1) Soil that's really more like clay. So much so that once it's wet and then in the sun, it's brick-like. The hippie potter's that live down the canyon actually use canyon clay as a part of their proprietary mix if that tells you anything. This means that any garden has to be in soil that's been seriously amended with other good stuff so that digging doesn't break your back, and the roots can get some room for themselves.
2) Varmits. Lots of 'em. Deer, rabbits, squirrels, gophers, birds, slugs, tarantulas and the dreaded Rattler. And all of them want to eat my precious tomatoes. Yikes!
So, we made modified "raised beds" out of this old horse trough. Jake drug it over with the dozer and filled it with dirt, we mixed in the new soil, and added a couple of sprouts and wha laa! The varmits can't get past the steel and the fences, and the dirt is diggable. Brilliant.
We tied together some old sapplings Jake had trimmed with ties left over from hay bales to make a climber for the climbees.
The Rancho is actually quite green and pretty right now. Here's a view looking west from the living room.
The apricot and plum trees are in full bloom and the bees are busting out.
And a gentle Spring breeze ( 0r an abominable Santa Ana) will rock you in the lovely hammock.
I drank my morning coffee amongst my plants this morning. My brother thinks I am officially crazy, and I think he should keep his opinions to himself if he wants to eat any of my plunder this summer.
If you come visit, I'll make you a great salad.
4 comments:
Great hammock! And use of the word 'varmit'. Glad to see you are preparing for a raucous summer veggie plunder.
lucky girl...i want a farm!
seriously amy, as i am trapped in an urban jungle, your lifestyle looks so peaceful and amazing. wish i could enjoy some of your wonderful produce!
I'm very impressed with your farming capabilities! Can't wait to eat up your tomatoes in a tasty salad. :)
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