Gardening - A new obsession

Spring is quickly becoming my favorite season because it has the promise of flowers and vegetables that are on the way.  It seems that every year the first green of my tulips pop up on March 1st exactly.  And then about every day after that some other bulb pops up or I see green appear on my hydrangea, lilacs, ect.  Each day the promise of good things to come!

I am relatively new to gardening, actually.  I can't say that I ever planted anything until about 5 years ago when we bought our current house.  Our last house was landscaped and ready to go, but this house was very neglected outside.  Also, Nate and I have had an increased interested in eating organic, locally grown food, and you can't get much more local than your backyard.

Back Yard Graveyard

Before

After 

(I had planted impatiens in the top and bottom of this old fountain, but I robin picked out the flowers on top and built himself a nest!)

Empty Side Yard 

Before..

This was an empty never used side yard.  One of the few places in our yard that gets any sun, so we made a raised bed vegetable garden.

Then with stones installed...

And Now.  (My husband installed rain barrels, as well)

Potatoes and Peas

Rose Bush

This was a sweet surprise.  After living in the house for two years, this rose bush appeared!  I almost pulled it as a weed when it first sprung up, but I saw that it had thorns and decided to see what transpired and...

Now..Wow!

The Yield

I have to be honest, the garden looks nice, but isn't all that fruitful (probably due to the fact that it is shaded part of the day).  We get excited just to get this much.  Mostly I think it is great to grow things with the kids so they can put the seeds in the ground, pick the veges right off the plant, and throw it in the pot for dinner. 

Strawberry Rhubarb Pie

Last weekend we got some rhubarb from our farmer's market in Spring Hill.  I enjoy having to be creative with what is in season locally.  The rhubarb was a different variety that is green, but it still tasted great!  Here's to lots more great flowers, vegetables, and fruit to come this summer!