Black Thumb
When we moved into this house 2 years ago, we inherited a beautiful garden. Our landlord’s wife is gifted in gardening. Because we have no idea about gardening, it looked like crap. Weeding, mulching, pruning could have been a foreign language as far as we are concerned. But this year is going to be different. (Something we tell ourselves this each year.)
We want to learn how to make this garden thrive. Here is our first bloom. (I have no idea what these are called.)
And these are suppose to be daffodils…
Here is the plot. It has dead stuff from last year. Weeds, grass, blooms, everything mixed in together. It gets bright morning/early afternoon sun and by late afternoon, it is completely shaded. There are lots of worms and creatures living under the soil. Someone once told me that the soil was very rich.
So, what we are trying to figure out is what the heck are we suppose to do now? How do we turn this nasty looking piece of earth into a nice garden? I know we have to put down 6″ of mulch, but what do we do to prepare the garden before putting the mulch down? Till it? (And if we do that, will it destroy the buds coming up? Or will they regrow?)
Do ya’ll know what to do? Do you have a good book or links to share to help us learn? :)
By cbmrj777 on Apr 7, 2008 in Homemaking
LOL–The purple flowers are crocus. The thick leaves coming in look like tulips, not daffodils…and if you have deer, watch out because tulips are like crack to deer.
Don’t till! Just weed, edge and mulch after you get things planted.
I don’t know what zone you’re in, but i bet a good nursery near you would have great books for plants that are hardy to your zone. It is fun! And something all family members can do. Good luck. At least you have some green!
Mental P Mama | Apr 7, 2008 | Reply
Thanks MPM! I bet I’ll have all sorts of plants where I’ll be scratching my head wondering “what’s that??” LOL
Tulips is even better! I love tulips (right after sunflowers
)! I won’t have to worry about deer; too much in the city (unfortunately). But I do have to worry about kids playing ball & trampling the flowers. I wonder if I can put an electric tripwire around the garden? 
What is edging?
cbmrj777 | Apr 7, 2008 | Reply
MPM already said everything I was going to say! Good luck, Christine. Take out a beginners book at the library maybe. I’m sure Rachel will love the pretty pictures.
Kate | Apr 7, 2008 | Reply
Edging is usally done around flower beds before mulching. It is done with a straight shovel-like tool (an edger!) and it is a nice crisp delieation between lawn and garden. Can’t wait to see what pops up in your yard!
Mental P Mama | Apr 8, 2008 | Reply
She’s got a great yard. I have seen it. Christine, what you need to do is remove all the old vegetation (the dead stuff) and add TONS of mulch! Sit back and enjoy! As weeds come up, pull them out.
I’m gonna go do the same thing for my yard.. right now! I’ll post pictures on my blog.
Weslee | Apr 8, 2008 | Reply