Nothing much has changed in regards to this wet and cold weather we have been having, since my last post over a month ago, April 5th. Although, the yard isn't as mucky now that the grass has grown in.
I can't believe at this time last year, we had everything in the ground, and were already eating our peas among other treats! This year, the plants that do well in wet and cooler temperatures are doing fine, but we haven't been able to get the rest planted. And it hasn't been warm enough for peppers, basil, etc. We got several seedling trays to stick in the ground, if only the sun would come out and stay around.
Here's what we have been up to.
Collecting Nettle to dry for tea. Great detox tea!
Jason put the plastic on the green house, now just the doors are needed. The house is still warmer all the same, and is ready for planting. I love our beautiful archway that Jason created along with, and raised planters on the side for the climbing plants to grow and take over the arch one day.
Our chicken are back to laying now that the daylight has increased and the weather has somewhat warmed.
Wasabi loves this weather! We are hoping to save seeds this year from the plants (a new learning experience for us).
Of course the hops has taken off! Anyone want some for making beer this year? We harvest way to much to use!
Sadly, I don't think there will be any fruit this year. All our fruit trees blossomed, during that short sunny break we had two weeks ago, then it rained hard, for weeks to follow, knocking off the blossoms. And I didn't see any bees during that short lived sunny break. :(
The potatoes and peas are looking good.
The broad beans are taking off.
Here is our kale, from last year. We've been eating it since February. We are letting the one big one (with all the yellow flowers) to go to seed this year.
Waiting for the new grass to grow...
The raspberries are filling out.
This is one of my sad garden stories (below). My poor lavender bush died! But weirdest thing, the one next to it survived. I think I will try a bush or two in the green house this year.
My sweet peas have come out to say hello (I usually put seeds in the ground during the fall, and they naturally come up in the spring, same with the snap dragons).
We've made raised beds on our front lawn. Great way to educate others. The front of our house is on a busy street (cars, pedestrians, etc.) so we get many viewers. In one bed is our Grow a Row bed, growing food for the food bank and other agencies in need of fresh local foods, through Food Matters Chilliwack (citizen-led non-profit we volunteer for). And two beds for our tenants, to learn about growing their own food. Next weekend we all plant these beds together (let's hope for sun!)
Now, we are just waiting for the sunshine so we can finish our planting! Then on to finishing the root cellar.
Meanwhile, we are helping to create a community garden here in Chilliwack - if anyone lives out this way and is interested in learning more, find Food Matters Chilliwack on Facebook and send a message :)
