About

Location

Friday Harbor


Birthday:

April 2


Suburb

I live on an Island


Post / Zip Code

98250


I am a...

Gardener


I can offer

Gardening advice


Food Growing Skill Level

Confident


Experience and Qualifications

Lots of years in the garden


I am interested in...

Learning, Preserving


Tell us about your garden and what you're growing

My husband & I bought this island property several years ago. The home on the property is an Octagon and we had to do a gut-to-the-studs remodel. It is now "Solar Passive". Our house stayed a consistent 71 degrees last winter without running any heat. As for the yard, I'm in the process of building soil. The soil here is a rocky heavy clay and I am 3 blocks from salt water. What we found was, 3 previous owners had come onto the property and covered everything with 3 layers of heavy black impervious plastic going down 2 feet. Apparently each owner hated the previous owners ideas. We spent a lot of time pealing back the soil and removing all the layers of old garden soil, lava landscape rocks and those darn layers of plastic. There was no life in the soil and the smell was like a sewer. We were able to get some block wall building done this spring and did some intensive soil building in that huge bed. Re-digging down 2 feet to break-up the hard pan soil, sifting out the rocks while implementing massive amounts of straw for organic matter. So far this year I have introduced 25 bales of straw into my yard. My 3 year old earthworm and red wiggler worm farm was set-free into the new bed this Spring. The composting continues and the Ruth Stout System is in heavy use in other areas. THE GARDEN Plant three rows of peas: Peace of mind Peace of heart Peace of soul. Plant four rows of squash: Squash gossip Squash indifference Squash grumbling Squash selfishness. Plant four rows of lettuce: Lettuce be faithful Lettuce be kind Lettuce be happy Lettuce really love one another. No garden should be without turnips: Turnip for service when needed Turnip to help one another Turnip the music and dance. Water freely with patience and Cultivate with love. There is much fruit in your garden. Because you reap what you sow. To conclude our garden We must have thyme: Thyme for fun Thyme for rest Thyme for ourselves.


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Comments

  • Ricardo Oscar Marques May 17, 2011 at 11:23pm

    Ok, sorry for the comment.

    But, what is going on with the law S503? is that true or is a stupid conspiracy theory?

    And other guys who are fined for catching rainwater?

    Have a nice day, thanks for the answer.

  • Ricardo Oscar Marques May 17, 2011 at 12:11pm

    I saw that USA has laws against veges in backyard and catch rainwater.

    What is the country waiting for a revolution?

  • Jane Maarie February 7, 2011 at 11:10pm
    Hey Sheri, nope didn't have to wait too long hehehe.  Have a good day:O)
  • Jane Maarie January 27, 2011 at 10:14pm
    Thank you Sheri :O) This is where I am planning on using the lasagne layering method.  I have heritage lettuces in seed which I am eager to save....for the first time & lavenda cuttings to pot up for under my fruit trees which you can barely see in the paddock behind my gardens.  I am equally impressed with your photos also! :O)
  • Jools January 23, 2011 at 6:45am
    Sheri I love your poem - may I copy it please?  I'm also working on improving the soil in my garden but not to the extent that you are.  Your photos are very impressive.  Happy gardening.
  • jacee January 22, 2011 at 12:52am
    hi Sheri plant garlic ...one clove.. on the shortest day harvest around the longest. its rewarding to not have  to buy the chinese of californian garlic!!
  • Robyn Wolfe January 21, 2011 at 10:18pm
    Hello! I've just found your site and spent time perusing. What a fertile mind you have, not to mention the garden! Now I'll have to find you on Google maps.  I didn't realise you were not in NZ when I wrote.  Cabbage tree leaves mentioned are from the Cordyline Australis a NZ native. The strap leaves are almost indestructible (sometimes used in trenches for drainage.) I will watch this site with interest! Thanks for the effort you put in.
  • Kelly Ronayne October 10, 2010 at 10:17pm
    Thoughts and prayers for you and Wes - it will be a long journey, but it seems like you're ready for it! Bring it on!
    xx
    Kelly (New Zealand)
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