Transforming Outdoor Spaces: Our Epic Garden Arbor Makeover
Welcome back to the Epic Urban Homestead series! As we dive into Episode 6, we’re braving a heat wave here in San Diego, but that hasn’t stopped us from making transformative changes in our outdoor space. This episode spotlights our latest project: installing a stunning garden arbor that promises to reshape the dynamics of our garden. Let’s explore the updates and innovations that have unfolded in our green haven.
Garden Update: A Landscape in Flux
First things first, we’ve been busy with our growbag garden. It’s a dynamic space that evolves continually—plants come and go as we swap them out for new varieties. Currently, we have a delightful arrangement where low-growing marigolds and lettuce mingle with more robust peppers and the towering plants at the back, including fruit trees and our innovative trellises.
Among my favorite additions are the Vertex Tall Tomato Cages from Gardener’s Supply Company. These lightweight yet sturdy aluminum structures have completely revolutionized the way we stake our crops. They feature a sleek, hexagonal design and work brilliantly to support tomatoes, watermelons, and even squash, leveraging the abundant evening sun for robust growth.
The Power of Rain Gutter Gardens
Moving from our growbags to the rain gutter gardens, this unique system has exceeded my expectations. Choosing drought-resistant herbs like thyme, rosemary, and even surprisingly resilient basil has yielded exciting results. The key has been the sloped watering design, allowing efficient runoff and ample hydration for the plants despite the limited soil depth.
While I initially used PVC for these gutters, I would recommend transitioning to steel gutters in the future for increased durability and longevity.
Tackling Weeds with Creative Solutions
In tackling the common challenge of Bermuda grass invasion, I’ve amassed a stockpile of cardboard. Utilizing cardboard for sheet mulching involves laying it flat on the soil to suppress weeds until it breaks down, allowing for future planting opportunities. This environmentally friendly approach not only recycles materials but also enriches the soil.
The Quest for Luffa Success
One of my perennial gardening challenges has been successfully growing luffa, but I’ve recently spotted an encouraging trend—female flowers are appearing! Though achieving pollination has involved a delicate balance of timing, I remain hopeful. Gardening is all about perseverance and adaptation.
Innovative Watering Techniques
On the irrigation front, I’m thrilled about our new Hoselink watering tool. This retractable 82-foot hose has simplified my watering routine tremendously. It allows for targeted spot watering across various garden sections without the hassle of dragging a cumbersome hose across the yard.
A Special Surprise
This week, I received an unexpected visit from my cousin Jonny, who brought along a generous catch of fresh cabrilla fish he spearfished in Baja. It was a delightful reminder of the connection between sourcing food from both land and sea. We discussed culinary preparations, from deep frying to enjoying the fish skin like crispy chicharrones—a true celebration of local fare!
Composting: Planning for Expansion
Our compost bin is thriving, and I’m contemplating expanding it into a three or five-bin system to better manage the composting process. This would not only improve efficiency but also ensure a steady supply of rich compost as we cultivate our garden.
Introducing Our New Arbor
Now for the highlight of this episode: the installation of our Gracie Modern Arbor from Terra Sculpture. This striking addition offers both a functional trellis and an aesthetic focal point. Standing tall at over six feet, it invites a variety of climbing plants, and I envision seasonal crops like peas in the winter and vibrant tomatoes come spring.
The arbor symbolizes more than just an infrastructure; it embodies our commitment to creating an interactive and productive outdoor space. It’s a space where food, beauty, and community converge, perfectly aligning with our gardening philosophy.
Closing Thoughts
As we continue transforming our outdoor space, each growing season presents opportunities for learning and creativity. From navigating the challenges of heat and pests to celebrating the joy of homegrown food, our journey is as dynamic as the plants we nurture.
Stay tuned for more updates as we progress through our gardening adventures. The garden arbor is only the beginning of our ongoing quest to cultivate a flourishing urban oasis!
For more assistance or materials related to rain gutter installations, consider reaching out to professionals. For a free quote, visit www.raintechgutters.com or call us at +1 (407) 276-1252.