How does my garden grow?

[carolf]

I'm trying to figure it out, myself.

Thanks to all for the helpful comments on my Anti-Lawn entry.  Some of you [waves at Eva] really gave me lots to chew on.  So I think you deserve your own entry, rather than just a return comment.

Comments

[wyld_dandelyon]

With hip problems, I'd suggest looking at perennials (the ones that last through the years) or annuals that self-seed, and asking for ones that don't need a lot of care. Some years will doubtless be worse than others, and I bet you'll be happier if during those years, you can enjoy without worrying that stuff won't come back if you can't tend it.

You might want one bed near the kitchen to be fresh herbs. A lot of these overwinter, including the mints (though these can be invasive) and most sage varieties. And chives, of course.

Good luck!

[carolf]

In fact, wild chive is endangered or threatened (don't remember, exactly) in Michigan, so I'd love to plant some of that.

Yes, definitely perennials. I like low-labor activities. I hate heat, so ... I figure I'll do containers of annuals for color and interest here and there.

My kitchen, unfortunately is not situated to have a close garden. Directly out of the kitchen is the screened in porch, which is above the ground by oh, 6-7 ft? Steps lead down from the deck around the porch to one of the side walkways -- I might put something there, but it will be a heavily shaded area. Not sure which of the herbs do well in shade.

Otherwise, it has to be either in the front (close to the front door or garage) or in the courtyard, accessible from the basement.

I can't have everything even though it is a dream house.

Sage. Interesting thought. Does it do well in shade?

[wyld_dandelyon]

So far, herbs that seem to do well, once established, just about anywhere (including in shade) include any mint (this would be a good one to put in a small plot surrounded by concrete, if you don't want it wandering; we have come to enjoy the scent of mint when mowing the lawn as it's perfectly happy invading same), lemon balm, which is also called melissa, (I have found lemon balm tea eases muscle cramps of various sorts); oregano & chives. I'm sure there's others. Basil seems to absolutely need sun, and though I've had established sage survive being over shaded by other plants, when I've tried to put new-bought plants in shady spots, that hasn't worked, so far at least. Hmm...what else have I grown...I've tried a bunch of things that did ok for one season, but didn't survive the Milwaukee winter

[carolf]

I did not know lilacs are edible. I know about violets, though (another candidate for our "lawn" -- at least as a border) and love to accent a salad with them.

The reason I want a cutting garden is specifically so I don't feel so badly about taking the flowers for the house. I dream of having season-appropriate displays in my home.

Until I have it, though, I've finally reached a stage where I just take them. The spring flowers only last so long, in any case. They may as well be where I can see, appreciate and enjoy them.

another question

[anonymous]

Carol, This is Eva. No time to check in. Do you have to worry about deer or other garden pests of the mammal variety?

I love the idea about using leaves for mulch. We live in evergreen country and therefore have no access to leaves.

I wonder about deer. If you have them wandering about in any number you will quickly learn that it is pretty hopeless to do any planting without knowing what they will not touch - and that is all different for different deer - go figure.

When you think raised beds you may want to consider a berm - irregularly shaped, perhaps a couple of levels. If you have access to stones you can use them for an edge and/or natural wood rather than building rectangular boxes. Nature abhors a straight line in most cases.

We have had a Blues festival and i have spent days at a high powered dishwasher. Time for a party to finish up.

Deer aka BIG RATS

[anonymous]

We have never been able to outwit deer. Nothing deters them...they will even eat things that make them sick. You can call your extension service for help with planting and they may be able to tell you some things that deer do not like.

After 25 households in our neighborhood were affected by Lyme disease, almost everyone has stopped gardening. It is just too dangerous. This disease is insidious and so difficult to get rid of. And it is very painful and debilitating.

J

Re: Deer aka BIG RATS

[carolf]

Lyme disease scares me.

It's not at all prevalent around me, although there have been a few isolated cases. But I don't know how long that will last. The West Nile moved to us much more quickly than entomologists predicted.

That's why I discarded clover as my "lawn." It grows as high or higher than grass, and I need something that will be as short as mowed grass would be -- just without the mowing.

I do hope yours was not one of the 25 households. Yeah, either way someone got hit, but I sorta know you.

[nartfcoel]

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