This weekend, in addition to a 13 mile hike along Eagle Creek through the Columbia River Gorge, I flurried with restless, creative, April energy that included a trip to Portland Nursery, a curtain cutting session with my girl Kara, cleaning the chicken coop, composting, scattering seeds
(I just couldn't help myself. I had to get the fairy's meadow!), decorating flower pots, and creating fabulous tomato plant holders out of unused two gallon water containers (See the spout on the bottom right?) into hanging tomato planters. I have to say that this may be one of the best ideas I've had.
The container is large enough for a tomato plant. Plus, I can plant two different plants on either side of the top. Above has basil seeds, and below, I planted marigold and nasturtium seeds. I also threaded the twine into the handle of the container, so I believe it will hold when the tomato plant is full grown and fruiting.
(The vine with the purple plant to the right is a Japanese wisteria; I'm in love with it.)
Yesterday, I planted 12 tomato plants in the beds seen above: orange smudge purple flesh, brandywine, and Oregon spring during a waxing moon and rain, the ideal planting time according to lore. The bushy plants on the left are salmon berries and in the back left is the pea trellis that Brian made out of bamboo.
Above, my seedlings await planting or gifting. In addition to my salmon berries, my strawberries (transplanted from 18th St) are blooming: I never realized how lacy the petals are until I went to snap this picture.
Here's what the ladies and drones are up to. It's mind blowing to think that they've done all this and more since April 6. If anyone out there sees anything in this photo that a novice like me might not notice and need to worry about, please let me know. I think they're looking pretty good. That third from last comb is being built between two bars, so that's going to need to be moved.
The rain cleared up earlier this evening. I worked late, and tonight, I'm going to read, sew, eat ice cream, watch tv, chill with kitties, and dream about the artist who built these shelves.
those look like great seed mixes! is oregon spring a special local tomato variety? i think the strawberry flower petals might be lacy like that from being rained on...some of my lettuce has that same look right now because we've had rain and hail for the last few days, the little ones have gotten battered.
ReplyDeleteWow, a great gardener, fan of the CRGorge AND a beekeeper?! Very cool. A friend of mine just started keeping bees and I'm considering it.
ReplyDeleteEmily, you must be right about the rain on the strawberry petals, since we've had quite a bit of late. Oregon Spring are indeed an Oregon variety.
ReplyDeleteDan, I'm just getting started in beekeeping and gardening and chicken keeping. You're lucky to have a friend that you can learn from and decide if it's something you really want to do.