Elizabeth's Secret Garden

  My family went on the Tour De’ Coop in Raleigh, North Carolina for the first time this year. It was held on May 17 and showcased 26 chicken coops. We picked out the coops that intrigued us the most. We wanted to absorb as much information as possible since we are in the process of starting our own chick coop. Our own coop adventure begins this Saturday when we pick up a coop that was free on Craigslist! The first tour we went on was Kathy's Coop at Rocky Toad Road Iris Farm. Their chicken coop in my opinion was very sophisticated. They had 11 chickens of several varieties. The chicken coop was created by recycling pallets. It has some nice added features. The chicken coop was surround by screening to keep unwanted animals out. The ground was covered with wood chips. The chicken coop had a nesting box designed for comfort. A wooden beam was installed in front of the nesting box to make it easily accessible. Who new that cabbage could be a toy? Well, for this chicken it cle...

    It is amazing to watch plants grow. In a months time they can literally take off like plants on steroids. It amazes me how seeds can become a large bushy or tall leggy plant complete with fruit, vegetables, or other appetizing things. The photo above was taken today on May 14. The photo directly below was taken on May 5. It that short span of time look how much bigger the plants are plus I added a bunch of plants! My banana peppers, tomatoes, and zucchini all have flowers. I’m also growing eggplant, collards, lettuce, cucumbers, squash, cabbage, swiss chard, and beans in the fenced in garden. I wouldn’t be surprised if I left out something since I have so many plants! I also have a host of flowers, sunflowers, and herbs. I’ve already almost filled up all the space! It takes a dedication of about an hour each day to water the vegetable garden, kitchen garden, and flower garden. I believe it will be worth it. I’ve already had about 3 salads and leaves for our wraps. I harve...