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Post by johno on Apr 18, 2007 5:01:13 GMT -5
Here's my current garden layout...  Hmm... you can connect the dots... |
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Post by lavandulagirl on Apr 22, 2007 6:29:46 GMT -5
My son wants me to print your plan so he can figure out how to get out of the maze, Johno! ;D I'm afraid I'm not that well planned out in the yard. When we move, though, I may have a blank canvas to work with, and then I'll try to get a plan on the ground. I forget - do you interplant edibles and ornamentals at all? If we buy new construction, my space will be at a real premium. Apparently they don't like large yards in California...
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Post by bluelacedredhead on Apr 22, 2007 8:42:13 GMT -5
Nope, my uncle keeps asking us who cuts the grass here?? Seems a Swimming pool skimmer is his favourite garden tool.  |
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Post by johno on Apr 22, 2007 10:37:06 GMT -5
I do interplant flowers and herbs throughout the garden - some edible, some not.
Actually, I intend to make gates at each of the main pathways around the border (three gaps at the top and bottom, two at the sides) for easier access, but for now there's a fence to keep the neighborhood dogs out, and you must enter and exit from the opening at the top of the image.
If you like, I can send you the file from the scan...
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Post by johno on Apr 25, 2007 1:26:04 GMT -5
LG, if space turns out to be a problem, I think my layout could be scaled to half size and still be functional...
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Post by lavandulagirl on Apr 25, 2007 5:33:43 GMT -5
I'm sure it could, Johno, and I'll keep that in mind.
Do you know - in northern CA a normal family (like mine - the ones not making 7 figures a year after taxes) can expect to pay half a mill for a 2000 sq ft house on - get this! - less than 7000 sq ft lots! Crazy. As I said on another forum, there better still be gold in the ground out there! Of course, it depends on the town and the county, but I've got school aged kids to consider, so I have to pay attention to school ratings and all. My parents used to live in the Bay Area. When they moved, they sold a single story, 1600 sq ft home on a lot the size of a postage stamp for 749,000! It was newer construction, in a pretty posh area, but still! People qualified for state housing assistance if they made less than 70 grand. We're just hoping the housing market out there continues to soften a bit, while ours stays relatively strong.
My kids, (who are awesome, by the way), looked at your layout the other day, and told me that I could make a fabulous herb garden in our new climate using that model. They even said they'd keep the dogs out of it. While I'll believe that when I see it, I'm glad they're thinking of gardens!
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Post by johno on Apr 25, 2007 6:11:59 GMT -5
Now I'm picturing a Mel Bartholomew inspired garden design, only it's fifteen stories tall (supported on sequoya posts, of course,) with rope ladders for maneuvering between levels and block and tackle systems for hauling dirt and veggies up and down. Let's call it Lavandula Girl's Ewok Village... All in a footprint the size of a hot tub.
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Post by lavandulagirl on Apr 25, 2007 6:16:29 GMT -5
Hahahaha! Of course, the neighbors will say nothing about what looks like an orangutan enclosure looming over their yards, as I will be sharing the bounty, right? ;D I believe I know where to get the appropriate climbing gear - I still have my REI membership card.
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Post by bluelacedredhead on Apr 27, 2007 16:10:19 GMT -5
I always wanted a knot garden. I'm going to have to figure out how to grow lavender at a faster rate than one 3 inch pot per year, hahahahaha. (Note my plea for assistance in this matter on the Country herbs forum here, TY)
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Post by johno on May 8, 2007 19:33:04 GMT -5
How about some ideas and advice?
I have a space at the HSS which is about 15' x 60' to design. Easiest thing would be to till it all up, I suppose, with one or two footpaths left longways. I'd kind of like to make it look enticing, though - break it up a little bit. I've thought about doing it square foot garden-ish, with a series of 5' squares, or totally formal with ovals and such, or just six 5' by 12' beds (two rows of three beds.) I want to leave roughly 4' walkways as they are - lawn, to be mowed - in any case.
This area is near the sidewalk in front of the food bank, where people load up their vehicles with food. I want them to stop and think when they see it. The goal is to get these people to learn to supplement their diet by growing their own gardens. "Teach a man to fish, and he'll eat for a lifetime."
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Post by bluelacedredhead on May 9, 2007 19:51:19 GMT -5
Johno, I would imagine that the first thing you should take into consideration is what would appeal to the foodbank patrons as far as types of veggies for their table??
Now I'm trying NOT to stereotype here, but when folks are strapped for cash, what foods do they tend to eat?? Starchy ones for sure cuz they fill you up.
So, grow potatoes in the patch. White ones, red ones, blue ones?? Sweet potatoes too, cuz not only are they a good looking plant, but they're a popular item in the south and they are more versatile than the Irish potato..
Tomatoes next. Keeping in mind what the popular varieties of tomatoes are at the HSS and the problems with folks in rural areas to try different stuff, keep with the Arkansas Travelers and the canning types for the most part. Doesn't mean you can't sneak a Sweet 100 cherry tomato or a yellow pear tomato in there.
I'm just thinking in terms of appealing to their immediate needs and being able to grow something that they can save for the lean winter months.
And lastly, winter squash should be in there somewhere. They can be boiled and mashed. They can be baked. They can be made into breads and pies and cakes.
So obviously, part of the layout would include trellising for the vine crops. In front of those trellises, plan to grow based on height of the mature plant.
Does this make sense to you?
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Post by johno on May 10, 2007 10:01:37 GMT -5
Those are very good points, blue. And you bring up another good question: what to use for trellises? Keep in mind that the budget is tight... It can't look too junky, but it can and should be rustic. By your logic, it should be something that is cheap or free and readily available. Maybe tree branches or river cane? I'm open to any other ideas...
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Post by joanofpa on Jun 27, 2007 16:32:44 GMT -5
LG do you know where in California? I've seen yards in San Jose, would call them a postage stamp! In San Francisco I'd call them nonexistent. My friends son bought a small ranchstyle house about 4 years ago and paid $600,00. I just can't believe it. I hear lots of Californians are exiting to Arizona and Oregon. Can't say I blame them.
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