Thursday, November 12, 2009

Thanks for the invitation!

Catherine and Mary Jo...this is a test to see if I am on the blog and we are connected. Have some patience with me as this is all new to me.

I am still very much interested in this project and might have another Master Gardener who wants to help. And I have a really neat book about historic gardens that may give us some ideas.

I think we should consider using the upcoming winter months--December, January and February--to complete our research and write a plan. I don't think Pete is houding us for a plan...he wants us to take our time and think about what we, as Master Gardeners, would like to see happen.

I have not contacted Judge Conley but certainly will make the call. I can visit him alone or you are both welcome to join me. I really want to ask him if he has photos of the home from the past.

Will one of you please reply to me through the blog so I know I'm connected? Thank you!

Historic homes info

Mary Jo found these a while back - they should give us a good general idea of what to aim for in terms of historical accuracy:
http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/heirloom/msg03082853383.html
http://www.oldhousegardens.com/

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Photos of a 19th century garden

Here are some photos I took of Watkins' Woolen Mill's historic garden near Excelsior Springs.

I was surprised - the kitchen garden was completely raised beds, and there were basically no flowerbeds around the house. They had very nice mixed herbs and flowers around the perimeter of the fenced garden, with wooden signs. I don't know whether the potted plants on the back porch are historically accurate. 8-)

Time to make a plan!

Ok all, Elizabeth says Pete is asking for the plan, so let's assemble & cook one up.

There was talk of bulbs - who had a line on those or has the opportunity passed? Mary Jo & others have found descriptions of 19th century gardens having separate beds each of a solid color. Do we want to do that?

Another wrinkle: the construction on 6th has moved up the block to the corner with Conley & they've shaved off the shrubs on the corner of the House's yard to make a temporary exit ('til next August) for Turner Garage. Now that the north flowerbed is more visible, do we want to put something colorful there???

I'll email everyone who said they were interested; some haven't signed up as authors on the blog and won't receive this.