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| This was a LOT of work |
My garden spot, small as it is, has worn me to a frazzle, just getting this much cleared from all the buttercups and chickweed that had decided to take over this winter. The plot on the left of mine is still untouched from last year, but the one on the right (Nate's spot) is already planted, I think. Now I just have to decide what I want to plant in there this year.
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| The Garden Claw |
This is Carol's spot (the nice cleared one in the middle). My new downstairs neighbor inherited the one on the left, which hasn't been touched yet this year (obviously). But Carol introduced me to this nifty little tool, The Garden Claw. Since we've had quite a bit of rain lately, the soil is soft, and I was able to stick those claws down into the ground around a pesky weed, give it a twist or two (while listening to the satisfying sound of roots being torn out of the ground) and then shake the dirt off the roots.
It took me two days of sunny weather, Sunday and yesterday afternoon, to completely clear my own plot of those marauders, plus some dandelions. The only thing nice about buttercups are their name, trust me. Oh, and by the way, I thought I was in good shape! This morning in exercise class I realized that my hamstrings are very sore, as well as my left palm from twisting the Garden Claw with all my might. Even though I walk and hike every week, I don't stand and pull weeds, so those hamstrings got a real workout. Now I need to peruse some catalogs and decide what will go in there. Sugar snap peas, of course (they were a wonderful addition last year), beets, and maybe, if I can find them, some purple carrots!
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| Tree in blossom |
Speaking of purple, this beautiful flowering plum caught my eye on Saturday. However, on a somber note, at the same time as this picture was taken, a terrible mudslide hit just a few miles south of us. Linda Letters wrote a
very moving post this morning about it, with some terrifying pictures of the slide area. I've been on that road many times myself with my hiking friends.
How quickly our lives can change. I'm so very grateful for my life, and an event like this one always makes me pause and reflect on how much the present moment means.
:-}
i have been praying for all of those affected by that mud slide - the number of missing is astounding to me! i cannot imagine the pain of the families, waiting for their loved ones to be found...
ReplyDeleteyour garden looks like a clean slate, ready for any possibilities. :) i hope your new neighbor that inherited the section will enjoy getting into the dirt like you did. :) nate, he's just an overachiever... :)
Bud is just telling me about the tragedy in your state....sad.
ReplyDeleteAs for gardening, the work is long and hard, but oh so worth it when you reap what you sow.
the garden called on saturday....completely tore up one whole section getting it ready...and it snowed 5 inches today...ha....at least it will be nice and moist come this weekend....another friend of mine is on the rescue team working that mudslide looking for survivors....
ReplyDeleteI thought about you when I heard about the mudslides..Snowmish County and I figured you must go near that area in your travels. Such a terrible thing...mud.
ReplyDeleteYour garden spot looks great! I think I will plant some lettuce this year:)
My gardening is a long way off. However, I will catch up to you as our days are longer. We've had a couple of major tragedies lately: the mud slide and the Malaysian air loss.
ReplyDeleteI must admit, I'm a bit envious. Although, I don't "do" vegetables; I am finding myself wondering how "my" flowers are doing at the old house - and kicking myself that I didn't dig a few up before we left. Though, even if I had, I wouldn't be waiting for them to bloom as I would have had to give them to a friend to "hold" for me. At any rate, I can't wait to see your garden grow.
ReplyDeleteThe news of the mudslides have horrified me. I can't even imagine. My thoughts and prayers have been with everyone involved.
DJan, good for you for getting out there and gardening! Your plot looks good.
ReplyDeleteWe spent yesterday with my sister and brother-in-law visiting a couple of big nurseries north of Seattle. it was fun to poke around in the beautiful plants. I bought a few for a patio container, which is about all I can do for a while yet.
As you know I've been following the mud slide tragedy. What a horrific mess and shattering loss.
Once you have been bitten by the gardening bug, gardens don't call your name - they shriek it. And yes, it is hard work, but so very rewarding.
ReplyDeleteMy heart goes out to everyone affected by the mudslide...
I think you guys need to start with a tractor! Plow out all the weeds and stuff, then everyone can tackle their plot. Can't wait to see what you grow this year!
ReplyDeleteWe'll be home from our winter home next Wednesday. I'll bet we're in the garden on Thursday. It will be good to get our hands in the dirt.
ReplyDeleteI am completely fatalistic. When God calls, just go.
ReplyDeleteI like your ideas for planting veggies. If all goes well, you and your hubby will have a fantastic salad.
Take care of those hamstrings and your hands!
I was so glad to see you and Linda post as I am not sure how close you two were to the tragedy. The power of that slide is appalling and my prayers go out to those effected.
ReplyDeleteI now you will be happy to get your garden growing. You have put the hard work behind you.
Thinking about our garden, but the snow and cold, bitter weather keeps me indoors. Hopefully yesterday was our last snow of the season. Looking forward to getting my hands dirty this weekend. All your hard work will be well worth it when harvest time rolls around.
ReplyDeleteI wondered how close you were to the mud slide. Very sad news indeed.
ReplyDeleteI have planted seeds in peat pots and have lots of seedlings that need to be transplanted. The plan is to use the open concrete blocks that are the foundation for what was to be a greenhouse in our backyard. I'm going to put potting soil in the opening and plant my tomatoes, basil, cilantro, and a flower for the humming birds. My chiles never sprouted.
Your garden plot is looking great D-Jan. You've worked very hard, I can see that and now comes the best bit - the planting. Be sure and come back and tell us what went in... Interesting what you said about being fit etc. I think maybe we get fit for what we like to do best. Is that possible? I've always felt that, compared to others, I am unfit because I never go to the gym (never have been) or anything else like that, but I do do my garden and that always needs something doing to it.
ReplyDeleteSuch a sad and horrifying situation. I'm relived that you're okay but heartbroken for the families of the lost.
ReplyDeleteYour garden space is looking good. Funny how it's a small space when it comes to growing what you want but a huge space when it comes to tending it.
I have been praying for the victims and families affected by the mud-slide, such a devastating tragedy.
ReplyDeleteYour plot looks wonderful, all clean and ready for it's vegetables. I have used the claw tool in the past, it makes short work of those pesky weeds.
~Jo
Wow! Poof and that whole area is under mud! What a shock! Really does make you remember that we all live on borrowed time.
ReplyDeleteAnd you are putting yours to good use in your garden. Can hardly wait to see what you put in and watch the progress this year. :)
I have to garden vicariously for at least another month, so thank for the photos!
ReplyDeleteYour garden plot is looking good DJan. I've been wondering how well the Garden Claw worked and looks like it does the job. Gardening and yard work always make me sore no matter what else I've been doing.
ReplyDeleteI had a spay/neuter event this weekend and didn't hear about the slide until late Sunday. The first thing I thought about was your hiking group since you visit that area. It is so sad that so many have died.
I have been wondering if you are near the mudslide area. It sounds like the community is working together and determined to find all the people. Tragedy strikes and it affects us all since we are all connected as human beings.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was away I heard about the mud slide and prayed that you blogging friends would be safe. It is really terrible but nature rules as we all know.
ReplyDelete