Front yard and herb garden

3 sisters
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The sage is putting out new growth
A couple months ago most of the lower leaves where still there, but shrivelled and grey. As spring has progressed they became green and filled out. Now new growth is starting. This guy is very happy, perhaps too happy. For now it's not shading out the neighbouring herbs too much. A bit in the late afternoon and evening.

Flower on the miniature clover.
This miniature clover came from the old path. I recall buying something that was supposed to be a low ground cover, suitable for between paving stones. Whether or not it will be able to spread from here remains to be seen. I'm sure the grass will be able to establish itself, but I'd rather not have it here and will remove it once the clover is better established. I do not want to have to use shears on the steps; want whatever grows there to remain low and resistant to stepping on.
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20160422105004

Half of a packet of wildflower mix from Burpee
For this bed I first filled in the drainage channel with wood branches. Then used the mattock to remove about an inch off the top and piled it on the branches over the ditch. Then used the flat blade shovel to loosen another inch or two, not turning over, just making slots. Then stabbed at it with the spading fork to get some holes also about that deep. Then scattered some growing mix in a bag laying around and spread it around using a hand tilling fork. Tossed big chunks of clay mud into the ditch. Then a half inch or so of peat moss, tamped down. Then, as the packet suggested, mixed seeds with sand and scattered about half of them over this area. Tamped down with hands and scattered a handful of peat moss over it, watered it and then gently laid the sunflower stalks over it for minimal mulch effect.
The other half of the wildflower packet
West of the west garden path where it turns near the smaller dogwood. For this one I put in a border and not mulch cover.

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initial mulching of planting areas
Also initial weeding of larger "weeds", especially around the herbs planted last year.

Brandon Smith (Redwoodtwig)