We have lived in our current house five years. The front yard is like a jungle, with a couple of “paths” carved through it, and it contains special places–a secret swing, a secret garden, a secret playhouse, a place to sit and think (several of those, actually), and lots of unexpected plants. But in the summer, when the rains come, I have these vines and weeds that grow–well, like vines and weeds, and I pretty much have to break out the machete in order to keep my paths clear.
So the other day, in an effort to curtail my dream of moving to Montana and watching sunset over a bunch of horses (the result, in part, of reading THE BREAKING OF EZRA RILEY), I thought I should focus on doing something with the house I already live in. To appreciate the fact that I live in the subtropics and this is the best time of year weather-wise.
So I started watching these videos on Youtube–channel GREEN DREAMS, about a guy near me who turns Florida jungles into edible landscapes. Food forests. And I love the idea. I’ve always loved gardening, but it can be a bit overwhelming when you’re staring at a forest. So Pete is going to come in and clean out my yard, create a blueprint, and put in some lovely plants. After that, I’ll have a garden I can work on as time progresses, planting and futzing about to my heart’s content.
So here’s a “before” photo–and I’ll be sharing “after” photos as the work commences. Pete and his crew start working tomorrow, and I’m excited (though I will probably have a heart attack when my privacy screen is gone)! I’m also hoping this will be something enjoyable for my airbnb guests–something different from staying in someone’s guest room. 🙂
Check out some of those Green Dreams videos on Youtube if you’re interested–and maybe you can recommend some edible plants for my garden landscape. I already have bananas, but need some more citrus and maybe an avocado and loquats. And pineapple, of course, as long as the bunnies don’t eat them!
Stay tuned for the progress!
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How fun, Angie! And how different it is where you are versus where I am in TN. Don’t you love the creative nature of our great God! Can’t wait to see what Pete and his crew come up with! Oh, and what about mandarins? I love those little things. Or do they require a ton of maintenance?
Mandarin oranges? I think they should be able to grow here. My problem will be finding enough SUN for the plants that require lots of sunshine. Here’s hoping, though!
Oh, I LOVE this, Angie! Can’t wait to see you work your magic on this property! What about a Meyer lemon or any kind of lemon trees? I want one SO badly, but haven’t had much luck with my Meyer lemon indoors. Two measly little lemons that tasted good but didn’t provide much juice. 🙁
I’m glad you reminded me, Deb. I have a Meyer Lemon in a pot out in the yard, and I need to properly plant it in a sunny spot. I got ONE giant lemon this year (it’s still on the tree), but I know it’ll do better once its in the ground. I have potted orphans all over the place that need good spaces to live and flourish–can’t wait to get them in the ground!
I am not a gardener by any stretch of the imagination, but I do love looking at and enjoying other people’s efforts in that department. Looking forward to those after photos!
I am looking forward to being done with it! 🙂 Although I think a garden is a never ending work in progress.
We also live in Florida – Riverview. A little south of Tampa. We have Cranberry Hibiscus. You can eat the flowers and the leaves. Eat them right off the bush or put in a salad. They die back but come back. They require some sun.
I know that Plant is one of Pete’s favorites. I’m sure we’ll have some somewhere around here.
How fascinating! I look forward to seeing the “after” photos!
I look forward to posting them!