Since so many thousands of you (Two. It was two.) said you wanted to hear about this year’s nanofarm plans, I will provide them to you, my beautiful babies
1. Front patio rearranged, with foldable seating, sun-loving herbs (massive, massive pots of black basil, parsleys, and chives) and potted vegetables, namely okra, bell peppers, aubergines, and jalapeño. These were chosen because all of them will thrive in my climate. Additionally, a long rolling planter will be constructed for yard-long beans to grow in, as a combination of food and shade screening for the seating. All of this has already been arranged, save for the rolling planter, though I already did all the math to know the volume and weight of the soil when dry and wet, exactly how much wood I shall need, etc. A tiered wall system is being set up for herbs, with special felt to provide heat insulation. Finally, more wind chimes, and possibly some koinobori, for the evening breezes. I have already gotten the seating together, though I am not entirely sold on the table I currently have. I am also searching for better lanterns, though preferably the glass will be a blend that does not shatter easily, as we have problems with strong winds.
2. Growing out front is all native wildflowers, specifically to attract bees, as well as Moulin Rogue sunflowers, red Castor Bean, and a colorful mix of morning glories to grow up them. The sunflowers are almost black, and bees love them, and since they are multi-head sunflowers they should bloom for a long time. The castor bean is pretty, and should deter gophers. The color combination of all of these should be vibrant, which in a dry climate is especially nice! I still need to set up a soaker hose system. I also want to build an archway over the gate, to give it even more of a cottage feeling. Most of the seeds have been purchased, and I have set up my phone to tell me when I need to begin preparing soil and germinating indoors.
3. On the small side patio, we have acquired a wall fountain. The noise should provide a sense of cool. Additionally, the plans for an overhead misting system have been drawn out, showing how much water pressure and length of tubing will be needed. The theme for this small area is a speakeasy, so wall art and furnishings have been deliberately chosen to mimic the 1920s and evoke a feeling of speakeasies. This area has shade and partial-shade lovers, namely mints and hydrangeas. The color scheme has been deliberately chosen to evoke 1920-1930 as well as be light and cool. Additionally, I looked through my fabric archives and found prints from 1919 that I am particularly fond of, so I will be recreating them in a sunproof cotton for the pillows. I am seeking out old crates to use as furniture and planters. A small outdoor bar will also feature. I am pleased so far.
In order to plan this out, I admit that I set up a life-size illustration in Adobe Illustrator. It was the easiest way for me to keep the plans to scale.Â
