she's just saying...

Putting the beds to bed

Fall arrangement, originally uploaded by Meltrier.

Spent the weekend doing yardwork, chopping down irises, raking the garden and feeling virtuous. Most years I look out in December at the soggy plants and messy beds and wish I'd gotten to it all. So this year I did. Amazing what you can accomplish when you're not in a time-consuming relationship.

This arrangement is completely from the garden. Yet to be added are two Casablanca lilies who inexplicably decided to bloom in mid-November. Flower arranging is a fleeting art form, kind of like ice sculpture. Since I don't yet have a chainsaw (unlike my friend Suzanne who bought herself one when her husband was out of town), I arrange flowers.

Hummers

This summer has been filled with hummingbirds here. I have two feeders that have been buzzing with activity from dawn til dark. The hummers' whirring has accompanied my digging and hauling and struggling on the waterfall. They buzz, eat, fight, chase and perch right above my head, fearless of the humans, cats, dogs and kids right under them.

I thought the hummers had taken off on their long trip ahead, but yesterday heard that unmistakable sound and watched as one of them filled up for the flight. They have such heart for such a tiny creature. I'll be thinking of them as they fly south and look forward to their return.

an inadequate shot of an amazing bird

Taking a leak

And fixing it. Maybe.

Good news: I found the source of the leak in the pond, and it's fixable.

More good news: I found out where at least one of the tadpoles went, while I was looking for the leak: it turned into a baby frog. So clever!

Bad news: I have to move a bunch of the boulders and rocks from the pond perimeter to deal with the leak, which turns out to be from water siphoning up through some deep folds in the pond liner.

So it's back to mixing concrete, building up a little retaining wall at that edge, caulking up the folds and so forth. It's a damn good thing my job doesn't start for a week!

Who's sick of reading about my stupid water feature?

You don't need to vote. Really. Thanks.

WORMS (the good kind)

I received my worm allocation today from Laurie, the Wonder Worman.

Everybody into the pool!

My pretties.

I was expecting the big fat bait kind, but these are much smaller (they're just babies) and a whole lot more lively. Laurie has a whole operation going in her garage and can't keep up with the demand. Cool, huh?

Dead jay walking

Pretty much ever since I built this house (with my own two hands!), a nasty street gang of stellar's jays have hung out in the junipers, divebombing my cats and hurling racial and species slurs at the dog in bird-slang. They bully the other birds and throw juniper berries on us when we're on the deck. They're loud, rude and obnoxious, but they do add local color. (Blue, in particular.)

Today I saw one of the bro-jays lurking around my pondette a bit suspiciously, and this evening I couldn't see any of my tadpoles. I'm not accusing anyone of anything, but if any of those jays have frog breath, they're so busted.

Anyone have a slingshot?

Quickie

Major report due to the client tomorrow - guess who's been procrastinating? Well, at least I got the waterworks completed. There's something to be said for professional-grade procrastination - a lot gets accomplished. Just not the right lot.

Add to the catastrophe list from Sunday: a leak in the pond. Must save tadpoles!

Baby kitties, baby frogs, (big) baby dog, baby mosquitoes; we're all just a big bunch of babies around here.

Don't go chasing waterfalls

Done. Really. Now we just sit back, swat mosquitoes and watch the tadpoles grow.

Most common question to date from visitors: "Was that rock already there?"   I. Am. Not. Kidding.

Mowing

Dad and Henry, North Carolina 2003

I felt a little like my dad yesterday afternoon. Got all sweaty mowing the lawn, came inside, opened a beer and watched the ballgame.  Except I started knitting.

The Knit-Up has started a knit-along on fingerless mitts. These are very hot right now in the knitting world. I can't tell whether it's because they're so easy and gratifying to knit or whether people actually want to wear them, but they're fun. (Like socks, without the heel stuff.) They also make perfect little gifts, say, for 20-something nieces. (They don't read my blog so this won't spoil the surprise.)

I'm starting out easy on Noro mitts, then moving on to Fetching. a free pattern on Knitty.com. If you haven't been to Knitty (and you're a knitter), you're missing out. It's a young, hip, on-line knitting magazine with tons of free patterns and great writing. Check it out. Even if you don't knit.

Taa-daa!

It's almost done! Not landscaped yet - I just stuck some pots around it in order to make a plan. You can't really see the water in this photo, but it's there. It's just a trickling little stream here, but I can turn it on full blast for a Niagara Falls effect as well. Tomorrow I'll take endless a few more photos to post. I'd love to show it off - come check it out, corner of Albany and NW 16th.

I never would have taken this project on had I known the amount of work involved, so actually I'm glad I didn't, as it turned out great. It's hard to look at it objectively yet as I still see a lot of finish work to do.

Next I plan to make fake rocks out of hypertufa (cement/peat moss/perlite mix) to fill it in with as I don't want to throw rocks in that I'll inevitably have to haul out. (This is where my friends think I've lost it.) It's either that or look for a job, so I'm off to mix more concrete.

Permission to say "I told you so"

Somehow I missed Tuesday and the Top Ten. That's what happens when you're not working. So here is "What was I thinking Wednesday" - Water Feature edition.

Steps to make simple little trickling waterfall down existing rock outcropping:

1. Dig hole.
2. Buy liner, pump, pvc pipe, extension cord, cement, caulking, pvc ball joint, tub, waterfall foam, liner tape, wide drill bit, pvc glue, wood putty, plastic edging, stakes, extension cord,
3. Inlay plastic edging and rock around the perimeter. Backfill.
4. Clean and patch cracks in rock (should have done before digging hole in front of rock) trying waterfall foam and cement.
5. Clean up and trim waterfall cement.
6. Measure for liner and pvc pipe.
7. Drill 2” holes in deck for extension cord.
8. Snake extension cord underneath deck by rigging up pole and hook, and using tape measure, flashlight and duct tape.
9. Set up and program timer, using directions written solely in Spanish.
10. Fill mistake holes in deck with wood putty.
11. Drill holes in tub for pump vault.
12. Measure even level all around hole, using 2x4, level, chalk.
13. Place underlayment of old rugs in hole.
14. Roll out and fit liner in hole and adjust folds.
15. Attempt to seal liner to rock with waterfall foam, cement, liner tape putty, roof caulking.
16. Assemble pump in pump tub.
17. Fit pipe around back of rock.
18. Fill the pond for wet test of pump and pipe.
19. Trim liner.
20. Cut pvc pipe for ball joint.
21. Glue ball joint to pipe, glue pipe to pvc joint that attaches to pump.
22. Re-attach liner to rock due to weight of water pulling liner down.
23. Add screening material to pump vault.
24. Put rocks in pond to secure pump vault.
25. Figure out how to secure pipe to top of rock.
26. Build weir on top of rock crack.
27. Adjust flow.
28. Place rocks around perimeter of pond to secure liner.
29. Hide pipe, extension cord, liner.
30. Landscape.

I'm on step #20 today. I haven't yet figured out #15 other than to drill into the rock, which I'm greatly resisting, probably futilely. Any ideas?

Pioneer woman 2008

I'm feeling very self-sufficient and capable these days. Of course, you know some calamity will now smack me upside the head just for saying that.

Today I went from out digging the waterfall hole-to-hell to cooking up a fancy blueberry-nectarine crumble to buying macho things at Home Depot like concrete and caulking guns. Now I'm going to knit a little. A true Oregon suburban homesteader! Even though I don't raise my own chickens like my blogbuds Amber and Kathi [and what's with chickens and blogging, anyway?]

Here's an update on my water feature follies:

random materials and tools

This doesn't include the most important items like the pump, the pump filter and the hose, which I have to buy at a landscaping supply place on Monday.

Here's the hole, ready to be covered with underlayment (old carpet) and the incredibly expensive and heavy liner.

Every step in the process raises another unforeseen problem to be solved. One step forward, two steps back.  I really want to finish this, though if I turn on the water and the whole thing craps out, I may throw in the towel and hire somebody. 

What's your nemesis project? Did you give up or persevere?

Water World

Here in the high desert, water is scarce (though you wouldn't know it to look at our green green golf courses (34 at last count) or our acres of suburban lawn). Water's on my mind as I tackle the projects of summer: cleaning gutters, cleaning and refilling the hot tub, setting up the vegetable garden, installing more drip irrigation, and the exciting one right now: building a water feature. (I love the term "water feature" - it's such realtor/landscaper talk.)

My lot is blessed with a towering natural rock outcropping, unusual for our suburban neighborhood. I've always dreamed about a waterfall and pool in these rocks, and this summer I have the time and motivation to build it.

What I have in mind is more of a seeping spring down the rock, like you see on the sides of the road over the passes here. So I'm digging out the sandpit I built six years ago for Henry and reclaiming it for a lovely little trickling "feature."

It's hard, messy, dirty work, and I've never been known for my digging skills. It will either be a simple, enjoyable project or one of those projects from hell where you spend loads of time and money and then hire somebody to fix it all.

I've been doing a lot of internet research and have compiled my shopping list: a pump (submersible, magnetic, direct drive? What size?), PVC hosing, clamps, skimmers, filters, liners, etc. Tomorrow I'm going to brave the landscaping supply store and allow the men there to guide me.

That's how I've done a lot of intimidating efforts by myself: renovating a sailboat; becoming a scuba instructor; starting my consulting business; adopting a baby, landscaping my lot and so on. By researching and asking a lot of questions of helpful neighbors, professionals, and total strangers. I appreciated Amber's comment about learning how to do things alone - I've been managing most of my adult life, and it's a continual source of personal accomplishment and confidence. As my sister says: "Girls can do anything!"

What projects have you tackled alone and mastered? What have you gotten out of it?

the Queen of Parsley

Today's harvest: arugula, parsley and sweetpea blossoms. Sunflowers, shallots and peas are progressing nicely as well.

It has been so beautiful here all week - not too hot, perfect temp. Friends have been dropping by for wine and meals, and the knitting group met here on the deck for some fresh air knitting. My X is out of town so I get some peace. And I'm not working, but getting paid. What could be better? If the kittens would stop crying so piteously, that's what.

Gutter Therapy

Nothing like clearing gutters for clearing the mind!

The gutters had not been cleaned in 9 years. I remember, because I had just gotten Henry and some kind neighbors came over and cleaned them.

It was deeply satisfying. First, because they were completely impacted with juniper droppings and dirt; second, because it was on my to-do list for, oh, a couple of years. Now that I've accomplished it, I can do anything! I'm strong and self-reliant!(gutter affirmation).

Of course cleaning up the decks after cleaning the gutters is boring, dirty, hot and annoying. Hey, that's why we have kids! If I could just find him . . .

Next up on the list: washing the windows. And then maybe I'll tackle the garage.

Summer afternoon

Summer afternoon — summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language.
—Henry James, 1934

My garden evidently decided to get busy while we were away. Roses, daisies, daylilies, arugula,  hosta, clematis; everything went crazy. My peonies budded, bloomed and shed their flowers while we were gone, missing them entirely.

I'm very happy to be back. The unpacking, laundry, mail and cleaning can wait. My plan for this afternoon is to take a nap. Later I'll mix a lemon drop, sit on the porch, and watch the plants do their stuff; while the Bosox hammer the Yankees in the background.

Firefly

Bug courtesy of my big bro Steve. Photo mine.

One thing I like about the East: fireflies.

We always called them lightning bugs. Nothing brings back the summers of my childhood like a lawn at late dusk, sprinkled with lightning bugs twinkling in their lovesick short buggy lives.

There don't seem to be fireflies in the West. I think it's a humidity thing. Maybe the only good thing about this East Coast humidity, other than my cuticles looking more presentable.

What are your childhood summer memories?

loose ends

Time to tie up a few:

1.Yes, Henry does not like the retainers. He says he'd rather have the braces again, and even offered to pay for them himself. We're trying them (actually, he's trying them) a few hours at a time. And they have been lost twice in the two days we've had them. Unfortunately, they're clear and small and easily overlooked.

2. I think I've solved the catnip situation. If you can't cage the cats, cage the catnip.  They hang around it alot but haven't tried to break in yet. I think the smell alone drives them crazy - they don't have to ingest it. Does anybody know?

The owner of Chow (the out-of-coffee cafe, in case you didn't guess) sent me a lovely email apologizing for our experience. He said they weren't out of coffee - it was a server misunderstanding. That's good to know - I'm definitely trying it again.

3. Our knitting group may have found a home - Makahna's Cafe on Galveston. Great spot! Meets all our criteria (natural light, not too noisy, comfortable space, parking, beer and wine). The owner, Steve, kept it open just for us, which was wonderful. He's working on staying open evenings more. Check it out!

4. I did buy an electric mower and love it.

5. The laser treatments I had to control my glaucoma were very successful. My interocular (great word) pressures are way down, and should stay that way for a few years, hopefully.

first of the season

green (crack) house

How does anyone grow catnip? I can't find a place to hide one poor little plant from my feline junkies. Bob figured out how to crawl under the greenhouse to get at the pot (so to speak). Are catnip fields full of stoned kitties?

Solar City

A friend and I went up to Schilling Solar City Gardens yesterday for their spring extravaganza.

Schillings is a wonderful nursery filled with central Oregon-friendly plants and silly little garden vignettes with plaster figurines, dinosaurs, etc., including a fake western town with building fronts, just for fun.

They are the perfect nursery - helpful staff, incredible variety, special areas for water plants, sedum (my favorite), annuals and vegetable starts in greenhouses, etc. I rarely get out of there for less than $100, though this time I restrained myself. This is all I bought:

Well, maybe almost $100. But it was all on sale!

Now I just have to plant it all.

In between the raindrops

I got productive yesterday. I planted seeds for peas, arugula and mint, put up the greenhouse, weeded the front beds, planted annuals in the patio garden and cleaned up the iris cutting bed. Whew. Photo to come.

I'm just saying no to tomatoes this year. They take a lot of babying, and there's an incredible selection at the Wed. farmer's market from beefsteak to heirloom in every tomato hue possible. I've got a nice patch of parsley, shallots and strawberries that have obligingly spread, and the asparagus is commencing nicely. I'm going to go with them, as they're clearly happy. I've started the herb boxes and will grow basil in the greenhouse for emergencies.

On the lawn front, I've come to peace with a patchy lawn as long as I have boys and dogs enjoying it.  I'm thinking of getting an electric mower. The reel mower is fun, but you have to go over the same patch a number of times to get a semi-smooth lawn. It's quite a workout, and not very efficient. Any recommendations?

Follow-up: too wet to take a photo outside, so I'm including this one of my lilacs - they're having quite a year!

the reel thing

Time to fire up the mower! Oh, wait, that's me.

I mow my small yard with a reel mower - I hate the sound and smell of gas mowers, and I really don't have that big of a lawn. It's a bit of a workout and it doesn't get you a smooth suburban manicured surface, but I feel very virtuous using it. I also grass-cycle (the ecologically-correct term for leaving the clippings on the lawn) and a reel mower does that very nicely.

My favorite part is trimming the edges. I don't "edge" (cutting a perfect line through the sod) but I do trim with an electric string trimmer. It's like giving the lawn a bikini wax. It's all so neat and clean after.

Caging the peonies

(And it's pronounced PEE'-uh-nee, not pee-OH'-nee, by the way.)

So, the reluctant gardener became the active gardener, of course. Just as inevitably the plants and flowers begin to awaken each spring, so does the urge to mess with them.

I did a little preventive maintenance this week (unlike me - normally I wait until things are completely out of control).

I bought and installed peony cages. Seems cruel, I know, but it's for their own good.

I'm also messing around with the irrigation now before the grass is all burnt in July and it's too late.

I've ended up with way too many garden beds and zones to deal with. The front beds, the street strip, the rhody glen, the side garden and path, the back 40, the vegetable plot and the xeroscape area. Not to mention the porch and patio pots, the water feature and the rock garden in back. And the herb boxes. Each year I start the season by saying this is the year I'm not going to do anything and let it all go wild, and each year I find myself at Schillings with a $150 bill in early May.

I'm not complaining, just observing the natural and inevitable change of seasons, both outside and within.

Labels: Central Oregon, garden, seasons

The Reluctant Gardener

I'm just not feeling ready to tackle gardening yet this year.

I can feel stirrings of needing to be out in the dirt again, but I'm reluctant to start. Once things get underway, I constantly feel the pull to be working. Weeding, cutting back, replanting, vegetable plot preparation, setting up the greenhouse, hassling with irrigation, purchasing endless supplies, reseeding the lawn, composting, etc. etc.

I love it but it weighs on me. It's my puritan work ethic colliding with my basic indolence - true for every aspect of my life.

Labels: Bend, garden, seasons

Ah, Spring in Central Oregon!

Every C.O. blog is probably posting a similar thought today.

Labels: Bend, Central Oregon, garden, seasons