May 2010...the tomatoes are in!

April 2010

March 2010...the start of our second year!

Our sweet sugar snap peas!

All grown from seed...(4) Legends & (4) Giant Belgians.

Plus Flowers!

(June 20, 2009) I was intrigued by the benefits of a Potager style garden (with flowers and edibles intermixed) and decided to experiment. Benefits include: attracting pollinators, good bugs, repelling the bad bugs, and of course adding beauty and a mixture of colors and texture to the beds.

Beds are done...now to planting!

(June 19, 2009) From the front left section clockwise...five strawberries, three types of basil, sage, dill, grape (on the fence), swiss chard, zucchini, passion flower, mint & catnip. Another grape, three peppers (sweet & spicy), six types of tomatoes (cherry->big beef), a lemon cucumber, and more swiss chard. We left room for planting carrots, turnips, and radishes near the front middle section. The center box contains two types of thyme, chives, rosemary and french tarragon. It is starting to take shape!

Blood, Sweat and Tears

(May 28, 2009) Nate quickly rendered 3D models of raised bed designs for Inge to choose from. Per her selection, he purchased the cedar planks...and the true grunt work began!

It was incredible to see Nate's daily progress and obvious how much sweat equity was involved. He even spent 3 days sifting rocks from the soil so our long rooted friends could venture past the 10" of added earth in the raised beds.

A new home for our garden!

(May 27, 2009) This past May, we had the pleasure of having Colette and Clark in Portland! During their stay, Inge hosted a fabulous get together with family and friends. It was a splendid evening in the upper 60's, as everyone shared a delicious meal, reminisced about the past, and caught-up to the present in each others' lives.

When Inge asked Nate about his interests for the summer, he mentioned that we were growing veggies and herbs hydroponically. We were also eagerly waiting for a plot to become available at the Gabriel Community Gardens (2 years!). It did not seem likely that this year would pan out since it was already May and yet no word about an opening. Inge suggested that she would be elated if we would like to use a corner of her backyard for a garden. She loved the idea of fresh veggies, herbs and fruit, but stated she would be traveling much of the summer and unable to tend a garden by herself.

We were ecstatic to say the least! :)