The house sits on the tip of a peninsula that rests about 20 feet above the water's edge. The land drops away on both sides with a moderate decline to conservation easement territory which I cannot change by much and for which I must pay taxes. There is a 100 foot easement to the water's edge at the point of the peninsula. The water is a tongue shaped area of brackish liquid heading out to the mouth of a long river which empties eventually into the Chesapeake Bay. Along the gentle curve of the gravel drive at the front of the house, there are three acres of woods that cover land back to the road. The woods include tulips, oaks, holly, pine, wild rose, poison ivy, Virginia creeper, and many others to be identified. The soil beneath all is mostly thick yellow clay. A potter could live here happily for decades.
In the ravines on either side of the house and at the water's edge live raccoons, snakes, box and snapping turtles, rabbits, deer, fox, and water birds. Others have not made their presence known - yet. In the water are menahaden, cownose rays, crabs, etc. Among the branches of the trees flit woodpeckers, wrens, robins, catbirds, cardinals, hawks, and many others yet to be identified.
Thus, in this land of abundant flora and fauna and challenging terrain, I will attempt to grow annuals and perennials and fruit and vegetables. Am I crazy? Of course I am. Most people with addictions have a little craziness in their soul which leads them to think they can accomplish the impossible to satisfy those addictions.
I will also dig and sweat and add what is called 'hardscape' on those television shows where an entire backyard is landscaped in 30 minutes. I have left-over bricks and rocks to use.
My husband and I will dig holes and plant plants and then the very next season dig up the same plants and move them to another hole which we will dig in another place. This is the perennial plant dance which many gardeners know very well.
I will swear at four legged mammals from my windows and maybe even throw rocks at them sometimes from the door or deck. If I am in a good mood, I will share. I will add cutely painted houses for the two-legged animals that will sing me awake in the mornings.
All of these will be chronicled in this blog.
