The General Gardening Thread

[Tinkwings]

WOOHOO just made my first venture out to a local small outdoor flower market.....what fun it was to meander outside and feel a bit normal, there were only about 8 others around and everyone kept their distance and was masked. The checkout counter had a huge plexiglass/glass? wall all across checkout save about 4 inches at bottom.....so across about 30 feet of counter which was nicely done! I am opting to visit the outdoor places and stay out of the indoor greenhouses this year. Looks to be warmer and sunny rest of week, might even hit 80!!!!

 

[Willmark]

How was giving blood?

Not much different then when I last donated in February.

To be honest I’m usually on auto pilot when I donate so I really wasn’t paying too much attention. I started in mid 90s and now with the Red Cross app its super easy.

 

[Willmark]

Found this interesting, and note for those who want to object to the quote take it over to the Poltical forum please:

Cultivators of the earth are the most valuable citizens. They are the most vigorous, the most independent, the most virtuous and they are tied to their country and wedded to its liberty and interests by the most lasting bands.

Thomas Jefferson

 

[MinnieM123]

Found this interesting, and note for those who want to object to the quote take it over to the Poltical forum please:

Cultivators of the earth are the most valuable citizens. They are the most vigorous, the most independent, the most virtuous and they are tied to their country and wedded to its liberty and interests by the most lasting bands.

Thomas Jefferson

That explains why I can't grow any plants -- obviously, I have none of those qualities!

I wonder what kind of garden Thomas Jefferson had. By his sincere comments, his garden must have been very important to him. (Thanks for sharing the quote with us.)

 

[Tinkwings]

Jefferson was not only a gardener and farmer, he was a scientist too. Although he likely had people to do the dirty work, he was into the acquisition and propagation of all kinds of plant species for formal and informal gardens around his Monticello....he was a details dude!

https://www.monticello.org/house-ga...-garden/jefferson-the-scientist-and-gardener/

I had some of this that he brought over from China, was allegedly one of his favorites....gets huge!!! Kiss me over the Garden Gate....it was really cool and not sure if it will come back, supposed to reseed. https://www.thespruce.com/kiss-me-over-the-garden-gate-1315691 Polygonum Orientale

 

[John park hopper]

That explains why I can't grow any plants -- obviously, I have none of those qualities!

I wonder what kind of garden Thomas Jefferson had. By his sincere comments, his garden must have been very important to him. (Thanks for sharing the quote with us.)

Some years ago I read Thomas Jeffersons biography truly an amazing man. He had an extensive library and read every book in it (not for show covered all subject) collected plants, designed Monticello etc etc.

 

[Figgy1]

As I mentioned I got post holes done today, but did manage to get one other item complete: the first Toad House, in this case shed.

View attachment 471293

Mrs Willmark likes polka dots so blame her.

Plan is to let a small section of the garden grow naturally behind the decorative fence and bury an inch (or so) of the structure into the ground. I’ve got some rocks I’ll place around the entrance to make it seem more natural to the hopeful inhabitants. A small metal pan with some rocks for water and I already have a cheap solar light to attract mosquitoes. Assuming a toad notices it he should have plenty to eat and a nice abode.

Oh yeah I even roofed it too with left over shingles.

I need that toad house even though we have a rather healthy toad population

 

[Figgy1]

WOOHOO just made my first venture out to a local small outdoor flower market.....what fun it was to meander outside and feel a bit normal, there were only about 8 others around and everyone kept their distance and was masked. The checkout counter had a huge plexiglass/glass? wall all across checkout save about 4 inches at bottom.....so across about 30 feet of counter which was nicely done! I am opting to visit the outdoor places and stay out of the indoor greenhouses this year. Looks to be warmer and sunny rest of week, might even hit 80!!!!

I liked the set up of the garden center we go to. They just left a till out so you could make your own change or you could call and tell them how much you spent and they would charge your credit card. Yea they finally started taking plastic this year.

 

[Tinkwings]

I liked the set up of the garden center we go to. They just left a till out so you could make your own change or you could call and tell them how much you spent and they would charge your credit card. Yea they finally started taking plastic this year.

Love that! What a good idea!!! Was at another outdoor place early this morning at open and was only one there....what fun!!! I actually called a vendor later on where I get bridal veil hanging baskets from for my shady porches, they do so well and are super cheap from this guy.....anyhow he will be at a farmers market near me tomorrow so I called to have him yank a couple and paid over phone, so as I know they get there hours before open, I will get there prior to senior hour( I don't qualify YET!) and grab them and go. I began planting annuals in my pots today and it was a good escape.....need to plant zinnia and sunflower seed varieties tomorrow! I like to have a cutting garden in what is otherwise a waste of space behind my garage at back of lot.....but must remember to put up netting or the bunnies will have a salad bar all you can eat event.

Has Farmer Willmark been planting yet? Next year he will be all set to begin earlier as his project will be "done" or moreso! Have not seen him about today so betting he is out playing in the dirt.....else cursing at the clay.....

 

[Figgy1]

Love that! What a good idea!!! Was at another outdoor place early this morning at open and was only one there....what fun!!! I actually called a vendor later on where I get bridal veil hanging baskets from for my shady porches, they do so well and are super cheap from this guy.....anyhow he will be at a farmers market near me tomorrow so I called to have him yank a couple and paid over phone, so as I know they get there hours before open, I will get there prior to senior hour( I don't qualify YET!) and grab them and go. I began planting annuals in my pots today and it was a good escape.....need to plant zinnia and sunflower seed varieties tomorrow! I like to have a cutting garden in what is otherwise a waste of space behind my garage at back of lot.....but must remember to put up netting or the bunnies will have a salad bar all you can eat event.

Has Farmer Willmark been planting yet? Next year he will be all set to begin earlier as his project will be "done" or moreso! Have not seen him about today so betting he is out playing in the dirt.....else cursing at the clay.....

Good luck!!!!!!!!! I don't know if they did that all day or not my where my dh works gets the first hour on the weekends I can't wait for Friday when the guys will be able to help me get everything done. I did my nails yesterday and am not moving full boxes all over my deck or touching the mulch

 

[Tinkwings]

I never did my nails except for weddings or vaca….and have not done in decades.....but cut super short for cleaning and gardening now.....my guys will help but I like to play too.....I always wear mud gloves though, with all that extra hand washing I don't need more time at the sink!!! Ouch!

 

[Figgy1]

I never did my nails except for weddings or vaca….and have not done in decades.....but cut super short for cleaning and gardening now.....my guys will help but I like to play too.....I always wear mud gloves though, with all that extra hand washing I don't need more time at the sink!!! Ouch!

I do the actual planting and always wear gloves. My kids are bigger than me so they can do the not fun parts of the work.

 

[Tinkwings]

Some years ago I read Thomas Jeffersons biography truly an amazing man. He had an extensive library and read every book in it (not for show covered all subject) collected plants, designed Monticello etc etc.

Do you remember which one? I probably would enjoy that....oooh just looked and my son has John Meacham The Art of Power Thomas Jefferson book....says won Pulitzer prize! Will add to reading pile.....

 

[MinnieM123]

I need that toad house even though we have a rather healthy toad population

I saw it first.

(Oh wait . . . concrete around my building, and no toads. )

 

[John park hopper]

Do you remember which one? I probably would enjoy that....oooh just looked and my son has John Meacham The Art of Power Thomas Jefferson book....says won Pulitzer prize! Will add to reading pile.....

The book I read was "The Road to Monticello The Life and Mind of Thomas Jefferson" by Kevin J. Hayes Oxford Press 2008 Dug it out think I may reread it

 

[Willmark]

@TINKWINGS request.

Indeed, I was off from work today and did a crap ton of work in the front flower beds. Since Mrs Willmark likes polka dots as much as you guys I gave that one to her and we’re going to put it in front, possibly this weekend. For the vegetable garden I plan on making two more, I’m thinking one will be a toad tower, not sure what it will look like yet.

After the work in the front I started on the back and moved about 4 cubic yards out of 5 that I had delivered today. My back is feeling it. I bought a bit more than I needed but I still have a pumpkin patch and strawberry barrels to fill so I should use it all up.

It may not look like much but this was a fair amount of work. The stone borders will come later and I anticipate fully planting this weekend.


As you can see they are now all filled up and I planted flowers and transplanted the garlic from the old garden (behind the 4x4 posts). To the left you can see a stick in the ground, that’s a dwarf honey crisp apple tree.

 

[Katelynbird]

I do love to look at a beautiful garden, but mine would never be like that because I just don't have the patience for keeping the plants and flowers alive and they would all die. So I leave it to those who have the green thumbs and I just enjoy the views.

 

[Tinkwings]

Not sure if hobbit toads know how to open doors....but was thinking on your tower idea.....if you are handy enough to make a door on a inverted terra cotta pot you could nest two incrementally smaller ones on top to create verticality as toady would just use lower level.....they love love love slugs...…

Here is something like I mean but could be any theme or simply terra cotta.....and these pots could help balance out the polka dot theme for Mrs. Wilmark!!!! Your garden and all your work is awesome and I will comment more on that tomorrow, I am making dinner....

 

[Figgy1]

I saw it first.

(Oh wait . . . concrete around my building, and no toads. )

 

[MinnieM123]

@TINKWINGS request.

Indeed, I was off from work today and did a crap ton of work in the front flower beds. Since Mrs Willmark likes polka dots as much as you guys I gave that one to her and we’re going to put it in front, possibly this weekend. For the vegetable garden I plan on making two more, I’m thinking one will be a toad tower, not sure what it will look like yet.

After the work in the front I started on the back and moved about 4 cubic yards out of 5 that I had delivered today. My back is feeling it. I bought a bit more than I needed but I still have a pumpkin patch and strawberry barrels to fill so I should use it all up.

It may not look like much but this was a fair amount of work. The stone borders will come later and I anticipate fully planting this weekend.
View attachment 471529

As you can see they are now all filled up and I planted flowers and transplanted the garlic from the old garden (behind the 4x4 posts). To the left you can see a stick in the ground, that’s a dwarf honey crisp apple tree.

Very impressed with all your work. By the way, I like your light brown wooden fence around your yard. You live in such a pretty, country area of NY.