Because our raspberry bushes look better than ever before, we decided this year we should protect them from the deer. Our neighbor tells us that any fence will deter the deer. In oth
er words, a fancy fence is not necessary and apparently they aren't assertive toward fences. So this morning we drove some fence stakes and pulled remnants of fencing around the most promising bed. We didn’t have enough fencing for the other bed, so we simply caged the best bushes [see photo right].
This photo of the border on the south side of the house shows an old spyria bush that was at one time Ina's pride and joy. Many family photos were taken with this bush as the backdrop. I believe the poppies are also a remnant of old times. Ina had peonies in the yard but in later years my dad removed them to make mowing easier. Ease of mowing is still a consideration.
er words, a fancy fence is not necessary and apparently they aren't assertive toward fences. So this morning we drove some fence stakes and pulled remnants of fencing around the most promising bed. We didn’t have enough fencing for the other bed, so we simply caged the best bushes [see photo right].
This photo of the border on the south side of the house shows an old spyria bush that was at one time Ina's pride and joy. Many family photos were taken with this bush as the backdrop. I believe the poppies are also a remnant of old times. Ina had peonies in the yard but in later years my dad removed them to make mowing easier. Ease of mowing is still a consideration. 
6 comments:
On our hike today, Nick and I were listing out all the berries we like. Between the two of us, I think we've got the spectrum covered! It will be nice to see how your bushes grow!
Very pretty flowers!
Side note: Headed to a Philly Cheesesteak shop in Seattle. Ever since my trip I've been craving a cheesesteak! I might have to move.
I'll bet you didn't discuss gooseberries! The gooseberry bush looks a little stressed. Hope it survives. A good strawberry patch would be nice, too -- but it's backbreaking to pick them.
We're thinking about building a raised bed for raising vegetables. KW
snowmound spyria looks like, I've got one too! It's quite impressive for about 10 days, lackluster for the reaining 355. Old tractor tires are good for raised beds, probably find local farmers with piles of them that they'd give ya. When I was given mine I could have take twelve more. Gooseberries are of the same genus as hucks and blues and like acid. If the leaves are a pale green, yellow around the edges this is a sign of iron cloronisis, or some such, the plant can't get the iron it need out of soil which isn't acidic enough. forgot to give a happy dady day to dad
-mvw
We'll discuss the tire idea. Railroad ties are expensive right now. We have some leftover lumber in the barn. For one thing, we haven't decided what would be aesthetic -- and how important that is. I'll provide some composted soil from under the pine trees to the gooseberry bush. We knew you really called to wish your dad a "Happy Father's Day." You just got sidetracked telling us about "you pick" strawberries, canning, and ice cream.
When you use railroad ties, don't you have to line the bed with plastic to protect from the chemical treatment used on the ties that might seep into the soil? Will you be hauling up a load of topsoil for the gardens? Are you able to till the ground?
There's lots of help online for making raised beds. One site suggested lining with ground cloth (or maybe wire mesh) to prevent rodents from burrowing in "if you have that" -- and we have that. I'm not sure if you would also have to line with plastic. We might then import some good soil. Raised bed gardening would be good, I think, because it affords so many options for pest control, extending the growing season, controlling soil quality, etc. KW
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