This former parking pad in the back corner of my yard was named "England" by my oldest daughter about 5 years ago, and the name stuck. Maybe I kept calling it that because I knew this area was eventually going to be a vegetable garden and I only wish things here would actually grow as if they were growing in England! As you will see below, I did a lot of work here this past year and things are just about ready for the 2011 growing season. I can't wait!
Above: Ugh. This area was so ugly! (but better than last year and the year before) Here's what it looked like at the end of last May when I had my tomatoes planted but still protected in Kozy Koats and blankets! I've been planting everything here in pots since there is no good soil in this area.
Above: In an effort to brighten things up a little, I placed an urn just inside the entrance to this area, which is on an axis with the view from the back steps and the butterfly potager sitting area. But the "arch" shown here leaves a little something to be desired, don't you think? My husband removed the top several years ago because it was too low for him. This arch-less arch is also very narrow and the wheelbarrow barely fits through it. I hope to finally get around to replacing it this coming season and I'll probably paint it a fun colour, too. I'm currently thinking either kelly green or royal purple. Any suggestions?
Above: In July it was time to harvest cherries, lettuce, peas and chard (the chard was growing in the Butterfly Potager.) Strawberries were also producing in another area of the backyard, not shown.
Above: In August my husband built 2 large raised beds for me and I set about preparing the space for next year. This is it in progress.
Above: While all this construction was going on, tomatoes, lettuce, snap peas and scarlet runner beans were growing in pots. In other August edible news, raspberries were producing in raised beds in another (quite shady) area of the yard, and we also benefitted from our neighbour's saskatoon berries hanging over the fence!
Above: By mid-September I had the compost bins emptied into the new raised beds, and was almost finished laying down the recycled patio stones.
Above: And now the new beds lay waiting to be topped up and planted in spring. I've got seeds ordered, and I've been busy re-reading "Square Foot Gardening" to help me in my planning. I'll report more on that next. I also have further plans for cold frames and apple trees espaliered along the fence - this place is gonna look great eventually, just give me a few more years!
From the archives:
- what you need to know about building raised bed vegetable gardens
- when to plant vegetable seeds in Calgary
- cold frame inspiration
Other areas of my garden:
If you would like a beautiful and successful vegetable garden that nourishes your body and soul, view My Services for consultation details.
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