So Far, So Good!

Happy New Year! Things are looking up for our garden. The cleanup was successful and the garden looked amazing for a few weeks. But my concern about weed seeds and even basil, sunflower, and purslane returning with a vengeance was well-founded. After all, they reigned supreme for several months. I don't like mulch, but I might have to consider using it at least in the flower beds. As for the raised vegetable beds, determination, care, and persistence are key (=weeding, weeding, and more weeding). I don't mind. At the end of the day, it's a small garden and spending time in it, especially in beautiful weather, is a joy.

We've had plenty of cool, sunny, glorious days interspersed with lots of rain. Everything is staying pretty wet. The raised beds are holding up just fine, but the regular flower beds and the back garden in general are a soggy mess. For now, that simply means I have to remember not to traipse through the house in my gardening clogs/Crocs. But come spring, we'll have to monitor the situation. Perhaps we'll order a few pallets of grass.

I'm pleased to report that with the exception of a single variety of lettuce, everything is coming up! A few varieties each of beets, chard, collards, cabbages, kale, and arugula, several varieties of lettuce, and, to my delight, leeks and radishes galore. I love radish greens almost as much as the radishes themselves. Leek and potato soup is one of my all-time favorites.

I'm still working on a plan for the hedge. Joseph and I took out several aggressive, giant plants--roots and all, roses died, and a few ligustrums that seemed determined to rally after the deep freeze a few years ago finally succumbed. Aw, shucks, I'll have to buy a few plants. 😉

With the back garden somewhat under control, I've started appraising the front. I must say, I find it lacking. More soon!