I can't figure out how to link pics from my Photobucket account, so I'm going to post the entry from my Livejournal that I also have them posted in. Right now I'm using a disposible camera and getting CD's made from them because my digital camera is STILL! in the shop (so sad).
This year I actually feel like I have a garden. I have so many more plans for the future. Wish I had as much money as I do enthusiasm! :-)
Here is the link:
http://eats-veggies.livejournal.com/13137.html
Pictures of My Garden (Finally)
we live close enough that if there is something I have a lot of you are welcome to come over and get you some.
renatelynne: Awesome - thank you! I've only lived in Texas 3 years (anniversary is July 9), and I came here solo - so I don't know that many people, and I don't know any gardeners.
Now that I have the veggie garden going good and have some fruit/berries going, the next project for me is to put in a culinary herb garden and put in beds of butterfly/bee herbs around my veggie garden.
I enjoyed your photos very much Veggie. I just can't imagine having to mow all that with an electric mower though. My Goodness you are one tough gal! My hat's off to you for a wonderful job on your garden.
Janet
Hahaha - that's what my folks say. It's really not that bad. I have electrical outlets in all my outbuildings, so it all works out. The mower does a really good job too - I was impressed. For some reason combustion engines don't like me. I have had nothing but trouble with my riding mower. Now it will run only with the choke out. I've had people come over and see what's wrong - nobody can figure it out.
I have another 3/4 acre in the back that is all prairie type stuff which is too much for even my riding mower. Sometimes my neighbor comes and cuts it down for me (he keeps his cow there in the winter). In the future I'm going to get either goats or sheep to help keep it in line. We'll see.
I could be wrong... but I think goats are actually better for the land than sheep. Sheep eat the grass in such a way as there isn't enough left to grow much. I know cattle can't graze well at the same place as sheep because of this.
I go to bussy's flea market just about every other sunday (getting rid of family stuff and making money to buy plants). It is not far from you at all. A lot of people from NB come to it. If you don't know about it... it is on 35 at exit 77 I think (I usually get off at 75 and get breakfast and then drive up the access road)
I didn't get hardly any veggies in this year... My dog died at the end of last year and when I should have been putting out seeds for spring I was burying my head in the covers on most of my off time.
I do have good plants that deer don't seem to bother much (looks like you might have problems with them since your land seems to be a bit in the country.
Last year in the fall we had a plant swap at my house. I'm planning on doing it again this year... just haven't gotten the date down yet
I know Bussy's. It's near GardenRidge (I should own stock in that store). Let me know when you're going next, and I'll come visit your booth.
Sorry about your dog. I have two dogs, a cat, and a fish. I'd be crushed too. I have NZ Spinach, Malabar spinach, Mild Jalapeno Pepeprs, Okra, and yard long beans if you like any of that stuff. I give away 90% of my veggies (It's just me and I can only eat so much). Also have tomatoes, but I'm not sure for how much longer with this heat.
I don't have deer. My area is suburban, but a section of the properties are 1.5-2 acre lots. We don't have restrictions, so the neighbors have all sorts of random livestock. I want to get chickens, but I have no carpentry skills for building them a home. I'm studying up on the whole thing - it's one of my projects for this coming winter. I wish I lived further out, but I have to work - and commuting is very expensive nowadays.
I LOVE okra! and all the other stuff too... *g
I'm planning on being there on sunday. I am usually either in or near booth 224, I will let you know as soon as they tell me (probably tomorrow)
I'm not the best at woodworking but I know the basics... I have some tools.
I had a friend that a chicken where the eggs were supposted to be better for you cuz they had less colestorol in them... not sure what kind of chickens she had. We can't have livestock. I live in a houseing area... we still have deer. about 3 herds of them. My lot is 3/4 acre.
When you study up on building them a home, look into movable homes. They are supposted to be better for small flock and to keep bugs up.
renatelynne: I sent you a dmail. I really want to get chickens because I know first hand how cruel large egg operations can be. Also you don't know what you're getting (as far as how the chickens are fed and medicated). I'm a lacto-ovo vegetarian, and while I don't eat a lot of eggs or cheese I want to feel as good as I can about it. When my chickens stop laying they will be pets as I can't kill them (I've got an overly soft heart). In the poultry forum here there is a member who built a cool chicken tractor - I think I might be able to figure out how to make one for myself. I've learned A LOT of skills since I moved onto my property; almost always from reading a book or pestering the Home Depot guys.
Veggie - I just looked at your pictures and it sure looks like you have put a lot of work in and come a long way!!!! Yeah!!! Isn't it wonderful getting to cook and eat the fruits of your labor? Somehow, nothing at the grocery store can compare.
Thanks knolan. Since I was a kid it's what I've always wanted to do. Just never had the opportunity for one reason or another. When I got the opportunity to move back to the states and buy a place of my own I jumped at it. I'm a lot "poorer" now, but I'm also a lot happier.