The other thing I did this weekend was clean up the back patio and the front entrance.
I'm continually chastened by people more environmentally inclined than I, and the green thumb secretary at work advised me that there were definitely things I could grow through winter here in California. Greens, mostly, and onions. The only reason she doesn't, she said, was that slugs nipped everything she planted in the bud - or really, as soon as it sprouted.
So on Sunday I ripped out my disappointing zucchinis, left the tomatoes and jalapenos that are still (barely) producing, and planted seeds from the packets I had left over from summer. Mostly herbs; a little lettuce and watercress. I guess I could go out and buy spinach starts or something, but I'm afraid to invest until I find out whether anything at all will manage to grow - the summer was such a bust. Maybe I'll bury a turnip.
What is remaining there, besides the stringy tomatoes, is an African Daisy (that got all long-legged, but appears to be working - I had a ladybug clinging to my tomato), and nasturtiums, which seem to thrive no matter what I do. I also rearranged the paving stones to eliminate the bark mulch that is all over the place. I know it looks terrible - trust me, it's better than it was.
To prevent slugs I crushed eggshells all over the top of the dirt. (Supposedly slugs don't like to slime over the sharp edges.) I also planted seeds in containers in the entrance area, since that gets more light than anywhere. It's a shamed it's all paved over.
Can anybody give me tips for making that front area look the slightest bit better? Except for getting rid of the growing things... It looks so bleah. Remember that I'm renting, though. And where the pots are now is pretty much the only part of the landscape that gets any sun.
The back of all the seed packets made all kinds of health claims. These leaves make an antiseptic compress, those roots prevent coughing. I'm going to go all Clan of the Cave Bear on you guys. Ace is already suspicious because I ground up Vitamin C and Zinc to sneak into his honey lemon tea when he had a cold a few weeks ago. I think he thinks I'm going to slip him a rufie. (If that's what it takes!)
This morning I checked on matters, and was reminded of the hazard that besets everything I ever plant. Squirrels dig into everything. I don't know if they can actually smell the borage seeds and can pick them out, or if they're just curious. I guess I need to string fishing line or something.
Anyway, I figured the lifting and carrying and stooping gave me a credit for skipping my second 300 Workout - so that's the plan for tonight.
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