There she Grows!

Well with gardening season upon us, more progress has been made the the growing department. Being the "tree-huggers" we are we decided to try our hand at composting.  We recycle all we can since the ability is readily available to us so we have already minimized the amount of trash we generate to less than a bag a week. But...with the amount of cooking we like to do and the amount of vegetables we like to eat, they in themselves tend to generate waste that can be used to nourish future veggies. So... off to researching compost bins.

there is always the utilitarian approach...

But of course with a small lot we have to consider the amount of space, the neighbors, and the aesthetics of this approach.

Then of course there are the pre-manufactured versions

But again, although clever and functional,  these get to be expensive and the idea of a big black plastic device, just isn't quite right with the appeal of the house.  Just lacks cohesiveness. 

So we need classy, cutesy, clever, and creative. The 4 C's,  at least I think that is what the jeweler was referring to. Back to scouring the endless trails of useless information, aka, the internet.

And of course if you search long enough your bound to find something interesting.  Perhaps a compost bin that looks a lot like a beehive.  GREAT, it meets the 4 c requirement.  Now, price... only 150 British pounds  ~ $300 American.  Well that is out of my price range. So the clever and crafty kick in, and again, a little more web wonders, some manipulating free bee-hive plans. and Whala! (voila if your proper)

5/8" x 6" x 6' cedar fence slats, $2.50 at lowes.  4 slats = 3 lifts.  The rest was scrap wood laying around, as well as the black paint left behind at the school, now put to good use.

So...for what could have been $300 and perhaps a little different.  has a home for less than $25 hardware included.

The lift on the right was an extra from the decision process of how tall to make it. Perhaps it will need a twin eventually. But for now our composter is set in place and has begun it's duties in making us natural organic fertilizer.  As for the stereo-typed "smell" web research says that if you start getting an odor it is out of balance; there should be a balance of organics and greens I believe is what it said. Or at least something like that.  So for now....   

More images to come once the mulch is spread.

Spring has Sprung!!

Howdy All!!

Well the snow is gone and the colors are on their way back.  It's still a little on the chilly side occasionally but after working in the garage over the winter the temps in the 50's are pretty amazing, and with the occasional 60's number I've actually expressed my desire to blind the neighbors with my white legs in short pants on a few occasions.  The excitement of summer approaching is brewing in Michigan.

Proof life does exist after winter!

We haven't lost the gardening bug from last season. But much like the apartment life we are restriced on space in the yard. So to pull off vegetable gardening as eloquently as we can we built a pair of raised beds to conduct our edible experiments in.

Start of the 4' x 6' Cedar Garden Beds

View from the Deck

With the boxes built, we had to get started on the growing season.  Knowing the length of time it takes for many of the things we enjoy to grow, and the cold weather we have jump started our growing season indoors this year.

Amanda's handy work, working hard.  We purchased some of the bio seedling starter things and have planted pompus grass, and some other things she will have to chime in and tell you about.

Heirloom Tomatoes, and a colorful variety of peppers underway!

Well as life here is prepping for the enjoyment of a Michigan Summer, I hope everyone your way is doing well.