Planter Play

So it was supposed to rain today, but instead we had sunshine and 60 degrees.  Ah, the Pacific Northwest... always keeps me on my toes.  This time of year, a sunny day is like a little gift, so I decided to enjoy it while it was here.  Honestly, I expected dark clouds at any moment, but amazingly, the sun stayed out all day.  It was nice.

Anyway, I thoroughly hosed off all the planters (soaking myself in the process--evidently I am eager for July).  It was fun and relaxing to move them around and figure out where to put what.

Here's my arrangement for the time being.

I was pleasantly surprised that the long planter box is the perfect length for the side of the porch!  Also, I like the idea of a planter on each step, and the boxes make things nice and symmetrical.

One the other side of the peas is a little drainage relief for the yard, and it's full of river rocks.  I thought this was a good place for the trays.  I don't know what I will put in them.  I was considering succulents, but decorative mosses might be fun.

I put the scissors there for size reference... okay, fine, I accidentally left the scissor there.

This was the more fun addition today.  My daughter has one of those princess tables with the mini chairs.  Well this one was all busted up, so I removed the seat, and with the two smaller pots and a little wire, voila.  Touch of whimsy or something.  Anyway, I like it.  I've been wanting to do this for a while now, and the free pots gave me the motivation.

I also started a compost box.  As you can see, I have no idea how to use a Dremmel. 

It's a miracle I still have knees, really.

Nothing like learning as you go!  I saw someone do this online, where they drilled a million holes in an 18 gallon tote and used it for composting.  I had the tote rejects from last year's planting, so I figured there was no harm in giving it a try.

I'm sure this will work great!  We all know how reliable the internet is.  What could possibly go wrong?

Stir stick.  Something tells me there is a better way to turn compost, but I'm kind of a neanderthal when it comes to tools.  So it's either this or a spatula from the kitchen.  And we kinda use those.  You know, for cooking.

It was full to the brim when I put everything in there!  I guess it's settled.

Currently contains some dirt, those grounds I got from Starbucks, dead leaves, and a few egg shells.

The lettuces and radishes are coming up more plentifully.  Amazingly, even after the toddler attack, the rows are for the most part intact!  There are places where the seeds are more clustered together, but overall, I think we're okay.  But you'll have to just imagine that part, because I forgot to take pictures of them.  Go me!

Okay, items left on the to-do list:  get dirt, get plants.

The end.