I have two sides going so far--lots of seedlings going in the areas that look bare. side 1 (this was the 1st side I did back in March): And this is side 2 (I had a bunch of herbs and potatoes but decided to go above ground with those (I just threw together the wood planters from scraps we had laying around-now ISO soil): I have corn, greens, beans, and a few other sprouts coming up--I threw the straw down (from when I cleared our side yard in May) to give them a bit of shade and extra water---this side gets like 6 hours of INTENSE sun this time of year (especially this year). I have some raspberries to plant in the back corner on side 2--I'd love to have a little berry patch. But through research I've found very few varieties grow in a 10a zone (this part is all new to me) Those retaining wall planters are my next big project but the dirt is so compacted I can't even dig---but I'm thinking of just top filling it after I pull everything...just can bring myself to get rid of all my aloe and succulents that grow up in the shade. I'd love to do something vertical... (Side 1) (Side 2) This is the first year I'm doing this---I pulled the existing shrubs (2 10 year old hibiscus, a 10 year old rosemary, among others) all by hand and turned the soil myself---my husband's around to help but it's mostly a project I've taken on myself. I'd like to get a bit more organized as far as what grows where and when, more vertical growth, etc...one thing at a time I suppose. I've shown you mine--who's showing theirs? (I apologize for any typos, I didn't proofread this)

I'm glad this little guy brought a moment of mirth and giggles into your day -- I know I needed one! :) [mayflowers: you went there, didn't you?! ;) ] scrappy25: heck yeah! Ross - $9.99! There were two at our local store, but I had to leave his buddy behind. (I noticed mine has a tiny nick in it -- guess that's how/why he ended up where he did.) Happy shopping!

I looked and looked until I found my camera to take pictures again, I have given up on my cell phone. Everyone who has tried to help me says I need to take it to the Frontier Store for help. Anyway, Annie I loved all my bird goodies. Annie sent: Penguin Socks (Clever-Just in time for the Holidays) Cardinal - Kitchen Towels (Cardinals are my fav.) Feather earrings-thanks Gift card for seeds-I find much pleasure looking for seeds on line so this will be fun! Thank you Annie, sorry the post office gave me such a fit over this pkg. The funny thing is they had another pkg there for me from Oct. Yes Oct. Upon opening it I found it was from Susan. Sorry Susan I never knew it was there. It was filled with chocolates, thank you so much. They sure are good. Shirley

it sure looks stressed.. and imo.. fert is NEVER a response to stress ... and definitely.. if you are applying it to stressed leaves ... i would insure it is fully and properly watered ... perhaps even putting it in a tub and wetting not only the media.. but the wood ... and then shove it in full bright shade for a month ... and leaving it alone.. but for watering it ... WHEN IT NEEDS IT ... insert finger and find out ... and after that much water.... it might be a long time.. before it needs more ... part of your problem.. might be that the wood is wicking water out of your media ... this is one of the reasons.. i would have found a plastic pot that fit inside the wood pot .. what they call.. a pot in pot system .... i would focus on the new emerging leaf.. to see what its current condition is .... that will be a better indication than the old leaves ... ken