Garden Expansion and Improvements
I have spent the last year expanding and improving the garden area. We added growing space along the outer perimeter of the fence. In the past, grass grew up to the fence but I wanted more area to grow wild flowers and other weeds. Space was made for squash plants so they can grow out into the grassy area. Many of the cosmos flowers I photograph grow here. Check out my Instagram page, if you haven't already - https://www.instagram.com/sallyrosedolak/
We repurposed some concrete wall panels, from the old house, into garden pathways. Every rainy season the paths became extremely muddy. It should be much better this year.
After years of attempts, I finally managed to get a few datura plants established inside and outside the garden area. One is shown in the photo above. The photo above also shows a large amaranth plant that is flowering. Growing below it is okra, arugula, basil and malabar spinach. Chayote grows on the trellis on the right. The two covered beds are in the background with shade cloth hanging on the sunny south side.
A priority the past dry season was to get a few kale and collard plants to go to seed. I haven't been successful with that in the past. I read it takes two years for the plants to go to seed. I filled this raised bed with all the different types of kale and collard I have. The plants produced tons of great leaves. Now that the rainy season has begun I have already lost four plants to a bacterial infection that comes every year. I hope there will be a few survivors!