Deck Makeover: Part 1

This monstrosity is my deck. It’s the only thing about our current apartment I don’t like so well. It’s uncovered, so there’s always debris raining down from the sky. And there’s no water source out there, so we have to haul water from the kitchen. Not to mention, I can’t seem to find the right plants or placements for the path of the sun – things end up either fried or leggy.

I love to have a cheerful deck full of plants, but last summer, I gave up in disgust and let everything fend for itself.

Lately I’ve been watching my perennials struggle back to life, and finally couldn’t take it anymore. K. and I began our Assault On The Deck today.

Lots of work! Here’s K. sweeping up three bags of pinecones and leaves and crap. We also cleared out a lot of waterlogged empty pots, washed the deck furniture. and weeded and fed the surviving plants.

Here’s a Phase One view, just before we pooped out for the day. On the table are some lettuces, a cherry tomato, and some herb plants. Tomorrow, we’ll tackle planting those. We’re going to try some water-bottle drip irrigation this year.

Feels better out there already. I sure hope it lasts.