Spring is springing!

Here are a few pics of Spring springing here at Catlin Farms!




As you look through the pics, here are few things to keep your eye on:

1. Sam is a very good helper in the gardens!

2. You'll notice that some of the oak leaf hydrangeas have large, full leaves, while others do not. These pictures are not from different points in the growing season this Spring. Rather, the ones that look like they are barely budding are under the upper end of the deck, positioned under a pecan tree. Apparently, the pecan tree's leaves and nuts contain tannin, an acid that hinders the growth of plants underneath the tree (perhaps because it keeps the plants from absorbing iron?). BTW, I learned all this from local experts that I have come to survey our property every now and then.

3. We've added strawberries to our perennial garden. We will also add a few blueberry plants this year. This is all part of an evil plan to turn our house into the Brick Street Farmer's Market.

4. The peas are growing extremely well, but need a trellis soon. I've got the posts in the ground, but need to put up the rest of the structure. Hopefully, I will be able to finish the trellis this weekend. Well, if it stops raining.

5. You won't notice anything yet, but keep your eyes on the broccoli and cauliflower plot. I'm conducting an experiment, testing Miracle-Gro against fish emulsion, an organic fertilizer. I will fertilize half with Miracle-Gro and the other half with fish emulsion to see what differences emerge, if any. I will then publish my findings and make millions!

In another news, Kimberly and I are another year closer to . . . 30! Whaaaaaaaaaaaattttttttttt?!?!?!?!?!