The Midwest Monty

 Hello All,    I was going to type this up yesterday, but ran out of time. So, this is continuing our general discussion of new gardeners and gardens.  We are putting in new gardens, and adjusting some existing ones at the house this season.  The amount that gets redone is totally dependent on how my back does and of course, money. Figured maybe I'll share some tips and tricks and see where that takes us.   First, it is always easier to modify an existing garden, ripping out plants and small to medium size bushes is way easier than hacking out a 10x10 foot square for your vegetable patch. Something to consider, plant some veg in with your flowers, nothing says that you have to have them separated.  Besides, how cool would a four sided trellis look with two sides peas and the other to clematis or wisteria? Why not have a bean bush mixed in with the daisies and petunias to add some green and anchor some smaller plants?   That being said, we are...

 Hello All,    As I'm sitting here because daycare closed I'm trying to figure out what to write here. As I spent this weekend essentially doing two gardening things, figured I'd start with one of those.  Over the last couple weeks as the timing becomes more appropriate I have been starting seeds.  I have nothing against buying plants alive and ready to go, it's just a little more cost effective (engaging and fulfilling) when you grow them from seed.  Word to the wise, make sure you have space and self-control!    Seed starting 101: step one, choose what container you want to start your seeds in (where you put said container will help decide what style of container you use)  There are winter sowers groups out there that swear by the gallon milk jug (cut it in half, fill lower half with dirt, clear tap it back together, water, lid off, set it outside). Essentially this creates a mini greenhouse as the plastic allows light in and then keeps it ...

 Hello to All,    So I'm feeling quite type-y today so let's continue our discussion on types of Gardeners.  Now, I prefer the term gardener for anybody that does anything regarding plants, just south of a full fledged farmer.  I fully realize that that is not "cool" or "masculine", hence we have our ridiculous delineations of landscaper, grounds keeper, gardener, horticulturalist, blah blah blah.  If you work with plants, from a succulent next to the kitchen sink to maintaining a botanical garden, you are a gardener.  Done.  If you don't like it, then deal.  If you think your masculinity will be diminished because you spend your free time dead-heading your petunias and weeding your dahlias, maybe reconsider your concept of masculine. It seems that in America (and sorry, this is a tangent, something I'm quite prone to) anything nurturing is viewed as feminine, and anything more destructive/controlling is viewed as masculine.  Therefore, ...

 Hello to All,     My thought for today, and frankly for awhile, has been how to start this thing.  I mean, it's daunting to try and start a blog, book, project, whatever.  On top of that, it seems like there is a website or blog by nearly everyone out there concerning gardening.  And then, considering the subject matter of gardening, there is just SO much.  So, in an attempt to try to just get the proverbial ball rolling, let's start at the beginning. Why do you want to garden?    Well, there's a question.  Speaking personally, I needed to get out of the house during quarantine.  I fell into watching gardening shows then started getting my hands dirty and before I knew it I was hooked.  There are many reasons to garden, health (mental especially), fresh air, being responsible for something other than yourself, reconnecting with nature, etc.  Depending on what you grow, maybe you're looking to source your own fruit or...

 Hello All,     I'm creating this blog as a way to share and inspire, but mostly to keep myself busy, concerning my growing passion for gardens.   Note: I am not a "trained" gardener, outside of being taught by my mother and yelled at by my grandfather. In fact, I know very little outside of my experiences, readings, and watching of gardening shows. My interest in gardening, plants, etc. was always low key, I enjoyed a good garden, beautiful flower, well done hedge; but that was about it.  I think a part of this stems from the American idea of what is proper for a male should be interested in.  But it was also just not something that seemed to jump to me. Then the pandemic hit, stuck in the house with a pregnant wife and a toddler, I needed a way to escape.  So, like many people I found gardening. More to the point, I found Monty Don.  I, for whatever reason, started watching Great Gardens of England on Amazon and I was fascinated. Now, maybe...