As I'm writing this post, Jane is shelling a mess of peas that she picked from our garden yesterday. For those of you who don't know, a mess is a unit of measurement frequently used here in the South. A mess of peas will generally feed a nice-sized family.
You can pick several messes from these!
We planted our first garden when we retired and moved back home to Windham's Crossroads. I had no idea how little we knew about gardening and growing our own vegetables. We just knew that we wanted to have some control over what we were eating. After being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes and taking several nutrition classes, I realized how much unhealthy food laden with chemicals and preservatives and who knows what else I had been putting into my body.
During our first year, our garden looked nothing like this. But despite our inexperience, we were blessed with an abundance of fresh vegetables (and weeds, and insects, and pests, and plant diseases ... I think you get the idea!)
Our garden has truly evolved. Every year is a new and exciting growing experience. We learn from our mistakes and change accordingly from year to year. A good example is in this photo. The cabbages are much healthier grown in the rich soil that we create for the raised beds.
It didn't take me long to realize that controlling the weeds is mind-boggling. This year I put down landscaping fabric in about 80% of our entire garden. We experimented with this last year by putting some under our tomato plants. It not only controls the weeds, but when we cover it with wheat straw, it also serves the purpose of holding in the moisture and prevents the bottom leaves of the plants from coming in contact with the soil. This eliminates some soil-borne diseases.
My hoeing time has been cut back considerably! And speaking about cutting back on things, the first year we had the garden Jane and I spent a lot of time hand-watering our plants. That's why I installed an extensive irrigation system as described in my post don't hesitate to irrigate. If it's gonna grow, it has to have water!
As I learned about growing vegetables, I also realized that since we spend so much time in the garden, we should make it a soothing and pleasurable experience. Jane is just full of ideas on how to pretty up the place which started with the addition of this arbor. We've since added more grass pathways and flower beds.
There are even flowers in the herb bed. The flowers not only add beauty, but they also attract the pollinators.
The blossoms of the vegetables are beautiful in themselves like this squash blossom.
Even an onion is pretty!
Here's one of the new things we've added to our garden this year. It's called an obelisk and makes a great support for an indeterminate tomato plant. You can get the directions on how to make your own in my post DIY wooden garden obelisk.
We discovered how well peppers grow in pots.
When we replaced the screen door on our front porch, we didn't throw the old one away. Here it is and it's now a trellis.
Six new blueberry bushes this year. I'm thinking a blueberry smoothie will taste good in a few weeks.
So as you can see, we're learning and our garden is changing. Jane, Lucy, and I have evolved into gardeners. If you think you'd like to give it a try, here are our 5 tips for the first time gardener.
Michele
Thank you for sharing your journey and the beautiful photos of your garden. It is inspiring; after a so-so garden year, I need the motivation that you provide. Thanks and God bless!
Susan (Between Naps on the Porch)
Leo and Jane, your garden is wonderful! I wish I had a sunny spot for one, although I'd need a lot of schooling to actually produce anything edible from it. 🙂 If I ever get that sunny spot, I'll come here for tips and inspiration. Loved all the pictures and love the screen door as a trellis...great recycling idea!
Anne Bartlett
Hello, Leo and Jane
Beautiful garden - I will be sure to get my husband to look at it! He does most of the vegetable and fruit growing for our family, while I do the landscaping part of it. Our gardens are open for touring, plus I sell some plants and do private garden consultations. I just wanted to let you know that hemerocallis (daylilies) are very easy care, come in a huge array of colours, and are edible! The blooms can be used in salads, unopened buds stir-fried, and the blooms look lovely floating in a bowl of punch if you are having a summer get-together. Last year we even had a young lady from our church come by to select some daylily blooms that she used to decorate her wedding cake with! The tuberous roots may also be used the same as you would potatoes. By the way, we discovered a few years ago that peppers do really well when given a little milk throughout the growing season - they have a fairly high calcium requirement - tomatoes and many other vegetables also benefit from milk. I realize this may be more difficult for those who have to buy their milk; we are lucky as we have retained a small breeding herd of dairy goats. God bless, and have a great day!
Sincerely,
Anne Bartlett
Riverwood Gardens
P.S. We are on Facebook if you wish to check out the ornamental side of the gardens!
Michele
Interesting about the milk and peppers; I will try that next year, as my success with peppers is poor.
Vickie
Such a beautiful garden-I am sure it does not feel like work when you are in this beautiful place.
Jen
Very beautiful!
I love the seating area and the flowers...I agree that we are out there alot & would
like it to be relaxing and beautiful...not just all about the food!
Katy
I look forward reading about your small town southern lifestyle. Love watching your garden grow, as well. Keep up the good work.
Katy
I look forward reading about your small town southern lifestyle. Love watching your garden grow, as well. Keep up th good work.
Jenny
Your garden is gorgeous! So glad I found you thru the Home Sweet Garden party this morning!
debbiedoos
Whewwwwwwwww..you and Leo are something else Jane out there in the gardens. They sure are a labor of love, but I tell you, they look every bit worth it. Amazing! Have a wonderful weekend. XO
Jean Windham
What can I say Leo but reading this blog has made me cry. Reading about all the work and experience you and Jane have gained with the garden is so wonderful. Mother would be so proud and happy if she was there. I am sure she is looking down from heaven with great joy. Thank you to you and Jane for letting us travel this journey with you.
Ann
I am in awe of this garden and the sweat equity you both have invested. Something to be very proud of!
Brandi
Your garden has truly evolved! You should be so proud of all your hard work. You are giving me hope for growing my own one day. I really appreciate you sharing your tips and linking to your tutorials. Hope you both have a lovely weekend.
Kelly @ Eclectically Vintage
Does my pot of basil count as a garden? I need you and Lucy to come over and magically turn my yard into an amazing garden!
Hope you have a wonderful Memorial Day eating the fruits of your labor!
Kelly
MaryJean
What a beautiful, bountiful garden you have! Since you have such a wonderful garden I'm hoping you can answer a question of mine. I planted zucchini last year and my plants did nicely. I have a raised bed garden that is just the right size for me since I work full-time and don't have the time to manage a large garden. Anyway, back to the zucchini . . . I got blossoms and zucchini started growing from the blossoms, but before they would get to a nice size to pick they would shrivel up and fall off. Why? I want to grow some this year, but I'm afraid the same thing will happen again. Can you give me any advice? Years ago I had a much larger garden and this never happened. HELP!
Leo Windham
Hi MaryJean. I am not an expert, but it sounds like you have some soil born disease in the area where you planted. Try moving the plants next year if the same thing happens. We put down landscape fabric to control the weeds. It also keeps the leaves from touching the ground. This has really worked for us. Good luck. Have a great Memorial Day Weekend and thanks for stopping by the Crossroads.
[email protected] Designs
The garden is gorgeous Leo (and Jane)....it just gets better and better each year and I can imagine how much work it is, however, when you are sitting down to a delicious meal with wonderful things from the garden, I am sure you think it is all worth it...I so enjoy seeing what you and Jane have done to make this garden flourish. Have a safe and wonderful Memorial Day!....
P.S....I have just re-subscribed as your posts have dropped from my email!!
Ann Nell
There are many flowers that are edible. Please check into it. I think you will be surprised. One that I love is the blooms from a Red Bud tree. They are delicious sprinkled on a salad.
Another is Nastercians, they taste like black pepper. You will find directions on growing them on the internet too. Main thing--no pesticides !
Stacey
Leo, your gardens are amazing. You and Jane have done such a wonderful job. It's beautiful to look at and consume. 🙂
Laurie @ Vin'yet Etc.
Amazing, your skills are above and beyond and I'd like to invite both you and Jane to come garden at my place in Canada... of course bring Lucy! She may not make the trip back, she looks so much like our Polly did, I may have to keep her! 😉 Beautiful job, so impressive!
Barbara (WA)
I love your garden, and your tips & advice, thank you!
Dawn
OMG what a huge garden and weed free by the looks of it. I always enjoy your garden post not only for the information but just to look at how beautiful it is. I wish I had the time to garden more. I can't believe all those peas. How Yummy!
Robyn
OMG....wish I lived there!!!
Lani
I LOVE your garden! Everything looks so beautiful this year. It's a lot of work, but oh, so very worth it 🙂
Hugs & Blessings ...
Holly
Oh my goodness!!! This is VERY impressive!! Thank you for sharing!! Ü
Becky Dodson
Leo, how is your diabetes? The reason I'm asking--I have a Facebook friend who also had Type 2 Diabetes--to the point that he was having to give himself insulin shots. This year, he started drinking Okra Water every morning. It totally controlled his insulin levels ! He was truly amazed. I'm sure he'd love to share it with you if you're interested--I figure you & Jane probably grow okra anyway, so it would be a cinch. His name is Clark McCrary--he's the pastor of First Baptist Church, Irmo.
peggy baker
Becky Dodson,,, my husband has type 2 diabetes...and is on lantus insulin...my question to you is, what is okra water??? we are very much interested in the preparation if possible...thank you
Leo Windham
Sorry Peggy. I don't know. Let me know if you find out.
Babs
Wow! I'm impressed! You have me wanting to put out a few more plants. We had pitiful luck last year and this year we only put out two tomato plants, but also have two volunteers. It'll be fun seeing what they produce. Gosh, you cabbages look fabulous, and I love the mix of flowers with your herbs. Have a great weekend and Memorial Day.
Landscaping Contractor,irrigation,Fertilizing programs
Good post
I like your blog
Thanks for share ...!!