vegetable garden in

This weekend I did nothing but work on my garden. I cleared the grass away, turned the soil, mixed in compost and extra nutrition, planted my herb plants, planted all my seeds, tried to build a center path(NEEDS LOTS OF WORK), and put up a barrier around the perimeter to keep out rabbits and squirrels.I also added marigolds for that purpose as well as bought some Irish Spring soap which I intend to cut up and sprinkle around the garden edges to keep little cute critters away.The soil here on Long Island is fantastic.Rich and dark, full of earthworms and easy to dig. Do I miss trying to garden in New Mexico's sand and clay? No.I also filled some pots for the beautiful side garden I am working on. Columbine and other beautiful dark leafy plants, and a pot of nasturtiums.Now that it's all in, I can go back to leaf removal and finally try out my new super powerful leaf blower.

Garden of delights

Every time I go into our yard I make new discoveries. This weekend I found ferns growing behind the old Rhododendrons in the front yard, a mature poetic rose bush along the fence,and a perfect robin's egg. The Azaleas, though in serous need of major pruning, provide some fantastic color. The layering of colors almost looks like a cheap pastel drawing. I have now completed 2 quadrants of the massive leaf removal, basic shrub pruning, and dead branch removal and I feel both proud of what I have done so far, and overwhelmed by the work that remains. I did purchase a powerful leaf blower(so I can be as annoying as the other neighbors) to help with the leaf situation, but it was too wet yesterday to use it. Then there was my massive outbreak of Poison Sumac which attacked my arms, stomach, neck, and face and made me itchy beyond belief. Drugs have been prescribed and taken. Next week I start my vegetable garden.Very excited, I have made a sketch of my dream garden, but for the first season we are going to keep it basic. I have also decided to join the Long Island Horticultural society which meets at the gorgeous Planting Fields Arboretum in Oyster Bay, so I get learn more about local gardening issues. And very fortunately next weekend there is a meeting, a lecture on vegetable gardening, and their annual plant sale. WooWoo! I also downloaded a plant Identification app to help me figure out what's what. Results to be determined. And on a completely different note, I set up my hydroponic herb garden Christmas gift in my studio which makes the whole room look like a scene from a bad si-fi film

Jim builds his shop

This is week #2 for Jim on his shop project. Last weekend we had guests so we took the opportunity to enjoy a model making competition, some local hiking, and relax a little, so that one doesn't count. This was a great weekend full of accomplishments because Jim made some great deals on used equipment via Craigslist. Some of them really old and heavy, some of it barely used.3 weeks ago Jim started pulling power,with the help of an old pal, pulled the wires through from the basement into the garage and all around the walls. Jim has also put up sleepers around the garage so he can hang tools and parts via a "Z" strip system. You know how good this is going to get, so stay tuned. Here come the before photos….