Ongoing projects

What’s Next for the Secret Garden

Posted on by Jean Campbell

I began this series with the first post on March 1st. In case anyone reading this article has been living in a cave or is just out of a coma, COVID-19 has thrown a wrench in just about everyone's works. I had intended to post regular updates on the progress of the Secret Garden, but I have been busy... well, gardening. Soil has been the only balm for the anxiety, remorse, and frustration of dealing with the fallout of a pandemic. I am so fortunate to still have my job and a nice place to... Continue reading

The Secret Garden – Breaking Ground

Posted on by Jean Campbell

Sunday was a glorious day.  After a week of many obligations and what seemed like never ending rain, I finally made it into the garden. The sun was shining, the temperature was perfect, and my yard helper, Melvin, was there to assist with all the heavy lifting. We got way more done than I thought possible and I didn’t destroy my already tenuous lumbar. Fatsia Japonica First, the ugly dead bush came down. It will make fabulous chimenea fodder. Then Melvin brought round the plants... Continue reading

The Secret Garden – Planning Phase

Posted on by Jean Campbell

I've got an idea for a complete transformation in this little tucked-away area. It's a mess, but there is potential! I just need to come up with a plan. Ahead, I see some relocating, repurposing, and a bit of investing. Here's What We've Got... A small, fenced area, divided by a sidewalk, with grass and plantings on either side. Left yard, sidewalk, right yard To the left are a couple of small camellias, a hydrangea, and a couple of azaleas. I've already moved these in from other... Continue reading

Food is Free Project

Posted on by Jean Campbell

I found this video tooling around on Facebook. No pun intended! :) I've already got two palettes so this project is on for fall. I'll work on building up some great soil while we overwinter, and we'll see how we do in spring. This year's garden was a bit of a bust. I broke my leg late in May, and as I am the main gardener of the family, the beds went terribly untended. Yes, come harvest time the pickin's were quite slim. There I go punning again! Had I built beds like these, I may have fared... Continue reading