Weekend Update

Weekend last, that is, two weekends ago, was Outdoor Mania. We took some of the limestone that PJ had acquired and transformed it into a raised bed. We drove out to the CSA farm and purchased some starters early that morning. I cleared the garden of tomatoes from last year that were filling the space and began moving some of the limestone to the area of the new raised bed. PJ came out after a while and we really got to work. We finished moving the limestone, he built the raised bed, and we moved the flat limestone on the alley side of the garage over to where the grill is to make a surface for that and the hose reel to sit. We took out that lovely tall pink flowering plant and transplanted it on both sides of the garage, along with hosta that had taken up that whole area and badly required dividing. So now the yard side of the garage and the alley side of the garage are planted with the tall pink flowering plant and hosta, and the remaining hosta (there is still more that needs to be divided, and we planted some in front and gave some to L too!) went on the other side of the side entrance, on the front side of the side gate. In the fall I think we are going to try to transplant the little dogwood in that area, right outside the dining room window. If it survives it, I think it will like it. More shade, and a better spot for it altogether. After we got all that done, we planted the garden. We have 2 kinds of tomatoes, the sungold (little yellow sweets), and a red slicing tomato. Also in the raised bed we planted a green pepper, and one of two cilantro plants he gave us gratis (they looked so sad when we brought them home but seem to be happier now). In the garden spot, there is broccoli, cauliflower, zucchini, brussels sprouts (!!!!!!!! how happy am I !!!!!!!) and the other sad little cilantro plant. Everything seems to be happy- there is obvious growth on all the plants, and we have been watering carefully. Starting tomorrow we are supposed to have a few days of rain, so that will keep them nourished too. I asked PJ to keep the tomato plants in line this year and not let them take over the garden, and he said he would do his best. I think we will have another successful harvest. I can taste the brussels sprouts already (even tho those won't be ready till quite late in the season :-( )
Since there are too many pictures to post I will break it up. Here we go!