garden - Barb's Back Yard

I’m a farmer!

June 3, 2011February 2, 2017 by barbNo Comments

I am now officially a farmer! Well, a back yard farmer, at least. Our town has an exciting group called 15Thousand Farmers, whose goal is "growing community through neighborhood-based, sustainable growing". Its a very cool idea. Here is their vision: The Vision: 15Thousand Farmers helps create, empower, and inspire 15,000 new, sustainable, neighborhood backyard/front yard farmers in Louisville, KY to feed their families and themselves and to give away! How? By using simple and easy instructions, checklists and materials and ongoing support provided through local growers and resources that will provide everything needed to start growing food in our yards, on decks or in community gardens. Since "Barb's Garden" this year scaled to an additional 28' by 16' in size, this organization crossed my path at a great time. I learned of the group through Art in the Arbor, a local art festival. Of course, I signed up immediately an got my official Dirt Card, which also gives me some cool discounts....

Gardening abundance: flowers, herbs, tomatoes

June 23, 2010January 31, 2017 by barbNo Comments

Gardening unveils an abundance of great life lessons. From tilling rich soil in the spring to harvesting the final flowers and fruit, gardens yield more than the simple fruits, vegetables and flowers. A good garden teaches patience and peace. A great garden holds memories of delicious meals shared with loved ones and graced with fragrant and beautiful arrangements for months on end. From an apartment balcony to a full backyard, each garden of mine has had advice, cuttings and conversations from neighbors and friends included in its design and function. FlowersGood summer choices for cutting and bringing indoors include colorful zinnias, dahlias (depending on location), roses, snapdragons and cosmos. Cosmos have the added advantage of being kind to those of us with allergies. I love to mix them up in bouquets and surprise a neighbor or friend to liven up their day. Another great idea: snip a few flowers before going to a friend’s cook-out. Lay them in a simple piece...

Dahlias, dahlin’

August 21, 2009January 31, 2017 by barbNo Comments

French gardeners often plant dahlias in their herb gardens to brighten the landscape. I suspect that bringing flowers to a dinner prepared from the garden is a big motivation as well. What a joyful dining experience! Fresh food you've grown to please your stomach, and beautiful flowers to soothe your eyes. I've grown a number of dahlias over the years. Our climate has winter, so around early October I cut back the foliage, dig up the tubers and nestle them in a box of cedar shavings for winter rest in my basement. In the spring, I re-plant once the danger of frost is gone. When they bloom, its like welcoming old friends back to my yard. Dahlias come in many sizes and colors. I love them all - one has a face like bright sunshine, another is a big purple shere. Of course, they have their own society, the American Dahlia Society, complete with their own Website chock full of information. Other than staking...

Spring time – time to till & prep for planting

March 26, 2009 by barbNo Comments

Before you plant, take these three steps to prepare the soil and your garden will reward you all season. Just like you and I, your garden needs to breathe – the soil as well as the plants. Tilling and aeration keep the soil loose, allowing for air and drainage near plant roots. An added bonus: if you take the time to prepare the soil and make it healthy, the odds favor a more bountiful harvest and healthy, robust plants. That means less pest control, fertilizing and plant loss for you. (more…)...

Fall: 7 top tasks for a healthy & fabulous spring

November 12, 2008November 14, 2008 by barbNo Comments

To gardeners in zones with winter frosts and freezes, fall means lots of work and preparation for a healthy and spectacular spring garden. The drier days and cooler nights give the ideal combination for your yards and gardens to rest up for growth in the spring. (Gardeners in more moderate climates prepare as well.) Here are the top tasks for my backyard: (more…)...

Tips for saving cash on organic compost and manure

September 12, 2008February 1, 2017 by barb1 Comment

If you prefer to purchase bags of soil and manure: here's a tip for saving money. Walk past the brightly colored bags of brand names in the front of the store or garden center and head to the back rows. The brand names will tout "organic soil", "organic garden soil" and such. But, the bags in the back will be rich and organic as well. And a whole lot cheaper. (more…)...