Garden Friday

 The move to the new house was finally complete this week.

Our home is on just over 1/2 acre of land,

which is far less than we were originally hoping for.

Turns out, there is plenty of outdoor space for our various projects.

It was lovely to discover the magnolia tree smack in the front yard.

It just screams Southern Home.

One of the first ventures I'd like to work on is our mailbox planter.

We will replace the mailbox itself with a larger one

(we tend to get lots of packages).

Then I'd like to add some native flowers around it,

as well as sow some sunflowers for the birds and bees.

This butterfly bush will no doubt be a gathering spot

for local pollinators.

I look forward to adding a number of butterfly host and nectar plants.

Consideration is being made to creating a butterfly nursery in the side yard,

so that we can share our love of these critters with others.

This is the side yard where I hope to create various gardens

and possibly start a native nursery.

The mature trees that surround it provide a wonderful backdrop

for just about anything we can dream up.

 Tucked into the corner of those massive trees

is this alcove, perfect for a compost pile.

This will be one of the first outdoor projects we tackle in the fall.

 Our backyard is mostly wooded and quite sloped.

I'd love to create a woodland garden here,

again using native plants

(but no poison ivy!).

The bird population is fantastic,

and we awakened on our first morning

to the glorious sounds of our feathered friends.

The goal here would be to make it more usable.

 This is the view from the edge of our property line

looking toward the house.

The privacy is stellar,

especially considering that we came from a house

where you could literally see into your neighbor's house.

We love that we are part of a community,

but everyone has ample seclusion.

We are blessed with the best of both worlds.

One of the things I soon discovered (to my delight),

is that almost everyone who lives here is a gardener.

I counted numerous veggie beds planted,

as well as expansive landscaping along my walking route.

It seems that I am in good company.

 

For now, the "tin can garden" that we started at the rental,

will be housed in this little area on the southeast side of the house.

I'm hoping that in a couple of weeks, when the boxes have all been unpacked,

the sowing can commence for summer and fall crops.

Until then, what we have will be nurtured as time allows.

So many possibilities for this piece of property.

We are so happy to have our own hunk of dirt.

What's growing in your garden this first week of summer?