From Grass to Garden!!

Here are the pictures of our latest adventure:
a kitchen garden.

I thought I should give this blog a great title, like from one of my favorite books. So, I considered

which really does describe what we have done. We have removed our lawn in the backyard and replaced it with a garden. This book by H.C. Flores is really great reading and I definitely love the passion Flores has for growing food. But another book came to mind, and seemed just as appropriate.

William Alexander writes about his adventure into gardening, and the economic impact it can have. We haven't broken down the costs of our garden, simply because we really don't want to know!! We love our new garden and that is all that really matters!!

So, here it is, from grass to garden!

First, we assembled the work crew, and dug up the sod.

(Yes, it is the same sod we laid in fall when we were trying to sell the house!)

After the sod was gone we spray painted the bed layout.

Brian is always looking for an opportunity to rent a piece of big machinery! The rototiller made quick work of the backyard. We have clay soil, so we added amendments to the soil.

Then Brian made the raised beds!!

We have two 4x5, one 4x10, and one 1.5x9 garden beds. They are each 12 inches deep. Brian made a screen to sift dirt clods, and the kids had fun helping!
(Any reason to play in the dirt makes them happy!)

Opal enjoyed lounging in the shade of the wheelbarrow while we worked!

Brian and Camille added irrigation to each bed. Here in northern California we won't see rain again until the fall, so watering becomes an important part of the garden plan.

OK, I am helping too! I just seem to be the one who always takes the pictures!

Here it is!

Our garden beds, somewhat planted. After all this work, the adventure has really just begun. Stay tuned...

Our Soccer Star!!

This spring, since he is just three, we signed Isaac up for soccer through the local parks and recreation district. He goes once a week to play, learn skills and have fun. He just loves it!!

He didn't want to stop to have his picture taken!!

Isaac is a natural! He seems to be in his element while playing soccer. He listens to his coach, follows directions and has been making new friends. It is so much fun to see him doing something he loves!
Isaac also has his very own cheerleader: Camille!