Packages, Barn, Anniversary, and How to Build a Living Fence

I really love this time of year. If I could choose, we’d live in Spring and Fall all year long!

We had the greatest weekend packed full of work, love and fun!

Work, Work, Work…AKA…Filling Orders & Shipping Packages

Friday was spent getting together orders that came in last week and sending out a bunch of packages to some very lucky teachers. They’re going to love the gifts from their favorite students!

I also finished up drawing this gorgeous barn that I’ve been working on…

Garden News

Then, later, when the husband came home from work, we tore out a bush that was overgrown and he dug up the sod in the front yard!

 

 

FINALLY! I get to start building my English garden!

You guys, I’ve been dreaming of having an English garden since I was a little girl and I’m so freaking excited I can’t stand myself.

I want to work out there from morning to night!

When we lived in New York, we really didn’t have an appropriate place to put a closed in garden, but our new house in Vermont has the perfect spot…and the perfect climate!

While it’s been exciting to imagine the garden finished, I’m slowly learning that the joy of gardening is in the process…not the flowers.

So, I’m taking my time, enjoying the learning that comes along with it and spending a healthy amount of time outside, communing with nature.

Our Wedding Anniversary

Saturday was our 17th wedding anniversary.

I don’t know how we’ve gotten here. The time has passed by so quickly, but it seems like yesterday we were two silly kids in love…dreaming of the future. Then, suddenly, the future is today.

Sometimes, I get all sorts of melancholy over the passing of time, but as I get older, I’m realizing that it doesn’t do any good and honestly, we have at least double that time left to go…which is obviously more than we’ve had so far.

Although, I’m hoping for 60 more years. I totally intend to die on (or after) March 1, 2080.

Why? Well, because it’s the day after my 100th and 40th birthday. Since, I was born on leap year, I get to have both of those crazy milestones on the same day. So, it seems like the perfect time to live…right?

Anyway, we spent the day together, just the two of us and it was so nice. It’s the first time we’ve had an entire afternoon/evening alone together in a long time!

More Garden News

We went garden shopping and spent too much money on plants. I think I bought out Home Depot!

When we got to the store, I had a list. A big, long list that included a bunch of herbs, lots of vegetables and a few flowers.

Unfortunately, they didn’t have half the things I wanted and so, I ended up supplementing quite a few and gave up on the list. But, I came home with a whole lotta plants and quite a few seed packs, too…

Here’s a list of what I bought, in case you’re interested:

Herbs

• Peppermint
• Sweet Mint
• Lemon Balm
• Sweet Basil
• Purple Basil
• Italian Oregano

Vegetables

• Tomatoes (LOTS of tomatoes!)
• Cucumbers
• Sweet Bell Peppers
• Spinach
• Zucchini
• Corn
• Lettuces

Flowers

• Foxglove
• Hollyhocks
• Moonflowers

I also have about a million other seed packs and I’m sure I’ll add more as the season goes on.

A Gift For The Husband…Or Me

I also splurged and bought the husband a new Rigid tool set that he’s been eyeing for awhile now. It was supposed to be for his birthday, but I couldn’t find the one he wanted when I shopped for that, so he got it as an anniversary gift instead. But, it’s okay…because, I can use it too!

Anniversary Dinner

Then, we went to dinner at a fancy Seafood & Steakhouse that we haven’t been to before.

The husband had Prime Rib and I had Fish & Chips. We both got the unlimited salad bar, too…but it really wasn’t the best salad bar I’ve been to. Not a whole lot to choose from, if you ask me. However, the food was amazing! And the french fries came in these cute little baskets…

We also splurged and tried some local Vermont beers. The husband had a Long Trail IPA that came in this awesome glass…

I tried one called the “Dunkel” from Von Trapp Brewery. Both…very good!

But, I’m still a Guinness girl.

How To Build A Living Fence

The rain put a damper on my Sunday plans and I didn’t get to start working in the garden until afternoon. But, we got my living fence done and I love it! As it grows, it will bush out and cover those empty spaces in between. I can’t wait to see it all fill in!

Here’s how to build your own living fence:

Supplies Needed:

• Clippers
• Branches, small and bendable (such as forsythia or willow, although I think you could do the same thing with raspberry or blackberry bushes, too!)
• Garden shovel
• Rooting hormone
• Stakes
• Twine

Directions:

Clip branches from your choice of bush/tree or buy clippings from a reputable nursery.

Dig small holes, about 6 inches deep, in a neat row. Keep the holes about 12 inches apart.

Dip the ends of your branches into the rooting hormone.

Stick 3 or 4 branches into each hole, then fill in the holes with soil. Pack soil tightly around the base of your branches.

Place stakes in between every 3 or 4 branch bunches. Tie twine to each stake, then wrap, gently, around each bunch of branches.

Water, then wait for your living fence to grow and fill in!

How awesome is that?!

You might also like:

• Garden Tools: Store Bought and Upcycled!
• How to Create the English Gardens of Your Dreams

Have a Spectacular Day!

~Vanessa