Thursday, March 28, 2013

Springtime–2013–Projects

Springtime is a busy time for ‘projects’.  As much as we would like to just sit on the porch and watch the birds or enjoy the flowers….there are projects to finish and the good weather beckons…..

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This year we are looking forward to a nice garden. It has been 3 years since we were home for the Summer. Traveling is fun, but it will be nice to reap the rewards of a good vegetable garden.

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We decided, this year, to rework the garden design, creating 8 framed, rectangular garden beds. each bed is 4 feet by 6 feet, with 2 foot walkways between. There are wider walkways between the sets of beds and around the front and back to allow for a garden cart. We added a bit of dirt to the beds and will mulch the walkways.

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Around the front, back, and north side of the garden are 2 foot wide beds. The back bed we planted with lettuce transplants. The north bed is planted in asparagus.

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By March 21st, we had 18 tomato transplants in the ground, though, I did cover them up, as we were expecting several nights of around freezing temperatures. Here, we plant around Good Friday, expecting a bit of a cold snap around Easter. You can get a bit earlier start than this if you are careful….

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Cool weather crops…..snow peas and potatoes…..

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Lettuce and cabbage (in back bed) are doing well. Note- cucumbers will go in the corner bed, just past the cabbage.

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Another gardening project this year is going to be a  ‘Butterfly Garden’. I cleaned out this bed and we edged it with some left over stones, and I will plant it with butterfly-attracting perennials when the weather warms up a bit.

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We have been enjoying our new carport…..Fred graded the area in front and on the side, and spread a layer of gravel to keep the dirt from washing. Then we moved the camper alongside, where it is well situated and will have electric and water hook-ups available.  Everything in its place…..

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As I am writing this, today, Fred is working on the electrical wiring and lights for the carport. You can see in the picture the finished flower beds around the carport.

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Along the back side of the carport (in front of the cars) I have planted some bush roses. They are pretty small, now, but should grow to be about 3 foot tall.

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On the kitchen side of the carport will be my herb garden. I have planted just a few herbs, but will plant more towards April.  Keep watching for more pictures as all these plantings grow……..or get eaten by the deer?  (I sure hope not!)

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Springtime–2013–Bluebirds

We have spent a lot of time this Spring sitting on our porch and watching the birds. We have been particularly interested to see if the bluebirds would, once again, make their home with us.

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We have spotted a pair of bluebirds perched in our trees, occasionally swooping down for a tasty bug or so……This is a female….she is more brownish-blue/grey on her back and wings.

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The male is more brightly colored……

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We were thrilled to see this pair checking out the bluebird box. The male would sit on top of the house and just look around ……

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Before flying off…..He repeated this a number of times….checking out the neighborhood, I think. ; )

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Later, we saw the female land on the front of the house….and disappear inside!

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Only to peak out from time to time……  I do believe that they have found themselves a home!

This is the bird box where, several years ago, we watched a pair of bluebirds raise a clutch of young birds and the fledglings ‘flew the coupe’ as all of our children happened to be in town, and were able to watch from the porch. It is such fun to get to share these things…..If not in person, then by blog!

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Springtime–2013–Daffodils, Dogwood, and Camellias

Springtime comes early to Louisiana.

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Our first daffodils  (the February Gold) bloomed on January 30th……

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Followed by a succession of blooms all around our cabin.

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The dogwood adds its white blossoms…..

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Especially beautiful against a clear blue sky…..

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And this year we were pleasantly surprised by one of our camellias in the back flower bed……It has bloomed this Spring better than it ever has…

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Covered with blooms that are spectacular!

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It is a real JOY to be home to watch the Springtime unfold!