Evolution of the cat habitat

For years we used the tent and tunnel system for the cats to spend time outdoors.

It worked for a number of years, but eventually the mesh wore out and I couldn't find the product any more.

So it was time to go to plan B.  Enter the dog cat kennel.

But officer, we can explain!

I feel much safer with them securely behind bars and it's also fun to grow the clematis on it.

Long Live the Queen 

Changing up the garden

Since the garden was basically done I figured I'd change it up.  It's what I do.

First I added edgers to the existing garden.  This involved moving the cat condo forward, thus creating a larger space behind it for large hostas...yeah!

I decided that the central part of the garden really looked blah and should be much more spectacular so I decided to revamp it by creating a berm.

All the plants in this area were pulled out and stored while I dumped 25 bags of topsoil in place to create a little height and provide good soil.  Then plants were replanted and my favorite hostas were pulled from other areas to be added to my new specimen garden.

Here's the new area with a slight rise and edgers

                 

                    Now we'll take a little stroll through the garden.

Curly Fries hosta

Empress Wu hosta in front of the red dress form. It's one of the largest hostas, but she's still a baby...give her time.

Engleman Ivy on the trellis - talk about instant gratification!

Paul's Glory

Forbidden Fruit hosta - gotta love the name

Jurassic Park hosta - so he gets a little dinosaur by him

Komodo Dragon hosta - so he gets a dragon

Praying hands hosta

One of my favorites - Rainforest Sunrise hosta

A cute little astilbe

This heuchera had such an unusual yellow bloom I just couldn't resist it.

Long Live the Queen

Long Live the Queen

Evolution of the shed

After writing up the blog about the garden expansion it made me realize how much the shed has changed.

The shed started out sitting on the little deck area.  Left Brain added a little raised garden on the side and I have tried various things to make it attractive.

I added a little sign about it being a private dock and set up a flower stand.  Better, but still pretty boring.

The following June 2019 Left Brain made it into a raised garden and I added the bright blue door for a pop or color and this funky sink.  Having good soil finally made it a joy to plant.  

Long Live the Queen

Gardening In Far Places

One of my latest gardening adventure was at the home of my friend and adopted daughter, Christy. My daughter Stephanie and I joined with her to create a more invited entry garden to her townhouse.

We met in the morning to have some breakfast.  I attempted the recipe I saw on Facebook, an egg bake in a bundt pan.  They show the photo of the dish while in the pan and now I know why.  This is what it looked like when we pried it out of the pan.  I guess I needed to grease it better.

But the girls liked it anyway.

First we removed the weeds and assessed the soil and then it was time to dig in!

It was fun to watch the girls working away and knowing I was able to pass down my love of gardening to another generation.

Stephanie had rescued the variegated hostas from a waste dump and we used them to create this hosta garden.  They should bounce back once they recover from transplant shock and be just fine. 

Here is the before and after photo.

Long Live the Queen

Gardening Outside My Yard

Since my gardens are getting full I've expanded into other areas...with their approval.

My neighbor wanted to do something around her tree as the roots make it hard to mow.  So I discussed the option of a rock garden to fit into the woodland feel of our park.

She ordered two tons of rock and we went to work.

First we circled the tree and then started adding lots and lots of good topsoil.

Then we filled in with plants and the fun began.

It's nice to have dirty friends to play with.

Long Live the Queen