After long hours over the winter of re-configuring how I wanted to set up the herb and flower gardens for this coming year, I am halfway done with the transplants, moving and propagating some flowers/herbs and finally ready to start on the downward end of finishing up this LARGE task.
It seems to be taking me twice as long (as I am only able to do so much manual work and it's hard for me to haul dirt and soil, dig and clean the beds), but I am a fighter and I am working diligently, even if ever so slowly, to complete this chore.
My long overdue transplant of the two marsh mallow plants is finally done. How did I get a echinacea plant in the 5-gallon bucket, you ask? Well, it was a mishap when a few of my peat pods in the grow tent took a tumble and I thought I had retrieved ALL that had fallen. But alas I missed one. It's OK though, the echinacea has a nice new home near its friends (the marsh mallow).
I planted the two marsh mallow plants in the back near the new trellis I got from a garage sale. I have both of them tied gently to the outer trellis
In this side (facing south for good all-day sunlight) are a variety of herbs and flowers. Including:
- Echinacea
- Marsh Mallow
- Toothache plant
- Mint & Spearmint
- Lavender
- Feverfew
- Stevia (image below right)
- Goji berry plant
- Calendula
- Tarragon
- Thyme
On the back side (facing west and not pictured):
- Three paprika pepper plants
- Sunflowers
- Sorrel
Everything is looking good and I am pleased with what I've been able to accomplish on my own considering the weather hasn't been cooperative (rain every day for weeks and weeks) and I've had to re-train myself to work slower and take more frequent breaks as to not strain my upper back, shoulder and neck; the numb fingers is an entirely different issue for me to tackle most days.
The front, and original flower and herb garden, is thriving beyond my wildest imagination.
The comfrey (right in the front) which I sowed from seed last year has bloomed into the monster of that corner. In full bloom the vibrant purple flowers are just beautiful. I keep trimming and trimming it back, but it keeps coming back even more full than before!
Right next to the comfrey sits some bee balm (Bergamot) that I planted last year and I didn't think it would ever do anything; but this year it stands about five feet in height.
In between those two are the oregano, chives, dill and sage; all of which are flourishing. And let not forget about the lemon balm; it has quadrupled in size and reproduced immensely.
My arugula is coming along nicely. The one row I'll be harvesting soon and the second and third rows I planted two weeks after are just starting to peek up.
I have some Little Gems lettuce seedlings I need to transplant another day; _I'm pretty whipped today so I am taking the afternoon indoors to get some inside chores done and treat my left side; don't want to over work it and cause discomfort.
My monstrous valerian plant!
I am 5'10" in height and this plant towers over me! But it is in bloom and I am very pleased because last year the little seedling I transplanted out there appeared to be struggling. But this year... it is definitely healthy.
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