A two part post about things that are happening on the outside of my house.
So, as you might recall, awhile back we built a garden bed and planted some stuff in it. Back then it looked like this:
And now it looks like this:
This is why I keep attempting to grow things even though I am a somewhat reluctant gardener. All of that stuff (except the strawberries) came from teeny tiny seeds! (Well, and the strawberries, too, at some point in their history, I guess. But I didn’t grow them from seed). The front there is carrots and one square of strawberries. And then beans along the side. In the back, by the netting, getting ready to climb up it, are watermelon and cantaloupe. It’s hard to see them in this picture, but there are also purple tomato cages in there! I just planted the tomatoes. Very late, because square foot gardening guy says they’re supposed to climb the netting, too. But we were all out of netting. So we were going to plant them elsewhere in the yard, with the cages. Only we didn’t get around to it. So finally I was just like, “there’s room in the bed; why don’t I just stick the cages in there?” And I did. I hope not too late. It was still May, so I think we’re good.
We just put the mulch down a few days ago, because it was looking like this around the edges:
Weedy!
And if there’s one thing we have plenty of, it’s mulch:
In fact, I’d like to go ahead and make the mulched area bigger, and maybe put up a little fence around it (it is not unheard of for us to look outside and notice a naughty little beagle sniffing around in the garden bed), with an eye toward future garden expansion. I envision maybe more raised beds, maybe some berry bushes, maybe a trellis with something or other growing up it, maybe a fun collection of planters, sort of like this one:
We planted basil in the garden bed, but it didn’t make it. But I’d been thinking of doing a container herb garden closer to the house anyway. So when I came across a big metal tub the other week at a yard sale (for $5), it seemed meant to be.
We attempted to hammer some holes in it for drainage:
But that was too hard.
So Dave drilled holes in it instead:
And the drill bit only got stuck once:
(I thought about painting this, by the way (see: colorful container garden inspiration pic above), but I also like it metal colored, and, all things being equal, it’s easier to not paint than to paint).
I’m not sure if I’ve mentioned it, but we have a lot of mulch. So we filled up the bottom with that:
Then topped it off with potting soil:
And then we stuck the plants (that we bought at a local garden store) in there. I hope we spaced them out okay, so that they have plenty of room but will fill in and look pretty. I have no idea. I probably should have researched a bit more. Oh well.
Let’s see if I can remember what’s in there. Basil is the tall stuff. Some kind of mint. Lavender. Lemon grass. uhh, something else. I’m planning to make prettier markers for them than the ones they came with, so you’ll find out then. It will be a big surprise!
If you can’t find your own garage sale tub, they’re not that expensive to buy brand new.
maybe you would like to pin this?
Looks Great! Keep an eye on the mint, it will want to run! Planting them in a container is a much better idea than in a garden where it can (and will) take over.
We had mint that was there when we moved in at the old house…it did fine for a few years, then up and died on me. I think I’m the only person capable of killing mint :).
My basil in the ground bit it, but my potted basil is going well. It’s such a fickle little herb!
I’m jealous of your raised bed, that’s on my agenda for next year 🙂
I’ve always done well with it before….we’ll see how this one goes!
I want an herb garden so badly. I would love to grow some veggies too. But I would settle for an herb garden. We have one planned for right behind the barbeque. I put some mint there and let me tell you, it want’s to take over the whole yard. I have to stop it. I love that I can pick a mint leave for photos though. B want’s to try and make mint tea.
I love that zinc container. It looks really good right there 🙂 Can’t wait to see your markers too 🙂
mint tea sounds fun! I need to research the stuff I bought and find out what to do with it all. Basil I know how to use, but not some of the other stuff.
Love it! But I took one look at the weeds and remembered why I don’t garden. I hate weeding more than I love fresh foods.. haha. One day my attitude will change. I hope. I need to embrace it. But mostly it makes me swear at Adam and Eve the whole time.
ha! well, the raised bed keeps the weeds mostly on the outside….they’d be there with or without the garden….without weeds, we wouldn’t have a yard 😉
I like the metal too. And I agree — if paint or no paint is equal, then don’t paint! Your raised bed is looking great.
– Lora
Thanks, Lora! It’s really satisfying watching it fill in 🙂
I like your attitude! Bit by bit!!! And that metal tub is too cool!!! I can not believe anyone would want to part with that!!! I have been looking for one for a while…and I love it just the way it is too! Wonderful garden shots here friend!!!
yes, I was very excited when I spotted it!
The thing you can’t remember might be rosemary.
(amy)
by golly, I think that’s it!
I always grow basil from seed. Never had much luck with the basil plants I’ve bought in the past. Maybe they’re just one of those plants that doesn’t like to be transplanted…
The stuff that died was from seed….to be fair, I think it died because something dug it up. I’ve had good luck growing it from seed in the past.
Nice gardens! I love the idea of using a tub for a container garden. I hope your herbs do well!
Thanks Elise!
Thank-you! I’ve just returned from 400 Mile yd sale and got a tub just like yours with holes already drilled. Also, happened upon free herbs and was wondering if I should put in the yard or the tub. I think your idea will keep the rabbit away because he doesn’t come up on the deck…that I know. enJOYed your post.
Everything looks fabulous! Thanks for linking up to our Summer Spruce Up Party!!
Selene @ Restoration Beauty