Plump Pumpkins

A crop of pumpkins grew from the unsifted compost this year. What a fun fall surprise!

2014 Water Wise Challenge

At the beginning of the summer we made a water wise goal to drop water bill by 50% from last year. We didn't want to lose the edible garden and still wanted to build the mostly ornamental Backyard Bistro. So we let go of the lawn and collected gray water from kid's baths (which was a fun chore to collect and redistribute into rain barrels). 

By chosing plant material that include mosty succulents, natives and a few water loving plants (fuschia, burgmansia and bougainvilla) we have been able to enjoy a low water haven without compromising the desire for color.

North Facing View in late afternoon

Hanging Fuschia on Hummingbird Island

North Facing View from End of Patio (arch on right side of image is Hummer Island) and directly across from patio to the right is Grape Arbor (below)

Close up

Close Up and Personal

A Trial Veggie Box Installation -Phase One

Jake's magical handy work has spread across the street to our neighbor's place. The first phase of this installation is two 4x10 beds with irrigation. A modification of the pipes was needed and as a result a sturdy box was made to encapsulate them.

Final Grape Harvest

So the last few clusters of concord and red grapes are being harvested tonight by Lance and Ian! Loving the grapes!

Week of July 4th Humble Harvest

Finally! The first post-worthy grape harvest. Three years of patiently tending four young vines. 

June's Humble Harvest

Backyarden Glimmer of Hope

Three years ago a planting of Thompson, Red Seedless and Concords were installed in the backyarden. The first year yielded a cluster on each vine. Second year, about two more clusters. This year we have at least a dozen Concord..... Not sure what is happening to the others.  ???? 

What makes the experiment exciting is just the pure pleasure of watching it grow.