Farmgirl Friday Blog Hop

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

The Flower Farmgirl Update!

Forsythia in bloom
Dear friends, Happy Tuesday! Here's hoping you all had a wonderful Easter Sunday and a restful weekend surrounded by your loved ones and good eats!

 Last week was a productive week as I continued work to make my dream of being a backyard flower farmgirl a reality! 

I visited my favorite local agricultural/nursery center to pick up Chicken Feed and low and behold they had a beautiful selection of Dahlia's to choose from. I had done some research online and made a wish list. Turns out, they had a terrific selection so I went ahead and purchased my first 19 bags ( two and three tubers each ) of Dahlias!


The range of colors and petal sizes is staggering!

I chose a variety of Decorative, 
Dinner Plate and Semi-Cactus. 

I researched what would be the best soil for filling my raised beds and got a good lead on where to get a nice mix of  organic mushroom compost and top soil. Dahlias can be planted two weeks after the last frost date. If you want to know your probable last frost date check out this fun site by Farmers Almanac!



Here you can see the inside of the stone tiles leaning against the wooden frame. You have to visualize with me! Imagine it filled with flowers and surrounded by a picket fence! 

 This bed is filled with organic matter from my yard. It's a mix of partially decomposed leaves, pine needles and some compost which as been laid over cardboard sure to bring worms to the surface! I am in the process of adding the bottom layer ( 3-4 inches ) of organic matter to all of the raised  beds. I'll then add the top soil/compost mixture then I'll top all beds with chipped wood to keep weeds at bay and moisture levels even.

 I also ordered my Greenhouse

Image from Shelter Logic
After much reading and debate about what and where to add a cold frame, hoop house, or greenhouse in our backyard we decided on the 10 x 10 x 8 greenhouse made by shelter logic. We got a great price from Tractor Supply but Shelter Logic also has theirs priced well at 35.00 higher than what we paid. I read mostly positive reviews. I had my heart set on a hoop house, but I think this little baby will serve us just as well for the cost, type of use and the space we have available! It is a backyard after all! It will be perfect for starting seeds early, and extending the season for some veggies as well. I still need to buy shelving, seed trays and organic potting soil.


 Next year, I'll be able to get an earlier start on planting seeds, but, I still think I'll have plenty of blossoms to share come summertime! Once we have completed expenditures for the first season I'll do a breakdown list of materials and costs.

 What's new in your backyard farmyard this week? I'm sharing this post with Heidi and friends over at her Country Garden Showcase Hop! Come meet the others!

24 comments:

  1. Oh WOW ! cant wait to see how it all turns out ! Cute little potting shed ! Have a great day !

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  2. You are going to have a fantastic display of flowers! Love the greenhouse! Have fun!
    Kathy

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  3. The greenhouse is going to be so nice! I'd like to check into getting one as well so I can start seeds and maybe keep some things in it all year! The bulbs are outstanding, the colors will be so pretty.

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    1. Kathy, Thanks for your note: Good luck in your greenhouse search!
      They sure can be expensive!

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  4. Oh, I can't wait to see the flowers in bloom!
    I wish to have a garden and when I do I will plant flowers, herbs and vegetables. Whenever in the world I am.

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    1. Sonya, I'm anxious to see them too! I wish for you a garden of your own someday wherever you are!

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  5. Love the greenhouse, it is still a bit cold here. I have started some things inside. Can't wait to see how yours turn out.

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    1. I promise to keep you posted... Good luck with your seedlings too!

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  6. I love your raised bed and green house. Can't wait to see it a little later!

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    1. Thanks Clint! Me too.. having fun putting it all together...so glad to have " friends " to share the progress with!

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  7. I can't wait to see the flowers in bloom. They are going to look great and smell wonderful in your home.

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    1. Hi Michelle!
      Yep, I can almost smell them too!

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  8. Hi Deb!
    Things are moving along quickly in your back yard. This is so exciting. I love your dahlias and I can hardly wait to see your pictures of them. The stone tile beds are going to be fabulous. You are going to love your greenhouse. Thank you for sharing your progress. I'm taking it easy tonight. I caught a little bug, but we are expecting two storms back to back, so I'm not really missing any outdoor chores. I am working on starting herb and flower seeds indoors tonight. Have a great week Deb.

    Heidi

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  9. Hi Miss Heidi!
    Well, you are an inspiration! After watching you I'm all fired up to keep things moving along! I'm very excited about the greenhouse. It's going to add a whole nuther level to my gardening adventures! It's all new to me, but I'm excited to learn as I go! Have fun planting and hope you feel better soon!
    See you for famrgirl Friday!

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  10. I can picture the picket fence around your raised bed... will be so pretty. I like the idea of a green house; I'm afraid that one wouldn't do here. It may just blow away! The wind picks up so!

    I can't wait to see all the changes that are made around your yard, and the fruit from you labor. One step at a time,huh?

    Pat

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    1. Hi Pat! I guess you're right.. those Texas winds just might pick it up and carry it off! One step at a time... and a few days of in between to let the ole back recover from a days work in the " field "! Thanks for stopping by! Great to hear from you!

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  11. Your dream is off to a good start!

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    1. One wheelbarrow full at a time Robyn! Thanks for your note!

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  12. I have always wanted a green house! What fun! I also love the flowers. I know your yard will be stunning! Can't wait to see. Oh, and if you get a moment - come see the cake recipe I shared today. Yum!

    Blessings!
    Beth

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    1. Hi Beth! I'll keep you posted on my greenhouse experiment! On my way to check out your cake recipe! Have a great day!
      Deb

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  13. How cool...your own green house!! I would love to have a green house! maybe keep all the bunnies away that are eating all of my flowers!! but the garden so far appears safe...raised and fenced. Your flowers will be so pretty! so fun in the garden!!
    I am your newest follower..pls follow back if you can.

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    1. Hi Mom to 8! Welcome! Those bunnies are cute, but destructive too... We had a woodchuck last year that ate half of my giant hollyhock before it had a chance to bloom! I've popped over to see you at your blog and am following you now too! Look forward to seeing you again!

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