It's so hard to believe that the end of 2012 is here.
It's that time to look back and see what you've accomplished during the past year, and most of our projects of 2012 involved the garden.
In early March, Leo and his brother Jim decided to put an irrigation system in the garden. They installed individual watering sources for each section of the garden. It was a week long project that involved digging a lot of trenches and installing pipes. About the same time, Leo built 4 more raised beds. All the hard work paid off with an abundance of vegetables and less time spent watering the plants.
Near the end of March, we rescued a discarded arbor and placed it in the garden. After a little reinforcement and a new paint job, it looked good as new. The arbor became part of our plan to beautify the garden and make it much more than a place just to grow vegetables.
We planted grass between the raised beds and added some landscaping timbers to define the areas. Many late afternoons found us relaxing underneath that arbor!
In May we added a sink/potting bench in the garden. It is so handy to have a place to rinse vegetables in the garden before bringing them into the house!
Near the end of August, Leo and I created this plant stand using some materials that we were given. And the chair planter beside it was a free project that we had completed earlier this year.
And our most recently completed project was when we stained our deck in October. It looks sooooo much better all newly stained with the handrails painted white! Why did we wait so long to do this?
Looking back over the year (including the pictures and the posts) gives me a sense of satisfaction in completing these projects. But I already have a running list of things I'd like to do in 2013, don't you?
Happy New Year, everyone!
Kathy
Love the plant stand. I need to dress up my front entry to disguise the landscape mess we have currently! Pinned!
Pam
You did do some big projects in 2012! I love the arbor and the outdoor sink.
Looking forward to your 2013 projects.
Happy New Year!
Pam
Sweet Bee Cottage
So much inspiration from you and Leo in 2012! Love all your work in your garden and well, what can I say about that sink.....what a fabulous idea and one I'm still envious about.
Happy Happy New Year! Looking forward to visiting with you in 2013!
JoAnn @ SweetPepperRose
Jane, great projects! love them all and y'all did a great job!
breida @ breidawithab.com
Hi there Jane,
Well I am having serious garden envy right about now. I'm looking forward to seeing what the two of you do out there this year. I am living in fear of my own garden right now - circumstances prevented me from getting it "put to bed" this year and now its out there under a foot of snow. . .It's going to be A LOT of work this Spring!
I might need reinforcements!
Happy New Year, Jane!
breida
Melanie
We are doing raised beds again this year, so much easier to maintain and the garden produces more, growing less. Enjoyed reading your blog through the year Jane, always look forward to what you will post next!!
[email protected] of Laughter
I love your garden! Those raised beds are fabulous! Love the garden sink too! You are so lucky to have those wonderful gardens! That's my goal 'some day'! Happy New Year and all the best for 2013! Angie
Diane @ The Checkered Apple
Jane & Leo,
I've really enjoyed and learned a lot following your blog this past year and wanted to wish you and your loved ones a very Happy & Healthy New Year!
Ann
Oh my fav is definitely that garden sink. I remember when you first posted about it. I think blogging makes us get things finished that we wouldn't normally even attempt! Hope you have a fun New Year celebration planned...Happy New Year to both you and Leo. ~Ann
Jean Windham
Well congratulations on all of your projects completed in 2012. We as followers have enjoyed every post and have learned so much from your blog. I have enjoyed your progression as a blogger but I new you would be great at doing this. I am looking forward to next year and the years to come. Thanks again for sharing your gifts. Jean
Thistle
Jane,
Thank you so much for a wonderful 2012! Here's to a great 2013! I am so blessed to have e-met you in blog land (and in real life) and you are such a blessing to me!
Have a wonderful and blessed New Year!
karianne
Dawn
I need to borrow you two for a weekend, you seem to get so much accomplished. Love all your 2012 projects and can't wait to see what you will be up to in 2013.
Happy New Year!
Barbara F.
You and Leo were busy! I am sure you will be working on new things to enhance the already fabulous garden you have. Happy New Year, Jane & Leo! xo
Gretchen Colyer
I love, love, love your blog. I enjoy seeing the different ways you have made your home both lovely and comfortable...something I aspire to. Also, I love your garden (the arbor) and how you have decorated the outside of your home. Your Christmas decorations were wonderful. One of my goals for 2013 is to start a small garden...maybe a couple of raised beds. In the past I have grown my veggies in pots. Now to my point, I really am interested in your pot holder plant stand and would appreciate any information concerning the pot holders and where to purchase them. Thank you for all that you do and how you inspire many of us with your wonderful ideas. Have a blessed New Year.
Carlene @ Oganized Clutter
I love that potting bench with the sink best but it's a great arbor and the raised garden beds are just perfect. They would work really good here because the soil would warm up faster.
Patti
Your accomplishments inspire me. I've lots that I need to make happen this coming year.
Following your lead!
Wishing you a happy and blessed new year.
Hugs,
Patti
Kelly @ Eclectically Vintage
I have been dreaming of a small raised bed - your garden is amazing and I love that arbor!
Kelly
Missy
I'm not a gardener and have managed to kill many outside plants in one way or another. Too bad I live in Delaware because I should have one of those Japanese rock and stone gardens! lol That said, I love gardens and being in green spaces and enjoy reading about them. Your garden has been so much fun to watch. I have a question about those big black tubs that are at the ends of some of the planting boxes - can they be painted? I think they are plastic but would it hurt the plants that grow in them if the posts were painted before you put plants in them? I think that might be a way for me to grow things without trying to dig in my 5000 rocks per square inch soil.
Jane Windham
Missy, the round tubs are black plastic containers that were around some trees that we purchased from a nursery. We reused them this summer by growing green peppers in them. I think you have a great idea about painting them. I would use some paint specially formulated for outdoor plastics, and I would only paint the outside of the container. You can purchase similar containers from nurseries and garden centers because I have done so in the past. Keep in mind that the soil in containers will dry out much quicker and you will need to water your plants in them daily during the heat of the summer. But don't be surprised if you see ours painted all different colors next spring because I love your idea of painting them!