Saturday, February 16, 2008

Adirondack Fire Garden


Continuing from yesterday I'm taking another look at my backyard gardens. Prior to last season I had no back yard plantings. So when I was given so many wonderful and (more importantly) FREE plants & bulbs. I knew it was time to beautify the back yard. We own just under 2 acres of land with a tree line between us and our only visible neighbor. We have no fences to distinguish our property from someone elses. So it's difficult for me to know where to start as the yard seems so large. After returning from our annual camping trip to the Adirondacks I decided we could not live another minute without a fire ring of our own. A place to gather at night and to have S'mores with the kids and to sit and chat with hubby. So as we began work on our "Adirondack Fire Garden" we decided on (as usual) a raised rock bed. The sides were made from logs that we hadn't used while building our home. In the center we dug a small pit and set our fire ring with bear and pine tree cutouts over it. Around it we placed logs for seats. Then as I glanced around our lawn I saw my sad little "bridge to nowhere" sitting all alone in the middle of a dry lawn. I hate bridges that have no purpose. Before construction on our log cabin we did have a need for the little bridge but all those "problem" areas were resolved with some proper landscaping. So with a bit of pleading I convinced hubby to help pull it over to the new fire garden. With the bridge placed as an entry into the raised bed the kids had a new and exciting way into the fire area. And I had two new areas for planting...heehee... my diabolical master plan is working! It might be the first planting beds I've done here that aren't raised. And to be truthful...I think I'll raise them up this year.


During a trip to get mulch with my oldest daughter she asked if she could start her own flower bed. How could I say no? The she informed me that she had her own money to spend! Well, hello Miss Independent! LOL. And so we walked through the garden center and she checked the price and the sun/water requirements. She dreamed and fawned all over the plants (like mother like daughter) and then she grabbed 4 nice looking asters from the clearance rack. When I asked why she replied, "I can get 4 for the price of 1 larger plant in the regular section. And with time and patience these will get just as big. And I'll have 4!" I've never been so proud. She's a frugal gardener!!!

6 comments:

CountryGirl said...

You have become obsessed like the rest of us, lol. I can't believe you used to be the woman that said she couldn't make anything live. Look at your gardens, they are wonderful!

CountryGirl said...

oh...and I love your daughters little garden and the planning that went into it!

Charley "Apple" Grabowski said...

I would love to do raised beds - it would save on digging up all the rocks here. Where are you getting all of the dirt for them?

With four plants your daughter will soon be attending her first plant exchange!

Dave said...

You've got a smart kid! I hope my daughters follow that example. Neat idea with your fire garden! Also thanks for The Home Garden to your blog roll. :)

Unknown said...

What fun! It'll be lovely to enjoy this garden come warmer weather--and if your daughter's starting to garden already...that's a very good thing. Get em while they're young, I say (I started when a wee sprout myself!)

Anonymous said...

I want a fire pit too!!! It makes for good memories and smores. I'm with your daughter--4 is better than 1. She can divide at some point and ya'll can start sharing.