When I lived in central Kansas I had an acre of land surrounding my house with lush flower gardens, a vegetable garden and an herb garden.
Prize KS Sunflowers
From April to October there was always something in bloom. I couldn’t really grow grass, but anything else did well in my yard. I really miss playing in the dirt so I am gardening again this time in the mountains, well trying…between the animals and the climate I am ready for a war.
I have lived here for 4 1/2 years and last year was the first year I actually put anything in the ground. Before that I had containers all over my deck and front porch. I got tired of replacing plants after they were destroyed by a herd of elk grazing through the neighborhood so I gave up for a while. After we got our dog, Haley, we put up a fence and so that helped keep the elk away, but they still eat flowers in the front yard. Haley is Garden Enemy #1 in the backyard. She stomps on my plants constantly. I think I had two tomatoes last year and only a few peppers.
Haley=Garden Enemy
Elk love Petunias
There was a existing raised bed that I have cultivated so I can experiment. I have mostly perennials in one half and veggies in the other. So far I have Columbine, Hyssop, Daisies, Purple Coneflowers, Poppies, Sunflowers, Yarrow, and Gaillardia. In the other half, I still have a few flowers but planted Blue potatoes, Russet potatoes, Roma tomatoes, Rhubarb, Cucumbers, Sweet Baby Watermelon, Canteloupe, Zucchini, and Strawberries.
Strawberries
Veggie Side
I also have two hanging planters the upside down kind. They stay soggy all the time I am doubtful they will work, but I planted Toms in one and Peppers in the other. I was only able to do this in the last two weeks because it got so cold late in the year. Last weekend I took all the containers in the garage and tarped the bed. Now it is warm and sunny and we should get growing soon. Tonight I laid out my soaker hose and tomorrow I will stake it down. I will keep you posted about my progress and hopefully I can inspire some budding gardeners who are frustrated with gardening at 7500′ of elevation like me. Please post any suggestions!
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