Chickens!!

The unseasonably warm weather here in Kentucky has meant the chicken are getting a few good days to get out and run around.  They're so happy about it their laying has even increased.

Best. Basil. Ever.

As some of you will remember we dove into the whole 'indoor garden' thing a few months ago. Well, look how far it's come since then:

Jesse is pretty handy when it comes to 'making do' with what he's got to get good results.  Those are Steralite containers that he's modified.  Pretty cool, huh?

Peppers, green beans, black cherry tomato.

Dill, romaine lettuce and our giant and completely amazing basil plant.

Close up of the black cherry tomato plant.

Lettuce, brussels sprouts and a tomato starter.

Who's going to have fresh vegetables in the middle of December.  That would be us.  Woot!  We tried to grow herbs outside this year and while the oregano and thyme did well, the basil and dill just never quite could hang and what we've grown indoors has far surpassed it in both growth, quality of plant and flavor.

How does your garden grow?

Our yard is in full swing so I thought I would post a few shots of it in all of its green and 'green' glory.

basil

thyme, oregano, flat leaf parsley

Jesse made this planter box from the shelves we took out of the bathroom closet.  Came out really well.  I actually wish they all looked like this.

Tomatoes and a few peppers.  We have some heirlooms in here so I'm excited to see how they turn color.

What can I say?  Jesse loves his pigs and pig products.

Jesse insists these are romas but they don't look like the right shape to me.

Chickens!!

No eggs yet, but we should be very close.  Last year it was July.

back to front: purple potatoes, watermelon, squash, zucchini, peppers, cucumbers, green beans

We also have arugula, strawberries, spring mix lettuce, dill, a meyer lemon tree that is small but can be kept indoors in the winter and will eventually produce fruit.

one good rose

the rest of the bush needs a little love - but we're getting there

We also have lilies, peonies, hydrangeas and we're trying to integrate more annuals with some morning glories, moon flowers and petunias.  We don't know much about flowers, but we're learning.

And last but certainly not least, my super handy husband made a rain barrel out of an old trash can and some tubing.  You'd be surprised how quickly it fills up with the run off from the roof of the garage.  It saves on our water bill and is better for the environment.  Below you can see the spigot he easily installed at the bottom.

We also have a composter off the right of where the picture cuts off.  Typically people compost vegetable scraps, egg shells, etc. but there are tons of things you can compost -->  here.  Though I have to draw the line at urine.  I don't know though, I mean, stranger things have happened.  If you come to my house and there's a bucket of yellow liquid in the bathroom, I wouldn't get too close.  ;)

Chicks, man.

Due to an untimely demise of 5 of our previously acquired 6 chickens, we have purchased 6 more.  Since there is one larger one left and I'm pretty sure she will bully the babies, we have them separated for the time being.

Jesse knows what breed they each are so we'll see if we can't get him to get on here and participate a little with the names.

Aren't they cute?