Almost every day I discover something new about the yards. Something new growing or another issue to deal with.
I love trees, but goodness, this is over the top. For such a small place there is ALOT going on.
2 pecan trees-small one in the front and large one in the back.
2 pear trees
1 HUGE elm, pine, fruitless mulberry and countless creapemertle trees. Also neighbors trees that hang over into my yard.
Good Grief!!!
After getting a ridiculous bid to cut some of the trees down, I decided to go the cheaper route. Cutting them back. Ill probably need to do this at least once a year. Not only did I want the sunshine but the birds in the trees over my patio were leaving way too much...umm, I'll just say it- Poop!!
So after 3 flatbed loads, the sky was opened up a bit. I love it. Yogi does too. She likes to sunbathe.
For those of you who followed from my 1st blog, www.murphyranch.blogspot.com , you will remember a gift from my late husband, Yogi. A great pyraneese. When I moved to town, I had offers from my country neighbors to take Yogi, but I really felt I needed to give her a try in town. See if she could adapt. She has!! And doing very well. My biggest worry was her ability to hop over the fence. However, she has show has shown no interest. She enjoys chasing squirrels (which is a full time job) and getting to know the neighbors, who all love her. It seems in the neighborhood, I am known as the lady with the big white dog.
I also still have my faithful companion, Sadie (the beagle) and now my daughter's maltipoo, Bear. Maybe I am just the crazy dog lady :)
In the spring I began a project of my front flower beds. Some thinks I completely changed and some I just added my touch.
There was a beautiful flower box under the front window that was empty and completely hidden by holly bushes. Sorry but I am not a fan of holly bushes. Bush change, added knockout roses and wondering Jew. As time goes by, all will grow and fill in. I love watching things grow.
When I started my new (and much smaller) vegetable garden, I noticed a lot of difference. Very sandy soil and not enough sunlight. So cutting back the trees overhead made a welcome change.
However, my biggest worry is the squirrels and birds. Something is just snipping off the squash flower before it can even get going.
The tomatoes are bountiful but staying green. I am hopping the recent increase in sunshine will help that.
A squirrel, I think, tore up a tomato plant. I say a squirrel because I actually saw one stealing the green tomato and eating it. If I had a pellet gun....oops...did I say that.
I am trying different remedies for the varmints, but I have bigger plans. Stay tuned because this
fall I will enclose the garden. I am thinking a frame with chicken wire will do. I never had this much trouble with my huge garden in the country. But I will not give up. Southern women love a vegetable garden and big floppy hats!
