Three growing seasons are now under my belt at our house in Brown County. Has it been a challenge? Yes indeed and I am ready to share differences. I have not listed them in any particular order because all of these "differences" have been at times overwhelming. However, coming up with the solutions has been educational and fun. This blog will be a brief synopsis of the last couple years realizations. My intentions are to actively share more details about my new gardening life, horticultural knowledge and adventures. So keep checking my instagram and blog for gardening, nature, travel and adventures.
However, for now here are a few of the basic differences
#1 Lack of areas with full sunshine. When you live in the woods, any patch of sunshine becomes a potential garden spot. Obviously my mom had the same issue so she designed gardens beds behind the house that maximized the backyard sunshine. I am reviving these beds, but the process has been slow. Sorry Mom, the apple mint that has been growing for 60 years has got to go.
One solution for the search for sunshine has been using the amazing back deck. The space is wide, goes all around the back of the house and faces south with sunshine and warmth even on winter days. This great area has been taken over by Grow Pots, and various other large vessels with some success. I am slowly learning the ins and outs of container gardening. However I still have been able to grow enough fresh veggies and herbs for us to enjoy without a big vegetable garden.
#2 The pressure from critters has been staggering. Deer, turkey and raccoons all find my attempts to grow anything green nothing but a yummy daily feast. We love the wildlife and put out corn for the deer and turkeys and feed the birds, but we have had to employ many different humane tactics to control the population who are driven to eat and destroy.
#3 Invasive species such as Stilt Grass, Oriental Bittersweet, Burning Bush, Autumn Olive, Russian Olive, brambles and Apple Mint have had their way on this land for over 60 years. The more we clear the more natives pop up. For example after clearing briars in an area we discovered a large patch of trillium. Future blogs will focus on this subject.
#4 Wildflower Meadows that I envisioned all over this property have been a struggle. I keep working, reading and studying and someday I will have native meadows where possible.
Increasingly along this journey, I have learned that I need to listen to the land and nature. I have discovered the amazing world of starting all my plants by seed. Podcast have become my best friends and teachers as well as gardening groups and zoom seminars. I now have more garden books than ever and I cherish my growth plus the reinvigorated enthusiasm that it has birthed.
My small little greenhouse built by my mom has opened many new avenues of growth. It is currently packed with herbs, plants to save and starts. My two seed starting stations have further sparked my seed starting obsession. (They were great Valentines gifts)
The most important take away and my mantra for the future is that I am a smarter, wiser and more gentle gardener. My love for nature has been reinforced by the understanding that I am now gardening for the pollinators, the bugs, native bees, birds, butterflies and nature. I am letting nature guide me and no longer trying to change my environment to fit my gardening wishes but allowing the native habitat to show me what it needs.
All of this has made me very happy. I will forever hold dear the love, memories, friends and blessings from my gardening life in Kentucky. It was over 30 years of positive gardening life with great friends.
But I am content and ready to write, explore and share this new chapter in my gardening life. Please join me in this journey. I appreciate all of my garden buddies and friends. Thank you for helping me come to this peaceful journey
