Fencing in
Laying the foundation
Like the winds of this spring, my plans for gardening this first summer at the Foursquare have changed. We have a serious bunny problem and until my back yard has a proper fence and zero bunny and dog access to under the deck, I am not going to plant anything other than maybe a bush or small tree. Instead of focusing on the boulevard gardens we will be installing a new red cedar hardwood fence which is taking over the gardening budget for the season. Seriously though, there is no gardening budget, but the fence has put the kabosh on some previous planting ideas. Instead the focus this summer will be the basics; creating foundations for future gardens.
The growing areas in my yard are filled with invasive and aggressive plants, weeds, poor soil, plastic landscape fabric and a lack of plant diversity. Thankfully this yard is 80% smaller than my previous gardens. I’m now working on shifting my energy & attitude, with thoughts towards the positives of creating new healthy soil, gardens, paths, and an environment that is pollinator friendly and inviting. I have a shoebox size tub of seeds that I am going to plant in pots and maybe some in the ground on the south side, to see what grows. Most of the seeds I have harvested from my own plants, or have been gifts from friends gardens. This will be a fun experiment! For the time being I will put out my planters and fill with annuals.
Aside from planters and hanging baskets most areas of the yard and front of house will be covered in tarps, killing off the existing vegetation. By the end of this summer, I hope to be singing a different tune, enjoying my annuals, and sharing the surprises of plants that I grew from seeds, and maybe even have some plants to share with others. As my hand continues to heal, I am working on healing the land in my little yard that is filled with dappled sun and shade, which will provide me with an endless amount of things I can plant.
Cheers to the gardening season of 2026!
Deana~
