It was the ideal Christmas present—completely unexpected and yet exactly what I wanted. So when my husband and [step]sons* presented a photo of this fabulous Raised Bed Garden they had built for me, my heart raced and my feet took off running for the back yard.
The next couple of weeks were filled with trips to the garden center for stuff to combine to make Tim’s Perfect Growing Dirt. (His recipe is secret, but suffice it to say mushroom compost is involved.) He lovingly filled the 12′ bed, and we set about waiting for Spring.
Then one day at lunch, in a very casual manner, my very swell friend and Raised Bed mentor Julie Turner mentioned that it might be a good time to plant the winter crops.
Winter? My heart beat a little faster. I can plant now?
I rushed to the garden center and came home with two bundles of onion sprouts and (more than) a handful of seed packs. We studied the instructions on the back of each one, mapped out the space, and got down to the serious business of planting.
the haul
What a great idea for gardening novices—planting tape!
Why was I surprised pea seeds look like peas?
not exactly American Gothic
It was kind of cool to look up and see we were planting under the Winter Moon. I think that makes us farmers. Don’t you?
*Just don’t like the term “stepsons.” “Sons” is not quite right, either. Maybe [step]sons is just right.
I was wondering what that green bundle you brought into the office was! I need to learn about gardening from you and Julie. Nothing I ever plant seems to live.
I’m sure you can learn from Julie’s successes and my mistakes! I am a complete novice 🙂
I can’t wait to see the fruits of your labor, Cathy! (And I’m LOVING your blog, by the way!)
I am so happy you are reading the blog! (And it is so nice to hear from you.) Here’s hoping I get to share the fruits before the deer eat them, assuming anything actually grows!
Yaaayyyyyyy! What a great post!
I especially love this coming from you, my Raised Bed Garden Mentor!