A “Bunny-proof” Garden in Historic Edgefield
Jenny and Sean Alexander have had some success with gardening in previous years. Maybe even more success than they could handle. Cherry tomato plants had grown into a tangled jungle with more fruit falling on the ground than making it into the kitchen. And their forest of kale trees grew so big, they didn’t even mind that local rabbits would hang out in the shade eating the lower leaves.
But for 2021, they were ready to be more intentional with their garden planning, and to make a fresh start with new garden beds, a better location, and fresh quality soil. And most importantly, they wanted to grow a wider variety of veggies in reasonable quantities that they could harvest and eat all season rather than the typical glut of tomatoes in August.
Some clients want to be told what to do every step of the way while others are more interested in having guidance to figure it out themselves. The Alexanders were in the later category. My coaching for them focused on helping them understand and consider factors like the seasonality of plants, days to harvest, and how much food you can expect from each variety of plant. With this knowledge and the workbook and blank garden diagram I provided, they designed their own planting plan. We met up for a quick consultation to talk through all their decisions, considered a couple more factors, moved a few things around, and then they were off to the garden center to buy plants.
We had so much fun planting together according to the plan they had created. I explained how each different type of plant should be handled and they carefully tucked their seedlings and seeds into the garden along with a kickstart of BioTone fertilizer and a good soak from the hose. Notice the neat grid layout and soaker hose set up they installed themselves using my YouTube how-to videos.
I also must give massive props to Sean for his ingenuity in garden bed design. In addition to the local rabbits, there is another “Bunny” that could be a threat to the Alexanders’ new plant babies: their adorable, rambunctious rescue puppy with giant ears, Bunny. Sean created a removable fence that keeps any potential diggers or nibblers out of the garden, and still allows humans to comfortably access the beds for tending. It will also serve as a great structure for any kind of covering they may need as the season goes on, such as protection from sun, insect pests, and cold.
Sean and Jenny Alexander with their new raised bed gardens
Notice Sean’s cool removable fencing!
I can’t wait to see how this season goes for them and I’ll be supporting, cheering, and advising them all along the way.
What’s your gardening style? Do you want to have the entire thing planned and installed for you, or would you like to do some of the designing and building yourself?
My goal is to make your garden experience as enjoyable as possible this year. That means I create a program that’s just right for your goals, experience and tastes. Let’s meet up and talk about how I can help you grow happier.
