We know, you are probably thinking WHAT?!?
Another thing we decided to do, as we make way for a new house, is to make way for a new garden.
Here it is shortly after it was completed, about ten years ago. It was gorgeous and we were proud of it. I put a LOT of sweat equity into it. I didn't build the fence but everything else was me. I ran the water line, I built all the raised beds, I packed in a couple tons of soil, put down weed cloth and then spread an entire truckload of mulch, one wheelbarrow at a time. Not being out there full time, we made the best of it and learned how to remote garden (to a degree), doing it pretty well I might add:
We got many wonderful veggies over the years that became great meals. This was one of our favorite harvests, so much goodness in one week from a part time garden, ha. I did a lot of experimenting to learn what worked and what didn't, what varieties grew best and what didn't, and of course we will move that knowledge forward into a new space.
But in the last couple of years, with the knowledge that we would be building new, and again, not being out there full time, we let the garden go. We had been struggling with the decision: keep it and fix it up?
Then, in the hurricane earlier this Summer (or the derecho, can't remember which), two sections of fence fell. I propped them back up, but we knew that the fence would have to be replaced completely, in addition a few raised beds needed to be replaced, and we'd probably have to redo the ground around the beds with more mulch and bring in more soil, etc.
We decided it was time to let it go...
Here it is one last time!
It didn't take them long to reduce it all to a pile of debris in the middle.
Then they hauled it all away and scraped it flat. This was before the tree clearing guys did some more clearing to the left side of this photo.
Here is a view a couple of years ago from the back looking toward the barn and shed...
...and here is that same view now!
We're not even 100% sure that we'll put the new garden back in this space. We kind of feel like we need to have the house up and us moved into it so we can see how we live in the space, how it flows, and where it would be best to put a new garden. Closer to the house perhaps? Maybe near the orchard area so watering is easy? Maybe behind the barn and shed? There is plenty of room there for something cool.
As for this empty spot, there is a possibility that this space could become something else...and we are leaning toward the idea of this being the right spot for the chicken coop and yard for them. Fenced, covered, some shade and some sun and a whole lot of space. We have also toyed with the idea of having a covered pavilion (with a concrete slab) for entertaining or parking extra vehicles, work space etc.
With the way things are looking to shake out with the Orange Lump and, the cost of EVERYTHING, having a garden will be a plus for you and anyone you can share surplus produce with! Plus, chickens can eat the scraps from veggies!
ReplyDeleteThese next 4 years are going to cause most everyone to rethink their priorities!
I like the idea of a covered pavilion. Maybe with all the clearing, there will be a special place for an orangery.
ReplyDeleteMy chickens ate a better diet with produce scraps. Fresh, green scraps or grass clippings provide a more nutritious diet. I consulted a PhD in Poultry Science who said they do not need bought feed with my feeding them.
It all looks good.
A chicken coop and covered yard in that space would be great! Fresh eggs every day!
ReplyDeleteGood idea to live there a while before you settle on a location for your garden. Here in SE Texas, we are so fortunate to be able to have a vegetable garden year round. You might consider making your new raised beds higher than before so that it’s easier to plant and tend to them as you get older. I still garden directly in the ground but it’s getting harder every year. I’m really considering having to install some raised beds.
I vote with the idea to plan/do nothing until you see how you live in the place. Once you get settled and live there a bit you will know how you want to use the land. Until then just enjoy your "farm" life.
ReplyDeleteOh wow!! I didn't know y'all were going to do that but cool. I love the idea of a chicken yard but I agree, get there and live with the space for a bit. You might miss the spring/summer garden but you might be able to use some containers to plant a fall garden and then you can spend fall and winter planning and perhaps building for the following spring. Just a thought. - Janie
ReplyDeleteIf I had it to do over again I would also make changes to my raised bed garden. One of them would be to include permanent supports for things like shade cloth and trellises. I would fence a larger area to include the garden shed and seating area. That way I could set out beautiful containers to enjoy without having to defend them from the critters. A pavilion would be super useful.
ReplyDeleteI have glorious visions for a garden in my yard post retirement. I could only dream of what you had. Yet, you need to see what will fit your new home and how you live. It's very fun I'm sure to think about the possibilities.
ReplyDeleteYes, get settled in your new home first Before making any Big decisions right away.
ReplyDeleteYou can Always plant herbs, etc. in containers and that way you both can sit back and decide where you would want your garden area, maybe a green house to be and / or chicken coop, gazebo / picnic table area, etc. More planning nd designing.
Enjoy your day and be Blessed!
You both have a wonderful weekend