the blackberries have taken over

So, every gardener and farmer has their arch-enemy.  Mine just happens to be blackberries and english ivy - blech!  There's blackberry on the left and ivy on the right and in the middle is a half-dying apple tree.  I also have to figure out how to get that ugly satellite dish off my roof ...

Rosemary Shrub

Arch-Enemy

I also have what is now an ENORMOUS rosemary shrub.  I guess I'll have to make lots, and lots of rosemary bread, rolls, crackers, biscuits... and perhaps I'll throw in a few chicken pot pies - with extra rosemary - yummmm. I might even have enough to make a few small wreathes for my neighbors - tied with a pretty red ribbon.

So, my lesson learned:  Don't rent out my house anymore.  My house isn't big and the lot is 1 1/2 times bigger than a normal city lot and surrounded by laurel and boxwood hedges.  With the help of Jack-Stewart, my 8 year boy, as I like to call him, we will attack like ninjas in the night.  The initial plan is to focus on my large raised bed with all the blackberry so that it doesn't spread further and getting my herb garden back to where it was 4 years ago.  And in the Spring - Jack gets to pick out the Chickens!

Wish me luck.  Me and my Boy.

Jack-Stewart in his favorite hoody

from gardener to farmer

I have decided to take the next step.  I have decided to take things in hand, literally.  I have the advantage as well as the privilege of living in what I think may be one of the best places to start an urban garden:  Portland, Oregon.

I am also living in a relatively small home, on an over-sized lot, in one of the most mineral rich areas of Portland:  Montavilla.  Fantastic volcanic soil - so easy in which to grow the makings in order to feed my family, and then some... as well as using my spoils to make some delicious pies.  I have to tell you right now - I love pie.  All kinds.  Sweet, savory, etc... My specialty right now is apple:  granny smith, gala and pink lady make the absolutely best apple pie around.

Anyone that knows me - when I get a bee in my bonnet I surge forward.  There is no stopping me when I have a goal.  My goal is to grow.  This is something I have loved to do since I was a child making mud pies on my Holly Hobby easy-bake oven.  Who remembers those!?

I am also an historian at heart and documenting the past (experiences that have happened along with the trial and errors from which I learn) are important to me and my mission.  For all of those that are farmers (urban &/or non-urban, of course), please feel free to contribute your comments to my experiment in growing.  I know I can learn from those that have been there and any help you can give is appreciated!

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