Garden Inspirations

My week in Paris in mid-April ramped up my yearning to get gardening.

Luxembourg Gardens

Another Parisian garden

Thank goodness the weather is cooperating since I returned. Thinking back on garden clean-up last year, the difference is incredible. I cut down/cleaned up on the last weekend in April both years. This year, there is so much growth mostly due to the mild winter and a very warm spring. It makes me want to plant the vegetable garden but I know Calgary is a fickle city and the weather may change on a dime. It may still snow and freeze so I will wait until after the May long weekend to add annuals and vegetables. Digging in dirt is good for the soul and I spent 4 hours last weekend on the garden and another 6 this weekend. I figure it probably needs another 5 hours before it is ready for the season. These pictures show the difference between the 2 years.

Last year

This year...although the pictures don't do it justice...there is tons of green

This year too

Waiting for the May Long is not without its rewards since I can start many plants indoors. I picked up some seeds this weekend.

I have so many plans for this garden. Last year, I basically left the yard to see what happen and to find out what was in it. While I still don't know what most of the plants are, I really hope to make it my own this year. I am taking the week off after the May long weekend to really whip the space into shape. And since I am a notorious list maker, here is a list of my plans:

- Transplant Lilac to dirt by fence - Done
- Drain fish pond - Done
- Build raised vegetable bed in space next to raspberry patch: Need to measure, buy wood, learn how to build it. Hope to use some of the wood in the garage to keep the rustic look
- Order a tree to go into the hole where the pond was: Narrowed it down to 3 choices: Chokecherry Schubert, Apple: September Ruby or Crabapple Thunderchild.
- Order big bag of dirt to fill in rest of hole
- Order washed rock for path and landscaping needs
- Line main garden path with big rocks - Partially Done
- Use flat stones to make path throughout the back garden
- Transplant some of the rhubarb to make it more accessible- Done
- Transplant Saskatoon bushes to place behind willow feature - Done
- Transplant Hydrangea to dirt by fence - Done
- Create a keyhole in the raspberry patch for easier access to fruit
- Clean up front & back yard - Done (6-7 bags of leaves & 1 massive pile of limbs, stems, wood-y items)
- Keep noxious weed that took over yard last year out of the garden - in progress
- Trim front cherry trees - Done
- Move twigs/branches/stems pile to east side of the garage (not in compost)
- Turn compost - in progress
- Check compost dirt - Done and it is beautiful. I plan to add it to the garden once bed is made
- Move grate to west side of raspberry patch
- Bury a large board on north side of raspberry patch to prevent roots from spreading
- Measure backyard
- Take bottles in garage to bottle depot
- Clean up garage - in progress
- Clean gutters
- Pull up dandelions
- Create firepit and bench area for awesome summer nights - see picture below
- Set up water garden in bucket to save the pond plants - in progress
- Maintain wooden water barrels
- Clean front porch
- String lights on laundry line
- Extend patio with bricks
- Pull up grass (weed-like) that is spreading across the garden like wildfire
- Mow front grass
- Water trees (winter did not have much snow)
- Figure out how to make the patio more cute/inviting

Remember when it looked like this last year:

Okay, about the firepit idea...it has floated around in my mind for a while now and a chance conversation with my neighbour yesterday confirmed my plans. He was asking how I was changing up the garden this year and I mentioned that I was thinking about the firepit space. Next thing I know he has offered to give me one. He has a small one they don't use and he wouldn't even let me pay for it. I am so lucky to have them as neighbours. On a side note, they are actually temporarily moving to Edmonton for work but have rented out their house to another great couple...so win for me on both accounts. Here is a picture of my new firepit (or stove?). Can't wait to get the yard in shape and have wine by the fire. Who is coming over?

Isn't it cute?

In other news, I am finding so much information about the previous owners of my house. I have all the names and professions of the people who lived here from 1912-1953. I plan to attend a session about how to research your house that the Calgary Public Library is holding in a couple weeks. And with all sorts of centennial celebrations in Calgary this year, there is also a Century Homes initiative. Check it out here.  I think I am going to participate...sounds like fun. Okay, maybe it just sounds like fun for me! I am just a bit in love with my house!