The New Garden

It's a little scary looking at this weedy, barren patch. Not because it can't be turned into a productive vegetable garden (it can, and will), but because it's going to be a hell of a lot of work! As far as I can tell there was a garden in this spot a few years ago, so I attempted to begin weeding and turning over some of the grass that's moved in, but it's just too wet and compact right now. In about a week I'll rent a heavy-duty rototiller and get to work on it. The planned garden will measure about 25' by 60', and consist of slightly mounded, 30" wide beds with narrow walkways between them and two wider wheelbarrow paths bisecting the garden from either side. There are lots of creatures out here, so a 6' deer fence must go up, which will keep out rabbits as well. And that all has to happen before I can transplant or sow anything...

The fruit trees are heavily budded, swelling up and just about ready to begin flowering.

Gala apple.

According to my tree map, this is a Bartlett pear.

On a few of these trees, especially the "plum" trees behind the house, it really doesn't seem like the map is correct. It will be interesting to see these trees set fruit this summer and try to nail down what they actually are...

Found a big rhubarb plant out back by the garden starting to wake up - will make great pie with strawberries!