Memorial Day weekend work

With nice(r) weather finally upon us, we’ve been chipping away at the garden and other outdoor tasks.

Morning view of the garden from the loft porch.

One last pre-fence preparation - Montana had to trim the large evergreens along the fence line so the fencing company would have access to lay the new stretch this week. Luckly, the goats LOVE evergreen boughs, it’s such a treat for them.

Without any warning, we suddenly had ANOTHER swarm formed on one of our hive stands! Very strange spot for sure. We are not sure if these bees came from within one of our four other hives or not - none seemed to be noticeably lighter. So Montana and I suited up, captured the swarm, and just like that we now have FIVE hives!

The captured swarm will stay in the little “condo” hive for awhile.

This is our 4th hive, recovered from the swarm in the tree, doing just fine under that same tree.

About half of the beds are planted so far.

Steve designed a pretty neat raised bed irrigation system. He drilled into the side of each box and then laid the drip hose off of a main line. Everything is connected at the ground level (we will be mulching over the connecting pipes next month.) Everything is on timers, which will really help hopefully the growing results and also the well protection!

The in-ground beds also have Steve’s irrigation system underneath the landscape fabric. Montana and Elijah have been pretty handy with the propane torch, burning the holes in the fabric for the plants/seeds.

Asparagus bed is nice and healthy. You have to wait a few seasons before you can harvest it, so we might give it a try next year.

Happy cat on the front porch (CeCe).

I spy another happy cat under Montana’s hanging baskets (ZeZe).

We caught a glimpse of the three little coyote pups who have been living along the road in front of the house. So cute now, until they develop a taste for fresh chicken!