terraces

One definition of a terrace is a raised level with a vertical or sloping front or sides faced with masonry, turf, or the like, especially one of a series of levels rising one above another. My garden consists of 4 small terrace beds on a slope at the end of my driveway. Each bed is 4 to 5 feet wide and the drop from one bed to another varies from about 1 foot to almost 2 feet. This sloping bank between the terraces has a tendency to erode and wash down to the next bed.

Erosion was the problem and my shovel and I were the solutions. The task at hand was to replace the dirt back on the top of the bank from which it washed – this because a man should always correct his terrace dirt bank erosion problems, should he happen to have one of these. This could only be accomplished after all the grass and weeds were hoed out of the small path between the terraces.

Another problem I faced was that three of the tomato ‘baskets’ were blown over by the wind because I had not yet anchored them down. These were righted with a minimum of damage to the plants and anchored by 3 ft. metal rods with a bent hook on the end. By the time I was through, each of the plant containers were held down by two of these rods driven in the ground and hooked over the wire. Many tomatoes are growing, the largest being about 2 inches – I’m ready for fresh ripe tomatoes.

The whole garden is going through a growth spurt since the all day rain we had. The ‘cucumber/deer solution’ has been applied by placing two rows of concrete blocks on either side of the cucumber row. Then fence wire was laid across these blocks and other blocks were used to hold it down. This leaves about 8 inches for the plants to grow beneath but this should be sufficient because they grow along the ground. Since the deer haven’t returned as yet, I do not know if this solution will actually work.

The squash plants are near blooming and once they bloom, the squash are not far behind. The final thinning was applied to the okra plants and they are looking good, they love the hot weather. Since the cold and/or sinus infection has abated my walking schedule is back in full swing. Walked the whole way the other day in sprinkling rain – didn’t have any trouble keeping cool.

We are having our local family reunion this Saturday, June 9th, and I’m so much looking forward to it. It is to be held at my older brother’s place over in Georgia, about 20 miles away from us. A lot of two of my favorite things will be taking place – those would be eating and laughing. I’m so glad that God placed us in families – especially one like mine!! ec