Mason Bees

[karma]

We just added 6 new bee houses to our yard because of hearing of the bee shortage. Got to help Mother Nature out all we can on our end. The heck with adding plants if the bees disappear, right?

[Chief]

I'm doing my part by seriosly propigating bee balm this year. I had a whiskey tub full last year, and it was bee and humminbird central. I divided it up, and put it into an enormous new bed, and it's already up and growing!

Next sunny day I'll get out and shoot a few pics. The bulbs are all blooming and the backyard looks pretty good already...

I'm shooting for 15 gallons of raspberries this year by the way. Last year I harvested 12 gallons, and the year before 9. I put in a higher trellis last fall along with a dedicated sprinkler for the canes, so I think15 gallons is doable....

Hey karma! Anyboy you know out in Fedila have chickens?? I could use a small load of chicken crap to light off the compost pile....

;D

[karma]

;D Speaking of chickens, ya know you can have a couple. We used to have 'Big Bird' that showed up but someone took the poor baby. DH draws the line with it comes to chickens or I would have a few!! I'm thinking you might have better luck in Battle Ground with the chicken poop, ya know we only grow houses out here now!!

[Chief]

I would love to have a small flock and one big nasty old rooster to supervise...I just don't think my neighbors would be up for that...

I knew a guy in New Jersey once...big organic farmer, and he grew everything in raised beds 2-3 feet deep in composted chicken manure only. Best tomatoes I ever tasted!

;D

[karma]

Going to have to turn you onto a couple garden secrets! ;)