The Bean Support

Every year in our little raised bed, Katherine plants a number of things, including a variety of tomatoes, as well as a number of beans, including climbers.

Last year the climbers completely outgrew my pathetic attempt at a support, which was just six foot tall or so. This year at Katherine's request I built a real support, which hopefully will be able to keep up with the Wisley Magic and other climbers that have begun winding their way to the top!

Typical Containment Device for 'Peanut Sized Brain' Poodles

Before and after photographs of a standard containment device for poodles and other seemingly brainless canines, of which ours is a classic example. Without the gate, our wonderful but incredibly dumb dog would chase down pretty much everything that happens by on the sidewalk, most probably resulting in substantial tort-action induced consequences from fiscally motivated practitioners of law!

The old gate was poorly constructed, lacking the critcal diagonal brace, with just a set of two inch 'L brackets' and the pathetic lattice trying to keep it in square for the last decade, with obviously deficient results! The new one is properly constructed, with the required diagonal brace, and will probably stay square for at least a few years after my death.

BEFORE: Not so good gate

AFTER: Really good gate

Hosta La Vista - Year Five

Five years after initially preparing and beginning planting, I am finally satisfied with the overall effect and appearance of the rear garden, aptly named 'Hosta La Vista'. There are still minor adjustments to be made, but right now there are close to 90 Hosta's in this bed, virtually all mature and 'massed up' properly, as well as plenty of daylillies as a backdrop against the fence. I have now completely forgotten what was against this fence when we moved in.