A QUICK TOUR OF MY GARDEN on the coast of Washington

26 Feb '09 10:03 am

Dear Moosey I love your web site
I couldn't believe the art/science gardening projects you are in the midst of or have undertaken are so similar to mine.I am not nearly as well connected to computer support so I will struggle to get the pictures up and shared. I have a small 6 acre area that I share with 1 husband, a horse, 2 dogs, 4 cats, 5 goats, 5 geese, 16 ducks, 10 chickens, and a beautiful but destructive blue peacock.

I think you have been experiencing some of the same weather in NZ as we have out here on the coast. Today it is a warm 48 degrees and very sunny with blue skies and storm threats predicting an inch of snow. Just as our spring has started, the winter returns ever so briefly to challenge the early attempts at spring gardening. In the summer it had been a challenge to not enough water due to a shallow well and the August and September heat.The rest of the year finds us receiving record precipitation and flooding.The hydrangeas live on!

I was able to begin the start of the Chicken Mansion Garden 2 weeks ago with initial plantings of hazelnut and raspberry canes. This was after digging a small trench to drain the water into the pond and create a less boggy area underfoot.

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26 Feb '09 12:27 pm

What a fascinating introduction-I do hope you will continue writing with your ideas and plans,and it would be lovely to see your photos too.I am curious about your name'Billabong' as it is an Australian word.

26 Feb '09 12:52 pm

Welcome, welcome, welcome! That's Washington the state over on the west coast? I believe that gardening conditions all year round are very similar to New Zealand. Well, that's what I've heard. A friend in Seattle grows Phormiums and Cordylines.

That peacock - he destructs your plants? People's legs? He sounds interesting!

All the best with your spring garden projects. Chicken mansion - sounds too good to be true! Cheers, and post some pictures - that would be great!
M

5 Jul '09 9:40 pm

Wow wat an intro. Would love to see your garden pictures in your upcoming post. Beth www.iflorist.co.uk