Verdure (rhymes with merger) describes lush growing vegetation and defines health and vigor.
After experiencing moderate success with a winter greenhouse, I felt ready to plant a real outdoor garden.
I was delighted to learn about biochar, as my clay-laden soil definitely needed some help.
With most of what I needed at hand, I started by digging a pit, removing the larger chunks of clay.
The digging itself wasn’t bad, but some of those clumps required two hands, so it was occasionally back-breaking.
I dumped them in the deep ruts out by the pond, as I reclaimed more of the land damaged while bush-hogging last spring.
I’m sure it was a sight, as I dragged my string trimmer and wagon behind my mower, but Bella doesn’t judge.
There was something so simple and satisfying in the long hours and days, just figuring it out as I went.
All the while, the beauty and intensity of the eastern North Carolina skies continued to surprise and delight me.
Josh had brought out these “stone muffins” from a leftover concrete pour. I thought they’d be a good fit for my firepit.
When I tired of hauling concrete, I dragged dead limbs that were rescued from the pond. These would be fuel for Biochar.
MAKING BIOCHAR
Simply stated, Biochar is a charcoal substrate housing beneficial microorganisms. When mixed in the soil, it improves quality and yield.
I spent several days dismembering those huge limbs and sorting for diameter and length.
The long, straight limbs were stacked in the Mimosa tree for use in my wood-burning stove at a later time.
The key is to burn from the top, starving the fire of oxygen, then dousing it right before the wood becomes ash.
Once any large unburnt wood is removed, the remaining charcoal-like material is ready to activate or charge.
I had a bag of old flour and grass clippings available, so I began there.
Compost “tea” is likely the most disgusting liquid you can imagine, but the plants love it. Be thankful you can’t smell it.
Human urine is recommended, as well as worm castings and bone meal. Check and check…
As the biochar fermented and colonized, I planned my kitchen garden and started seeds in the greenhouse.
Those little suckers grew so quickly that I had to bust a move to keep up, sometimes repotting 2 or 3 times!
Although I covered them, the 4′ tomato transplants could not sustain a late-March freeze and died with fruit on their vines.
Hang on! After pruning them to the ground, they began to grow again. Encouraged, I planted the peppers next to them.
Tilling and raking, I began to prepare a new home for my expanding family of seedlings.
The kids were climbing out of their cribs by the time I began planting in Mid-April.
By now, my once-flourishing greenhouse resembled Macy’s shoe department after their summer sale.
As I began the spring cleanup, I thought the canes intended for the fire might somehow be repurposed as tomato cages.
This is the original zucchini plant from last year. Only the left side is rooted- the grey pot is simply supporting the vine.
Since I can’t seem to kill it, I have decided to plant it…
A little pruning, cleaning up, and a teepee and it’s good to go.
I closed the kitchen to critters with the help of an old dog pen.
The peppers looked tiny in the ground, and I wondered if I should have waited a bit longer to plant them.
A row of carrots to the left and a row of bush beans to the right, and that’s “IT” for now. (Literally. Written in the earth below.)
The house rule is if I can’t eat it, I don’t need it, but I made an exception. It was cheaper to buy an arrangement and divide it.
Marigolds are great deterrents for pests, add a pop of color and attract pollenators. They are also edible. See link below.
As I tended to my new garden, rows of corn appeared around me and blackberry bushes burst into flower.
Spring had finally sprung, and while I was excited and energized, I now needed to focus on the Ark.
GETTING FLOORED
Inside the house, I began to prepare my prison cell concrete for new wood flooring.
To test for moisture content, I scrubbed a 3’ X 3’ patch, covered it tightly with plastic, and watched for signs of condensation.
I kept busy with my various projects for several weeks, but now Josh is back to tackle the hardwood floors.
This type of hardwood floor is glued directly to the concrete. It reminded me of butterscotch pudding.
I finally got to open those boxes I had been moving around for over a year, and enjoyed sorting and stacking every plank.
It was hard to choose just a few of my favorite scripture verses to write on the floors before he covered them.
From Psalm 23, “The Lord is my shepherd- I shall not want” and “My cup runneth over”…in Hebrew.
For I tell you, you will not see me again, until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.’ (Matthew 23:39)
It’s going to be close, but right now it looks like we’ll have enough to finish the master bedroom.
Aaaand we’re done! Meanwhile, my Lazarus tomatoes have made a huge comeback…
The adjacent cornfield is knee-high and the blackberries are beginning to turn red and ripen.
Did you catch the blue jay babies in the bush? I didn’t see them until I was editing my photo!
I’m tired.
Thanks for your support. Check back for Ark updates to include butterfly gardens and pond cleanup.
Wishing you peace, love and verdure. Shalom. MH
Marie you are a one woman marvel in the Lord! LOVE what you are doing! Can’t wait to see what Godvhas you do with the bounty from your garden! Baruch Hana B Shem Adonai!
You’ve been a very busy girl. Sure is looking great
You’ve been a very busy girl. Sure is looking great
Marie, you’re the most resourceful, pioneer woman I’ve ever known. Thanks for sharing and bringing us along on your journey!
amazing!!
Marie, you sure are keeping busy. this life seems to suit you. God put you there. God bless. Mary Ann
p.s. We have permanently moved down to the Colonnades as of the end of May.