Krystal’s Garden

My family moved into our current house 5 years ago. The year we moved in my husband bought 2 knockout rose bushes. That’s where it all start

Three years ago, we bought 4 more rose bushes, 2 pink knockout roses, memorial rose bush, and a peace rose bush. We planted a peach, apricot, apple, and olive tree a few weeks later.

Last year, I decided to put 3 raised beds in our backyard. I only filled one bed. I was just testing things out. I learned a lot by watching my testing garden. Here’s what I plated: chocolate mint, parsley, garlic chives, rosemary, lavender, and purple basil. All of the herbs grew wonderfully except the lavender, I have not been successful with lavender. Over the winter, we covered the raised beds to create a “greenhouse”. Everything survived the winter except the purple basil but it left it’s seeds from its bolting. I have new purple basil plants from those seeds. I did even have to plant more seeds!

This year, 2020! Well, as you know, I was home a lot with time in my hands so, I added soil the the other 2 beds and started planting.

Last year’s bed loved the early spring like weather we had and it took off. The parsley plant grew to be about 4 feet tall and spread just as wide. It bolted, which means it grew flowers, learned new vocabulary this year, and I eventually cut it down. Then the mint took off like crazy!! I love it even though it’s taking over that section of the garden bed.

I have more to tell but it’s time for a nap! Awww, summer!

Ok, I’m back. I tried strawberries, I only got a few so more learning for next time. I underestimated how much room these little guys need! Learning curve! The English thyme started off small and has continued to thrive in its spot in spite of the basil that’s trying to take over. Oddly enough, the strawberries are sending out runners into my thyme.