScxQ9T22cKuc0XmaTBt37AaQU8PXb-HpF7HPDv0IBHv_c-x5jBz45KYBDpdDkS8_XwNjNQEbU7h5nn-a-3jOeMnu7w/s1600/IMG_1179.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Note the twin stumps in the center above. The extra light in this garden, just below the greenhouse, is amazing!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">The only drawback is the mess of branches. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgraKVYalR3Givxu_N4zD0UTM2zMbt9khzId-EtYqvrms3zVzo720rjTmRkGJza4ah1jV2kdjIQlMc3_6AQihFpquRb22UErY4Jrpqzgjh4aCtWeUeluTSovG6MuLTuvsKTUbs-njtt_Wg/s1600/IMG_1183.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgraKVYalR3Givxu_N4zD0UTM2zMbt9khzId-EtYqvrms3zVzo720rjTmRkGJza4ah1jV2kdjIQlMc3_6AQihFpquRb22UErY4Jrpqzgjh4aCtWeUeluTSovG6MuLTuvsKTUbs-njtt_Wg/s1600/IMG_1183.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I thought of hiring a teenager to deal with them, but after the chiropractor fixed my hips again I did my own shlepping to a central pile. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">And so it goes.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
Ien in the Kootenayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01766317652520657570noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8990106030730942804.post-2174471415497091292014-03-20T12:00:00.000-07:002014-06-20T10:44:25.290-07:00No spring yet, and not in my step either.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Spring Equinox 2014. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp4yLLdNqy2Jel-N4wf4BcgJdBrhmfBsVGZ9rQiGJcQrQuFdzc4jtvtoF539Ahx7P5NX5A_vfP6GGWDz51UdxAo1iieNfdH-52YEHHpoMOYrPCZ8PvbZ5yWaRjVthUwzYqn_5FLlsNPwY/s1600/IMG_1076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp4yLLdNqy2Jel-N4wf4BcgJdBrhmfBsVGZ9rQiGJcQrQuFdzc4jtvtoF539Ahx7P5NX5A_vfP6GGWDz51UdxAo1iieNfdH-52YEHHpoMOYrPCZ8PvbZ5yWaRjVthUwzYqn_5FLlsNPwY/s1600/IMG_1076.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">We had some beautiful days and then some more snow/sleet/yuck. The snow is melting, but it has a long way to go yet. The last of the snow can leave the gardens here at any time between early March and late April. Obviously t</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">his will not be one of those early springs when we can get a leisurely head start. Too bad, </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I love it when I can spend a few weeks just poking around without hurrying.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> Remind self to be grateful we are not in drought-ridden California. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">We do have signs of spring.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY-yKmpNIL4434ukVdHdmbvKuRSsd6ciUJ2RHXgpX7N0UleGVTrtb8qz04wRPIRj0n-9Sbqv2gmj3BAfVOn5Qsu8etxm8OIPwN4ZzaR5yQluhMRGjalo5mJUJklr4oJjX1pMIEVOETlgY/s1600/IMG_1087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY-yKmpNIL4434ukVdHdmbvKuRSsd6ciUJ2RHXgpX7N0UleGVTrtb8qz04wRPIRj0n-9Sbqv2gmj3BAfVOn5Qsu8etxm8OIPwN4ZzaR5yQluhMRGjalo5mJUJklr4oJjX1pMIEVOETlgY/s1600/IMG_1087.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Poor robin. The dramatic pile of snow is what slid off the roof. I love that roof.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHFGf6Ikk5w6xrI3ut4ANinZEA6aG0EyD7NTXOaT6lSgJd6-iVz9Ebs_D22zZxkPXbUuLFF2mOQMhJlnUn42NRW5WPihbztYoOsaxvis46m1HvmsL8DwogvO0dLY0MCrMEtuNtalOnXy8/s1600/IMG_1080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHFGf6Ikk5w6xrI3ut4ANinZEA6aG0EyD7NTXOaT6lSgJd6-iVz9Ebs_D22zZxkPXbUuLFF2mOQMhJlnUn42NRW5WPihbztYoOsaxvis46m1HvmsL8DwogvO0dLY0MCrMEtuNtalOnXy8/s1600/IMG_1080.JPG" height="298" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">As reported I lost my first batch of seedlings due to my own stupidity. That put a damper on the early enthousiasm. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">But a worse damper is coming from my body. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">My injured right knee (tibial plateau fracture in July 2012) has been acting up, after being fine for a year. Last year it allowed me to do absolutely everything I felt like doing, including feats of extreme digging. I walked up and down the hill between dwelling and garden and barn, I hauled what needed to be hauled, I had no pain, was full of energy and had a blast. Hips might balk once in a while but a visit to our wonderful chiropractor took care of that. Aging? Ha! Not yet! Scott Nearing didn't slow down till he was almost a hundred, right? </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Or so we thought till this week.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">The path to the greenhouse is a half-thawed out trail through snow that is still halfway to my knees. That is the worst possible thing to walk on, even when you are careful. You take a few steps and without warning your foot slips off the trail into the soft mush to the side of it. Needless to say this is hard on the knees. It happened a few times yesterday when I took the compost to the barn through a different route. I thought I had gotten away with it, but on the way home from a walk, on the easy flat part just below our own land, I experienced a sudden sharp pain just below the knee cap and felt half crippled for the rest of the day and half of the next.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">The plan had been to start some more seeds but it took me too long to move around. I got the planter prepared, that's all. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">This was one of the days when the thought of a cute house in the village with a small but perfect garden starts to be appealing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I dug up some of the physiotherapy exercises I never did a lot of. The knee responded with gratitude. Stronger muscles help to keep the knee in place. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I should have called this post "When in doubt, follow instructions, part 2".</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Post script.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I had almost forgotten about that. The knee as well as the rest of the body has been behaving perfectly after a few exercises. I am so grateful to the good trusty old beast!</span>
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Ien in the Kootenayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01766317652520657570noreply@blogger.com2