Striking tree Jen! Way to go. I didn't think you were 'asking' for the Allspice, no worries---- but if we ever get to swap at the same place, I'll be sure to have one for ya.
Pretty Bergenia! I tried one, once but failed. I am smarter now but still don't know that I have a good spot for it, does it like moisture and shade?
What is happening in your Garden Today Spring 2011
Jen That Ruby Falls is really neat. I haven't seen any like that.
Sally not too sure what they like as mine isn't exactly flourishing but it is pretty much full sun.
Hy'a all!
I have heard or read that Bergenias like shade.....don't remember where....
I DO remember that when i went to Latvia in 2006--one of my Cousins--
the one with the extravagant gardens (how can they even afford it???)
had a Bergenia. I took a photo of it (not in bloom) and posted and asked for an ID.
I thought how nice it would be to have one......ALL I need is some space--somewhere......
Anyway--What was happening in my garden today was wonderful!
FINALLY!!!! I got a man to start building my raised bed.....HURRAY!
He is a long-time friend of the young fellow, back yard neighbor--who is my girls' age.
He will charge me $15/hr. Pretty fair! Today--he was here from 9:15AM until 3PM.
Worked hos butt off--besides--he is a perfectionist. Nice guy too.....
I helped here and there--with the piddly stuff....
-We went to L:owes to buy the -4x4's---kaching! I like their 4x4's better than the ones we sell at HD.
--Also got 100-6" spike nails to pound them all together.
--Went to Ace to get 3 bags of "Ready Mix" concrete for setting the 3 4x4 posts that will hold the
2 panels of "Shadow Box" fence behind the bed--which will provide a nice backdrop and
keep me having to look at my back yard neighbor's trash cans and all the rubble he throws there...
Happy with things so far! Here is one picture from today.
Gita
The bed will be 5-4x4's high--Of course--the first one is, pretty much, buried below soil level.
Two of the three posts have been set for the 2 "Shadow Box" fencing panels....
He was all pooped out--will continue tomorrow AM.
I still have NO idea WHERE or HOW MUCH top soil to get.......
I think I will need between 1--and 1 1/2 cubic yards.
Many places have 2 or 3 cy minimum.....to deliver....
Also--still struggling with all the advice on the composition of the "perfect" soil mix
we have hashed over and over here on the DG Soil Forum.....
Mostly--I cannot find the Thread where "Tapla" was talking about all the soil mix ingredients....
***WHAT were those small, puffed, clay-like particles Tapla kept talking about?????
NOT the "Rock Dust"----the other.
What Thread was that on????? I went back to mt Post on the "Soil and Composting Thread----
but it was NOT the one he talked about all this stuff.....
If all fails--I will just buy a couple of bags of Contractor Sand----or the rougher version--
No#2 under pavers mix, which, actually, has small bits and pieces of rock in it--and call it OK!
Of course--I also have several bags of composter, shredded leaves waiting to be incorporated
in this mix--as well as a big tote-full of mu own compost.
I KNOW it will all work out. No one can, realistically, comply with all the ingredients talked about
if you have no local place to get it....ALSO--IF one thinks it is NOT totally necessary....
Have to think of all this VERY, VERY soon--so I do not lose this workman's commitment to building
this bed....Tine is of essence--and my now--almost 18" tall Tomatoes are chomping at the bit to be
planted.....Can't wait!!!! It will look beautiful!!!!
May be the most expensive bed I have ever built!!!!
That's what happens when you have NO man in your life to do this for free.....It is all $$$$$$$$$$.....
Gita
Here is another view of the bed--coming along......
One thing--------------I thought it was 4' wide. The bed is just 3' wide... Bummer!
edited to ad----I am still struggling with the idea of laying a double layer of pro Weed Block down
before the bed is filled with soil.
NOT because I fear any weeds coming up--Heavens--NO!!!!
It is because i want to keep any of the small, feeder roots from my Maple Tree growing into this lush, new bed....
I seriously hope this gray, pro-grade Weed block will do the job--at least for a few years....
Ray (the guy building this bed for me) hacked quite a few, wrist sized ,from my tree out of the perimeter
of the bed....Hope that will help a bit.....
Keeping my fingers crossed........Will post more pictures as this progresses.....
This message was edited Apr 29, 2011 5:09 PM
Gita, Your raised bed is looking really good. Looks like a really nice start. Looking forward to seeing the finished product.
Yup, I'm really happy to see that going up. Its going to look VERY nice!
I wouldn't sweat about getting it filled with 'tapla' mix. He primarily talks about containers. Topsoil and some help from you with leaves will work fine. Think of all the billions of pounds of produce grown in 'regular' dirt. Check your calculations and if you can only take 1 1/2 yards, surely somebody would deliver that instead of two, and charge the fee for two yards of course, but what else can you do? That would be a whole lotta bags.
If you end up doing with bags you could fluff it with some fine mulch added.
What are the dimensions again?
Sally and Holly----
Ray, the guy doing the work on this bed, is a perfectionist! I am SOOO grateful....
All he has done has to be just so.....Not 1/4" off....
I am VERY pleased with the bed so far. Can't wait for the two panels of "Shadowbox Fence" to be erected....
That will really look great--and I won't have to look at my back-yard neighbors junk...
Ray does a good job!!!! I help with the minor stuff.....but today--mostly--I did some digging up and
potting up some off-shoots from my Columbines ans my Astilbes. They sure DO try to travel!!!
Today (Saturday--day #2) he, basically, finished the construction of the bed.
All 3 posts are cemented in for the two 6'x8' fence panels. Will get those Monday.
Tried to order delivery of 3 cy of top soil. Called 2 places--neither had any..
It has to do with the rain--same as sod cannot be cut with all these rains--and people just
don't get it....They think sot is just manufactured somewhere--in a factory, DAH!!!
Same when people come in asking for plants that have not yet grown enough to be sold---
Like Bleeding heart--Lilacs-- Butterfly Bushes--Ornamental Grasses, Purple Fountain Grass, etc....
I tell them--IF they brought in pots of some dead sticks--would you buy that?
One has to wait until the plants are in their best "form"---like blooming or attractive
enough to sell. People just don't "GET IT"!!!!
Anyway--Here is the progress after today's work on my bed.....
Looking good!!!! Also--Looking really BIG--as far as how much soil it will need...
Two cubic yards--easy! Then--I have my bags of composted leaves to add and am also
considering buying a couple of bags of that "Contractor's sand" or the "Paver's underlayment"....
That has small bits of stone in it....
I seem to still be hung up on needing all this "texture" thing "tapla" keeps talking about....
By now I believe, though, that any field-scraped topsoil would already have all that in there....
Here are some pictures of the bed as of today.
View from my shed--West...
View from the other direction towards my shed.
Looking out from my BR window....here is how the bed will fit in my back yard....
The unfinished part-- all the way to the right--is where I will have my "Au Natural"
Compost bin. This area is about 4'x3'. Maybe 4x4....
I was wrong before--estimating that the bed was 4' wide. It is just 3' wide and 16' long.
Chose this as a cut-off point b/c 4x4's are 8' long....leaving the remaining 4'-5' as my
Composting bin-to-be place....
I have NO Plans in my head yet how I want that built....I DO know it will have all 4 sides
made of slatted boards and the whole thing lined with 1/4" wire mesh to keep things IN--
and small critters OUT! All the fruit and Cantalopes and Watermellons I eat--I can see how that
would be so tempting for greens-loving critters...
My still remaining "Not sure what to do" is what kind of base should this Compost Bin area have?????
I DO NOT want to leave it just dirt--as too many small feeder roots from my Silver Maple will invade it.
Then it will be just another area of solidly-matted, small, invasive roots...
I have thought of putting down pavers as a base, because I do not want to exclude worms
having access to the compost material--yet it would limit root growth under it...
Believe me! Any worms I dig up during all my gardening will be moved to either this
raised bed--or to the Compost Pile....Free housing!!! NO rent--just poop a lot!!!!
At this point--my to-be Compost pile is not yet a priority....Later--Alligator!!!!
Ray will come back on Monday--after I meet up with him to buy the 2 panels of fencing at my HD...
I need him to do this as he has a truck....
Too bad the soil may not yet be available!!!! We could have finished this all off Monday if it was....
That REALLY bugs me!!!! But--I DO understand!
My Tomato plants are all close to16"-18" tall--just chomping at the bit to be planted....
A lot of trenches to be dug to lay them "to rest".....
Must learn to bide my time! Gita
Spew any and all advice any of you can offer here.....Much appreciated....
Here is a closer up look at the Compost-bin area to be....
This is from my yard looking toward my neighbor's junky site.
And a view looking FROM my neighbor's side back to my back yard....
That is ALL the space I have for this....but I am sure it will be better than my SEM!!!!
Which--BTW--is falling apart.....
Just got another Promo mailing that THEY will be selling this "AMAZING" composter
ONLY this Saturday--for ONLY $35....
I would almost want to picket the Parking Lot they will be selling this at....
It would say: DO NOT BUY THIS PIECE OF C--P FOR YOUR COMPOSTING!!!!
I am sure--I would get arrested!!!!
Gita
Gita, It is really looking good.
Thanks heavens the SEM is falling apart! I saw that ad too (chuckle)
I get "2 1/2 yards" when I multiply those dimensions, for fill.
DO NOT obsess over tapla's recommendatons. He is talking POTS you have a bed in contact with the ground which will pull any extra moisture out.
Here is a link to Tapla's soil composition threads. Interesting reading. I note that he does not recommend "sand" as an amendment, but crushed granite and, Sally, if you check this link above he does discuss garden soils, too.
http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/1073399/
Ok, I stand corrected. I only recalled long discussions about pots and containers. I find his points about draninage in pot soils to be very enlightening.
Not much (happening in my garden) with a rain shower just started. I should get a few spring flower pictures before those are over and get ready for my first iris, about to open.
Sally--
Just eyeballing the size of this bed--I was guessing about 2cy of soil.
I have several trash bags-full of composted, sheredded leaves to ad too.
Might buy a couple bags of pea gravel--have to see what the soil looks like...
Called around yesterday--no one has top soil. The rain and the high demand
is to blame. Will call early tomorrow to see.
I don't want ray (the guy building this) to drive half an hour just to attach
two panels of shadow box fencing,.
I AM impatient as my Tomatoes need to be planted asap--but I can wait
a couple more days..
I might p/u a couple bags og Vigoro pea gravel to scatter throughout....
Just for aeration....
Will keep you updated....Gita
In my most humble opinion...having read thru the tapla posts. Use your leaves, don't bother with a couple bags of pea gravel. You will not change the drainage characteristics of your soil with that. If your load of topsoil ends up being not enough soil next year, add to it with bark mulch.
Maybe you should up pot the tomatos , deeply, so they can continue to root. I hate when things get too big and then one hot day comes and the little pot dries out so fast.
Sally--
Thank you so much for your ideas and support....humble as they may be....
I can always count on you for honest opinions....it is just that I am quite impressionable
when "gurus" speak of things I do not know....Then I think that it is the way to go.
I should learn to just trust my own instincts and experiences. Things seem to work out..
I think the "glitch-factor" here is that I have never had a raised bed----
I think what worried me more than anything--reading tapla's comments--is that an
ALL organic bed would just "collapse" and loose a lot of volume....So--you need all this stone stuff...
I am still going to put down a double layer of my purchased, Commercial-grade, Weed block---
The felt-like gray stuff.
NOT TO BLOCK WEEDS!!!!!! It is to block all these small feeder roots from the bigger Maple
roots making their way into the new bed. It may--or may not work....Time will tell......
The completion of all this is now delayed for a few days b/c of the rain.
Will keep calling some of the Soil Places to check on the availability....
My Tomatoes are now in about 3" pots.....I am NOT overly concerned--just anxious to get it all
going....Waited so long for all this!!!! They are safe in semi-shade and kept moist--by all the rain....
Also--I am SICK of looking at all the trash and c--p my neighbor puts behind his Garage....DAH!
HE doesn't see it--ME? That is all I look at!!!! UGLY.....
Gita
This will, most likely, be the most expensive bed I have ever had.....
Likely--close to $400......
The rest of your yard is kept so neat and pretty- you'll really enjoy this bed when it's done.
We had an afternoon of drizzles. I just huddle under the tree and up potted a couple little seedlings. Nice weather for settling into their new pots.
Worked this morning and am just home sitting down for a bit. My knee has been pretty bad since I started work. I really need to call the Dr. and see about a shot in that. It's been cloudy and bright off and on all morning with a few sprinkles here and there. Right now it is pretty bright out there and I hope to get outside in a little and do some work. I'm off tomorrow so if the weather would just cooperate I could get some things done.
I have been hauling since last Friday--when Ray started building the bed....
Do you think I just sat and watched???? NOPE! I worked too--doing a lot of the smaller stuff.
He came back Saturday--same thing......
I worked Sunday--in Garden most of the day--on my feet 3/4 of the day.
The problem I have had with the bottom of my right foot is talking a beating....Hurts a lot...
Today--off of work--hauling in my own garden. Been out there most of the day....
Planted several things--my two front beds are almost done!
Put the Dbl. layer of Commercial Weed Block cloth into the bottom of the raised bed--
pins holding it in.
This is in hopes it will keep some of the small roots from my Maples that want to grow into every
patch of fresh dirt from taking over the new soil in this bed----WHICH--BTW--I cannot get.
Seems no one has any! They all say: "Call us back in a day or two". Rain? High demand???
Then--decided to bring out just about everything else I had inside....Do or die--from now on!
Still have some things in the house....but need to bring out a wire shelving unit to have a place
to put them on.
Set up my patio Chairs--the bench--put on all the cushions, etc...
I work full day Tuesday and Wednesday--until 1PM. Will hope to continue on the bed that afternoon.
Ray cannot come to continue working until Thursday afternoon. I sure hope I have the soil delivered by then!!!!
If not--we wait again until the soil is available....
We still have to go to HD and get the 2 panels of the fencing. The posts are already set and waiting...
That Thursday AM--I have a Dr.'s appointment at 10AM. Goint to a different Podiatrist for a 2nd opinion.
I DREAD all the hard work when the soil comes in. There is NO close dumping of the soil to this bed--
which is in my back yard,
It will be dumped on my driveway (3 cubic yards) and then will have to be wheel-barrowed to the back yard
and dumped into the now 16" high bed.
You KNOW I will be helping with that! If nothing else--mixing and digging the soil as it is dumped....
Woe be me!!!!!
OK! Gotta go watch "Dancing with The Stars"......
CIAO!!!! Gita
After a bit of a rest and a pain pill for my knee I headed outside into the gardens. I got a lot done finished the front bed and the one by the potting shed and the small one by the side of the house. Dug up some nice plants for the swaps while I was cleaning the beds. Finally finished planting my pansies. Ric cleaned up the potting shed for me and I worked on the driveway. It all looks pretty good. Now with a little luck and good weather I can move around back and start on those beds.
Hi Holly, I planted all but three of the plants I got last weekend, started working on the fairy garden, did a bit of weeding & dividing and I was so exhausted and knee hurt so badly, I took a half of a percocet. Also my back was giving me grief. I did wear my back brace and used my garden bench. Why is it when we're old enough to have time for what we love the bodies aren't quite up to it?
1st Iris of the year
Pretty! Looks like one of the better behaved ones, that doesn't shoot up way high and then get blown over- i know whereof I speak!.
Ya! Very well behaved, I don't have any of the real tall ones.
Loving this geranium 'Samobor'
edited for spelling
This message was edited May 3, 2011 11:26 PM
Gorgeous geranium! Is it a vigorous grower too? I have a Bigroot geranium. Very hardy plant- last fall I dug and moved a patch and it looked pretty pitiful. Now its all full, can't beleive how it sprang back.
But some of the tall Iris have a spectacular bloom. I had one open today- should have gotten a pic.
My first full year with it. I was a little skeptical seeing how small the actual blooms are...so we'll see...I mean geez look at it! It really took off this year, probably be ready to split next year.
I need to take of pic of the Geum in the same bed...these things are HUGE...this is when I first planted everything
Looks good- your grass is great too.
Jen, Everything looks so good.
Ric and I spent yesterday working on 3 different gardens, First we headed up to DGD Lily's school to plant cannas that we had stored for them last fall. Cleaned up 2 beds then planted the cannas and mulched. Then we stopped at Jen's house for a quick visit but they weren't home yet so we spent about a 1/2 hour weeding and cleaning up her front yard while we waited. Then off to my Parents house where Ric mowed and I weeded.
It was beautiful yesterday and today it is raining. No wonder we aren't getting anything done to our own yard. LOL
LOL
How tall do they get? I ordered some and I will need to know where to plant them.
OK!!!!!!!!!!!!
Update on my raised bed. It is DONE!!!! YEAH! Looks great! Good workmanship!
Filled with "rich" soil--NOT happy about it at all.....
I called a zillion places--and the prices ranged from $28 per cy--to over $100 for the same!
Yesterday at work--I was "burning" the Yellow pages.....Seemed no one had any soil available.
I was asking for "Top Soil"-----when I should have been asking for Mixed garden Soil....
Small glitch!!!! Doing the "New Approach....GARDEN SOIL.....
There are so many places around here that deliver all kinds of soil....
I considered one--"Egypt Farms"--right here on Rt. #40. a few miles from my house....
Called them---Yadda...yadda...How great their soil was......mixed with Humus and Peat Moss....
$42/cubic yard....plus $70 for delivery.....
I couls also have the basic garden Soil they sold mixed wirh Mushroom soil--50/50--
for $41.50 C.Yard....Minimum--3 Yards....Total cost would be $215.
Sounded good--but the price was a bit high....
Called another close-by place. A c.Yard was $33--delivery included.....
Minimum purchase for delivery--$100. Sounded good--as they were going on and on
how they mix their own soil and how great it was....
This place would save me $100--so I went with this one...
They delivered it as I was getting in my car to go to my Foot Dr.'s appointment....
3 Yards! DUMP! Sign slip of sales receipt--as I paid for it over the phone.
After my foot-appointment--went right to my HD to await Ray--the man doing all
my work with this bed----to pick up the 2 panels of "Shadow Box" fencing...
Eventually--he came--we loaded up the fencing and went back to my house....
He alternated dumping wheel-barrow-fulls of soil in my raised bed with erecting
the fence panels behind it.
I helped him with aligning the fence--and getting it screwed into the 4x4's.
He "schlepped" the soil from my driveway to this bed....used up just half of it.....
NOW WHAT????? Some neighbors had expressed an interest in the extra soil.
Now I have to "bug" them about coming to get it and paying me for it.....
I am NOT--NOT happy with the texture of this "amazing"--HUGH??? soil...
It is ALL heavy, dark soil.....Nothing "airy" added to it. Like--peat moss....
There were huge clumps in all of this soil---which I tried to break up as soon as
Ray dumped it in the raised bed....Shovel...shovel....hack..hack....Rake..rake....
Still not happy!!!!! Needs a lot of more amendments to it....AAARGHH! More work....
I already added 4 bags of 2yr.old composted leaves top it. Kept digging them in as
Ray was dumping more soil...At the end--I decided that I have a couple of more days of work to do---
Digging in some Peat Moss...some Garden soil Mix---and--if I can find it-some gravel dust.
Just found out I have a "Reclamation Center: very close to me here---that grinds up and
treats all kinds of contractor waste and stone-as well as reclaimed dirt....
Might go there to see if they have any "Rock Dust". Tis soil I had delivered sure needs
something added to it for "body" and aeration. As well as organic stuff (which I have)...
As it stands right now--I plan to add to this dense, clumping soil:
--a couple of bags of Peat Moss
--About 2 bags of Vigoro Pea Gravel
--and, maybe, a couple of bags of "Organic Choice" garden soil for Veggies....
More $$$$$ and more back-breaking work for me....
Gonna do it though!!!! YES, I WILL!!!! Have to! Tomatoes are getting close to 16" high.
Will keep you all updated.....Here are a few pictures as of today....
Here is the delivered soil. Only used about 1/2 of it! Need to see if any neighbors will
share in $$ to use the rest of it.....See the texture? The clumps?????
Another shot of the 3cy pile.....
It may well be great garden soil--BUT---OH, so heavy!!!
Here is the finished bed looking towards my Shed....
Here is the raised bed , filled with the soil, looking West.....
HEY!! No more of my back-yard's neighbors trash to look at.....YEAHHH!!!!!
Besides--I can just see a vine of some sort growing on that fence--
as well as some HB's of blooming plants hanging from those 4x4' posts...
Over all--I am ecstatic!!!! Love the way it looks!!!!
Lots of money--everything included---close to $700!!!!
Noew I have to add all the amendments I plan to dig it until the soil
meets my satisfaction.....The way it is now--everything would choke to death...
I HATE to be bamboozled!!!!! Now--I have to make good for my garden.....
And--looking straight from my house to the back of the yard.....
Thank, God!!!! No more clutter and trash to be seen!!!!
Happiness is.......well, happiness.....
Gita
Gita, could you use a Hardy passionflower? I GUARANTEE that would literally cover the fence.
Gita, That looks really nice. Love your new bed. That fence behind it just makes it so very nice. I like the shadow box style.
NICE! It came out great.