New Hobby

Now that we finally have a yard I was really excited to plant a garden with the boys this year. I thought it would be so fun for Dylan and Adam to see the process that goes into growing vegetables and to help all along the way. I remember weeding in the garden with my brothers when I was a kid and wanted my boys to have the same experience and realize that working together as a family is fun! You may remember this picture from April where we tamed a crazy overgrown bush - and found another bush and tree in the process.

This was when we were done:
Then in May we started the process of planting the garden. My dad came and tilled the area where the garden was going to be up on the hill where grass wasn't really growing anyway.We made rows and mounds for the veggies and used a few of the gazillion rocks we have around to make a border for the garden.We used already grown plants that my grandma or mom had too many of with the exception of the carrots that Dylan planted from seed. We planted tomato plants, green pepper plants, corn, pole beans, cucumber, strawberries, carrots, watermelon, zucchini and squash. I do have to admit that two cantaloupe plants didn't make it and shriveled up - maybe next year.About a month ago when the first red strawberry showed up. I was up early and was so excited to show Dylan when he woke up. Finally about a hour later Dylan woke up and I took him out to show him, and a bird had beaten us to it and eaten the strawberry! Dylan couldn't believe it and even called Grandpa Smith to say "what can we do about these birds eating our strawberries?!" Dylan decided it would be good to get the birds with a water gun if they came close to the strawberry plant. So now the birds just eat them while Dylan's asleep. Pretty funny! Next year we may try putting netting over the strawberries to keep the birds out.

It's been so fun to see the plants grow and now that it finally stopped raining (though I enjoyed not having to worry about the plants not getting enough water) they have really started to grow! Here are pictures from this morning while Adam was napping:I wanted Dylan to stand by the tomatoes to see how big they have gotten. I can't believe how fast plants grow!The carrots planted from seed. Next year we'll use Uncle Dave's trick and spread out the planting so you have carrots ready to eat all summer.

This is the pole bean plant that I seriously think grows at least 3 inches a day! I've had so much fun learning about plants and flowers this year and trying my luck at the green thumb. My family has been great to answer questions and help me along the way and I've found a few great friends and neighbors that also great to give suggestions. Dylan is learning the difference between weeds and flowers, something I'm still learning too, and he helps me weed and water the garden and flower beds. This is the backyard that used to be bare when we moved in.

The front of the house. This is a little baby rose bush that was here when we moved in.
Last week my mom brought over a bunch of different flowers that she found on clearance and I got to try my hand at arranging a pot. I decided to do some red, white and blue pots for the 4th of July.
And just a pot with all different flowers for the front porch.So that's what we've been doing around here - aside from swimming, playing at the park, and lots of BBQ'd food. I try not to think about the late fall and winter when we'll have to fill our time with other things than working/playing outside but we sure are enjoying the warm weather right now!