Friday, May 15, 2015

The early May herb garden

I had hoped the Journal 52 prompt would be up by now, but since it wasn't decided to share these photos of my early May herb garden.  I can't believe it's been well over a week since I took these photos.

I had a definite mess when I first started this project.  I had saved lots and lots of bags of leaves to add to my garden, hoping I could have my lasagna garden for the first time in five years, after I allowed people to put a rototiller to it.  Sadly, it's going to be another year before this garden has cooked enough to become a good lasagna garden.


I could tell I was still quite weak because I should have been able to do this in a single day.  However, this is how I left it on the first day.  You can see I've cut back the blackberry vines and positioned some of the pots in the herb garden.

On Day 2, you have no idea how many times I moved pots around until I got them in a decent position.

It took two days, but I was finally happy with the order of the pots.  Of course, I had lots of cleaning, sweeping, and finishing to do.  Unfortunately, the rains came before I could finish completely.

I inspected the herb garden for damage after the rains, hail, and high wind had subsided.

It did no good to sweep the drive or around the bricks because the wind managed to remove or scatter many leaves.  I was thrilled that there was very little damage, but now I need to mow because of all the rain that has caused the grass (and weeds) to grow at an exponential pace.

And mow I did.  On Tuesday, in fact.  Then I edged, trimmed, and swept.  Sunday I'll show the mid-May flower bed I cleaned out this last Tuesday.

Thanks for joining me in the herb garden, which I started much later than usual this year.  As you can see, I got the pots planted and placed in a pleasing position.  I hope you'll join me once a month when I update the herb garden and show its growth, or lack of it.

13 thoughtful remarks:

massofhair said...

Your herb garden looks fantastic Elizabeth, i can believe it took you an age to decide which pots to put where!
So glad you are feeling up to gardening and your strength is returning, albeit slowly.

Have a lovely weekend :-) xxx

Anonymous said...

Moving pots is hard work, I did the same yesterday and did a little deck salad garden last night. Did a straw bale wall around our duck yard and am trying this for the first time since I have no compost built up in our new digs. Planted cukes and zukes and some more kale. Love baby size kale in salads along with chard, and just tiny tomatoes this year. I bought 3 plants. That will keep us going all season long. Basil and parsley too. You have alot more in the herb realm right now than I do. Might have time to get some more going. xox

Nan G said...

Wow! I had to sit down and my breath for you, E! A lot of work after not feeling well. Hope this means you're truly on the mend. Always look forward to seeing your garden sprout to life. Hugs from me and the Girls on a rainy day at the beach. :)

Jo Murray said...

Absolute evidence that you are OK. An awesome lots of herbs! Well done.

Elizabeth said...

You did well to do as much as you did when you are recovering from being unwell, Elizabeth. I will definitely be popping in each month to see how your herb garden is coming along. I've not heard of a lasagna garden before and can't imagine what you intend growing in it :) Have a good weekend and do take it easy. Elizabeth xx

Rita said...

Your herb garden always looks so nice! I hope it is abundant for you this year. :)

AiyanaKalyna said...

I was thinking about your lovely garden posts just yesterday. I was wondering if you were going to try and put in a garden this year after being so ill. Didn't expect this. :) That is so much work. It is gorgeous. I hope it didn't tire you out to much. I had a large garden planned this year but only got half in due to a badly broken rib. Being sick and putting a garden in is exhausting. I have done it before. Be careful. We all worry about you.

voodoo vixen said...

I think you have done wonderfully seeing how sick you were such a short time ago! I keep looking at my garden and wanting to be out in it but the wrist is still playing up and strapped so I will have to learn to be patient. Hope all your herbs grow nicely for you and now I am off to figure out what a lasagne garden is....

johanna said...

i´m not sure i understand the term "lasagna garden" (couldn´t find it in the dictionary). is it just a great variety of italian herbs?

anyway, i envy you for the great choice of herbs you have! you must be a master cook, i only have about 5 fresh herbs growing (rosmary, sage, Thym, basil, chive - that´s it). but nothing better than fresh herbs, yumm!!

a lot of work obviously with all These pots, esp when you are not 100% fit! hope you are back to normal soon!!
xox

Divers and Sundry said...

My herb garden consists of 4 little pots on the patio lol I love how you use your space and look forward to seeing what you've planted and how your garden grows.

Halle said...

Lots and lots of pots! I planted my garden this week as well. Glad you didn't have much storm damage other than messy leaves. We are expecting possibly severe storms tonight and tomorrow.

Dreaming of Vintage said...

Hi Elizabeth! Your herb garden looks great! I hope it turns out wonderful!

pearshapedcrafting said...

I'm glad to see you were sensible enough to do this over two days! I will have some pot moving to do when we go back to the caravan at the end of the week - and cutting a few things back too I expect - I've missed going there and it's only been for three weeks - how will I feel after five when we go off to France!!!! Hugs, Chrisx