With so many changes in 2007 having been so successful, we are hoping to plan even more for 2008. Starting off with a landscape effort which will reduce our water by one third.

Two more trees, wildlife-attracting bushes, broad xeriscaped areas, and planting beds are all in the plan. Hope to share some of these sketches here soon.

Labels: back yard, garden, lawn, pergola

We had a Two-tailed Swallowtail (Papilio multicaudata Kirby) visit the 5kGarden over the past few weeks. It seemed fine with me scurrying to find the camera, slamming doors and coming within a foot to take this photo.

As a matter of fact, most of the insects appear to be content with the food we've provided. I've brushed up against bees, wasps, and hornets, all of which are more drawn to the flowers than me, personally. I wish the mosquitoes felt the same way.

Labels: butterfly, flower, garden

Labels: Boulder, Colorado, Erie, garden, harvest, onion, potato, sunflower, zuchini

Oasis is just about done with the project. Inspection with the city tomorrow morning should be followed by finishing touches such as the collars at the foot of each post.

Labels: Colorado, Erie, garden, pergola, squash

This is what happens when I don't post for a week due to house guest: the 5k garden explodes. We've had zucchinis, cucumbers (more on this in a later post), corn, and now tomatoes. All of the plants have fruit, but the little runt that could, did.

These are Red Robins, a petite 8 inch plant that I picked up from Paulino's Garden Center.

Labels: Colorado, Erie, garden, Red Robin, tomato

I'm very excited about this post!

Back Story: My evil older brothers would feed me horse radish sandwiches when I was little. Funny thing was, I liked them.

Fast forward to today: A coworker gave me a plant for the beds. I just need to find a home for it.

Labels: Boulder, Colorado, Erie, garden, horse radish

I had enough. The raccoons had destroyed most of the corn, so I gathered what i could salvage for a snack.

Labels: corn, critter, garden, racoon

Found these guys on the sappy stems of this flower. they appeared to be having a hay day chowing down on smaller white bugs. I'm not an entomologist. Anyone know of a bug man?

Labels: bugs, flower, garden

At first i thought "COON!" but the soft scent wafting through the breached bed told me it was skunk.

Must mean the corn's ready. Too bad it got most of the mature ears.



UPDATE: Consensus tells me this is a raccoon. Experts have advised everything from strychnine-laced cantaloupe, offered hav-a-heart traps (where I'd take them I have no idea, and traditional firing squad techniques. I think I'm going to go the route of feed the needy and electrify my fence for next year.

Labels: Boulder, Colorado, corn, critter, Erie, garden, racoon, skunk

Had a bit of a storm tonight. Three-quarter inch of rain, some pea sized hail and gusty winds. Probably took 30 minutes to blow over

Labels: garden, hail, rain

Labels: Boulder, Colorado, Erie, garden, Heirloom, plants

Labels: Boulder, Colorado, Erie, garden

Labels: Boulder, Colorado, Erie, garden, iris, landscaping

Finally, the tree is in. It's a Autumn Purple White Ash.

Labels: Colorado, garden, landscaping, National Arbor Day Foundatin, weekend project

Suz and I went down to Cherry Creek Tree Farm this afternoon and picked out our new White Ash. The back yard needed a bit more shade as did the west side of the house. We are taking advantage of the town of Erie's tree planting incentive and discounted installation coupon we got in the mail. It's a 2.75" caliper and I'd really like to save my back.

We really wanted to pick up a second: a Golden Rain Tree, but the only one they had left was half dead and wilted dry. we passed on the $80 offer. It had a limb that was torn from it and had a year to heal over. I wasn't sold.

We should see it in place by Memorial Day.

Labels: Boulder, Colorado, garden, Tree

Just a photo reference on where the 5K Garden is at. Most everything that was put in a few weeks ago is up. All the remainder plants are in the soil and ready to go.

Labels: Boulder, Colorado, garden

I've grown fond of iris over the last couple of years. The folks had them around the yard growing up. Even pockets of water iris by the pond never fully gained my attention.

They always seemed old fashioned, wind burned and short-lived. And, they still are. but for a brief moment, the glance we get from the blossom has made me stop and take notice. So much so, I'll be installing a border this summer along the path to the back yard.

Labels: Colorado, garden, iris, Kansas

Spent a weekend back in Ellis County. Charlie gave us the tour of things he's planted, and things that just grow wild. After the moisture they received this winter, you can see the evidence of plants waiting for the right opportunity to surface.

Thanks Charlie for spending the morning with us.

Labels: garden, Kansas, weekend project

Starting to see a few things climb up out of the dirt.


"Corn" & "Lettuce" live together in the southwest bed.

And due east you'll find "Spinach" & "Onions" live together in the southwest bed.

Well, to tell the truth, I have about 275 of the 300 onion sets stowed throughout the garden. We'll call this the season of sisters.

Labels: garden