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| Fire pit and surrounding area will have gravel/bark. |
Speaking of which...four milkweed plants will go in, in order to help our friends the Monarch butterflies.
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| Bark and decorative gravel will surround the chicken coop/run. |
Another phase of my life may be starting soon as well, I have applied to train as a Master Gardener with the local University Extension office. If I get accepted I will begin taking classes next February - June, learning all about plants, pests and their management, and landscaping in our region. I will then be assigned a certain number of volunteer hours each month to help others with their garden ideas and issues.
In the meantime, while the backyard project has become a lot more enjoyable now that winter weather is upon us, I'll be happy to look outside the back door and see it all done.
Looks so good! Can't wait to see what plants you choose! My favorite milkweed is a cultivar called "hairy balls" it grows like six feet tall and has these fabulous green lantern like "balls". I have grown them before and love them in floral arrangements.
ReplyDeleteI am/was a Master Gardener. It was a really good experience for me, though not ultimately an organization I stuck with. I made a few very good friends, which has been so nice. its amazing how much some counties accomplish through their MG programs. Good luck! If you're not accepted, my god, we have a problem!
Thank you and WOW! I'm so thrilled to learn you were in this program, too. With your plant knowledge I should have guessed. I'm really thinking that as I get into my retirement years it would be a nice thing to do -- teach others, work the booth at events, help at the office, etc. So I don't think the milkweed you mentioned grows in our area, our milkweed looks a little more like a cross between a butterfly bush (leaves) and lantana (blossoms). Not as large either. Yours sounds interesting!
DeleteFunny, I have been thinking about applying for the Master Gardener Program for next year as well. Our county only offers them once a year. Apply in May/June, interview, if accepted 10 weeks of clasees start in July. Got to decide if I am ready to commit the time for the classes as well as the 75 hours a year for volunteering the first year. I think it drops down to 35 after that, in order to retain certification. We'll see.
ReplyDeleteFunny, I have been thinking about applying for the Master Gardener Program for next year as well. Our county only offers them once a year. Apply in May/June, interview, if accepted 10 weeks of clasees start in July. Got to decide if I am ready to commit the time for the classes as well as the 75 hours a year for volunteering the first year. I think it drops down to 35 after that, in order to retain certification. We'll see.
ReplyDeleteIt's kind of the same thing here, DFW. I think it's 50 hours the first year and then drops to 35 or something. Plus there are continuing education hours you also have to put in. I have been wanting to do this for a long time, so I'm going for it, but I have been mulling it over for several years. Perhaps you're not ready to re-commit to something so soon into retirement, you can always give it some time because the program will be ready when you are!
DeleteWhere I vacation, the Master Gardener program is very strong and they run the Farmers Market and give classes there. Along with answering questions. This is an especially helpful service as so many down there have relocated there and are unfamiliar with the way plants behave there. Anyway, I always enjoy their weekly email. I'm not the type that's bothered by a bunch of emails though. If you'd like to sign up and get a preview of what's at market this week, you can sign up for the newsletter here http://www.portroyalfarmersmarket.com
ReplyDeleteJust sort of fun (and torturous) to see what's fresh in another growing zone.
I will check it out, I love seeing what's growing in other places (except summer, when it's like torture to see cool-season stuff growing so well in other places). I think our Master Gardener classes do the same kinds of things, which I'm excited about getting involved with. I love interacting with the public and how wonderful to teach people such valuable information.
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