The garden is finally at a stopping place. A state of rest for the hot summer months. Now is the perfect time to pause and reflect on the last 18 months of projects that have made the garden what it is today.
In reflection: I cannot believe it has been 18 months yet only 18 months since we began staking out the chicken coop that started it all. It was bitterly cold and windy, but on New Year’s day 2021, the garden was started with stakes and string- the beginning of a dream come true. But dreams are not handed to us-they require work and often growing pains. Hard lessons learned and time traded-in. I have no regrets because the garden process has been filled with so many memories and sweet lessons in both skill and life.
I’m excited to launch my Summer 2022 Garden Tour. I will be highlighting the following spaces week by week here on the blog and on my Instagram using a mix of static photos, and video content. I cannot wait to take you along.
Overall Layout and Components
The Greenhouse
In-Ground Landscaping
What I Grow in Zone 8a Summer
This week: We dive into the basic Q&A of the overall layout and garden components.
To explore ideas that inspired my garden, click HERE
What Growing Zone are you in?
I am Zone 8a!
To find out what growing zone you are located in, click HERE for a link to the USDA Plant Hardiness Map and input your zip code.
What is the overall dimension of your garden area?
Our garden is approximately 45 ft x 45 ft
What are the dimensions of your Greenhouse?
While I will go into more detail regarding the Greenhouse in a further post, it is approximately 10 ft x 16 ft plus some for the entryway.
What are the dimensions of your Coop?
While I will go into more detail regarding the Coop in a further post, the enclosed Coop is 10 ft x 10 ft. The Run is 12 ft x 9 ft.
The new duckling run addition is approximately 10 ft x 10 ft.
What is your ground cover and what did you use underneath?
I chose crushed limestone for my groundcover. Crushed limestone compacts better than pea gravel and I personally liked the color variation more. Underneath, I used tar paper (for roofing) and landscape fabric to assist with run-off or drainage near the in-ground beds. I will say, the landscape fabric areas are where I have to do the most weeding-something to consider.
To read more about our groundcover… click HERE
What color are your stepping stones?
These are Oklahoma Gray flagstone
Did you build your raised beds? Will you add more?
Yes! Each box is 4 ft x 6 ft.
You can read more about the raised boxes HERE. And YES I plan on building 4-6 more boxes in the future for more edible crops growing capacity. Little bits at a time.
How did you make the arch trellis?
Using a cattle fencing panel and some t-posts!
Tap your 4′ t-posts in (I only needed two because we secured to the box side with metal strapping (as you can see in the image above) and then bend the fencing into an arch-securing with wire or sturdy zip ties!
Our fencing was already on property, so we used what we had. But, I would say this 12′ fencing builds about a 6′ tall arch if placed on the ground with the ends approximately 3′ apart.
Did you build the fence?
I did! And you can read more about them (and snag a tutorial) HERE.
What stain color do you use in the Garden?
Thompson Waterseal Timber Oil in Transparent Teak
The fence is Olympic Mystic Black Solid Color Exterior Stain and Sealant
What direction does your garden face?
The Greenhouse door faces North.
The Garden gets 6-8 hours of sun in the summer, with morning shade until about 11 am in the summer due to surrounding trees.
Do you have a dripline or automatic watering system?
Yes! Without an automatic watering system, my plants would not survive. I will cover this more in my segment about the garden boxes. 😉
Any other questions about the garden layout? Send me a message or DM on Instagram and I’m happy to answer them!
Want to see more of the Garden tour? Check out these posts:
Talk soon,
Lanna