We are now 6 months into our emerging garden and it seems like a good time to take a step back and observe the progress. There have been some disappointments, but overall not too many. Here are a few thoughts so far… Nasturtiums are a multi-functioning flower that I hope to always include in the my gardens. The flowers are edible, they shade soil to
Training the Upper Layer
I have this weird notion that I should not have to pay real money for certain things: rain gear, wicker, shelving, baskets, plastic storage bins, etc. It doesn’t really make any sense, and I recognize that. But it doesn’t make that feeling go away and so I avoid to great lengths having to spend real money on these items. And often times, they do end
It’s all coming together
This morning was one of those mornings that we all work so hard outside for, and I owe it in part to the Portland rain. It started raining last night and my garden is bursting alive this morning. I took my cup of Stumptown coffee outside in my muddy clogs and took a survey of things. It’s like the entire garden let out a sigh
Name that Gourd
There are those people in the world that dutifully mark their planted seeds with little signs, either from the plant start or home-made, that clearly label what is growing where. I generally consider myself anti-plant tag when it comes to my own backyard. However, this season might be a good example of why those come in handy. For several weeks this spring/summer I had a
Zen and the Art of Backyard Chicken Maintenance
I was at an extended family function this past weekend and there were lots of curious relatives asking about those backyard chickens of mine. One aunt in particular has been mulling over the idea of bringing in a small backyard flock, but she started worrying about the maintenance and upkeep. There isn’t a whole lot to backyard chicken maintenance, but I thought it would be
Backyard Harvest
The backyard food forest has been taking off the last month or so. The seeds planted in late June have been growing rapidly, which is exciting. I have some great examples of simple permaculture methods on display out back. The runner beans are climbing through the fruit tree branches for support, while they give back to the trees by fixing the nitrogen in the soil.
Life as an Urban Chicken
Having a small backyard flock of urban chickens seems like such a normal, everyday thing for me now that I haven’t really posted a lot about “the girls”. But some of my readers have asked that I share more stories on the blog about the latest chic news. Now that I think of it, there is usually some funny urban chicken musing I have to
How to Build Rain Barrels
Are you ready for your mind to be blown my friend? Get ready, cause here it comes. I built rain barrels! Actually I built four of them and it was so easy to do! I actually spent more time in the hardware store buying the supplies than I actually spent putting everything together. I would say it took about 30 minutes per barrel, plus the
Calling All Portland Bloggers
My sister sent me this in an email and I’m intrigued. Since many of the readers here have their own blogs, are living in Portland, are to some degree interested in gardening, or any combination thereof… maybe you should consider this as well? Click this HERE to go to their site and see all the details. I am thinking about applying, but not quite sure.