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Install Rain Barrel and Compost Tumbler

Growing up we always had rain barrels, and this growing season, I wanted to incorporate a rain barrel in my garden and added composting for a bit of sustainability. A local botanical garden offers free classes on sustainability, using native plants and rain garden.


I thought of doing a DIY rain barrel but with all the planting I was doing, a bit of help is worth it, so I bought a rain barrel and compost tumbler, got a good deal from my town.



Lots of research online later, I found the perfect downspout rain water collection system by Oatey to channel the water to my barrel. I bought 2 Oatey system so I may make that DIY rain barrel yet :-).



I started with building the stand for the barrel on a Sunday. I used concrete 12in x 12in stepping stone pavers and 4in x 8in pavers, I created a pattern and stack them, I did use pieces of slate to level the barrel. I kept the stand low so I did not need to make it permanent, I like that I can move it anytime I wish.


I dd not have enough pavers on …
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DIY Self Watering Planter

Ok. it started when I tried to grow tomatoes last year but forget to water when needed, it didn't go well and the plant died. I decided self watering is the way for Tomatoes, but the cost of container deterred me for a bit.
I Marie Kondo the house at the start of the year, and I was left with a few empty Rubbermaid totes. I search online how to make a DIY Self watering container using the totes..
There are many videos online, but found this video on Wicking Bed Build to be very clear. I used 2 liter soda bottles, donation from friends. I added the holes in the bottom and cut off a few inches off the top of each bottle. I found it tough to cut the holes in the Rubbermaid lid, so be carefully when cutting. 
 I chose to include the PVC pipe to make it easy to fill (many uses for PVC pipe online).  I added two overflow holes, one on either side of the long side of the tote. 
I covered the top of the pipe with piece of landscape fabric and a hair tie to keep it in place, to keep out m…
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My Vegetable Patch

This year I decide to take it a bit further on My Garden Patch, and grow some vegetable for my table. My Roma tomato plants were grown from seeds. I kept only 2 plants and gave away as many as I could, tiny seeds equal many plants. 
A friend gifted me with two Stella Dora transplant for my flower garden, and I repurpose the hanging basket from the delivery of the Stellas to grow Strawberries 
I saw a cool idea on You Tube video How to Raise Container Sweet Corn In Walmart Shopping Bags  I had to test it out and this gave me the motivation to try and grow something I enjoy, but otherwise would not grow.
The Vegetable patch is completely in containers and my flowers and shrubs are in ground. I am using a combination of DIY self watering containers, grow bags and regular plant pots.    
End of May 2019, Vegs and Herbs in pots/bags 


Corn in Walmart Bags and DIY Self Watering container 
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Sock and Cowl

I completed my first sock, still only half way thru the second sock. I think next is to learn how to knit both socks simultaneously :-)





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Travel Adventure 2019

Had a dream come thru in March 2019, with my Trip to Italy. First stop on the tour Venice, there was many sites to see.  Murano Glass, Doge's Palace, Museo Correr and nice walk thru of St. Mark's Basilica.


Venice





Lunch in Tuscany home of Pinocchio and the Leaning Tower of Pisa



Toast in Florence



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Memories

When you lose someone very near and dear to you, it shakes your world like no other, 2018 was such a year. The memories stays with you and makes you stronger, and even makes you smile sometime instead of cry, love you always and forever Mama. A few of the things we both enjoyed doing together.







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