Events with gardening activities and drive-in entertainment, taking place from the week ending 7-13-25.
Garden Thrives Amidst Challenges, Delights Kids and Family
This year, the family's garden has been a resounding success, marking its best year yet. Despite encounters with squash bugs, hornworms, and deer, the garden continues to yield an abundance of fresh produce.
The kids have been particularly enamoured with the garden's offerings. They recently enjoyed a trip to the movies to watch "How to Train Your Dragon," a treat made possible by a generous fan. Upon returning home, they were treated to a delightful strawberry salad, a refreshing mix of lettuce, strawberries, blueberries, almonds, and raw cheese that invigorated their taste buds.
The blueberry patch, in particular, has been a source of joy. With the right soil choice and careful cultivation, these acid-loving fruits have thrived. Proper soil selection, with a pH between 4.5 and 5.5, is crucial for their success. The blueberry patch work was aided by the kids' extra hands and positive spirit.
The sunflowers, standing tall at 12 feet, continue to be a spectacle in the garden box. They were planted with care, their seeds sown about 12mm deep every 10cm apart. Weekly watering with tomato feed and support for their tall stalks have kept them vibrant and strong. A trick to encourage more blooms is to let part of the plant die back, allowing flowers to emerge off new nodes, thereby increasing the number of blossoms throughout the summer.
Lori, Mama, and their helpers continue to work on the garden for an hour or two every morning, about 4-5 times a week. Their dedication and hard work have paid off, as the garden and pumpkin patch continue to look vibrant.
In a creative twist, Andy built a cardboard car for the kids to enjoy a homeschooling video night together after watching a movie at home. The garden and the movies have provided a wealth of experiences for the kids this year, making it truly memorable.
Sources:
- [YouTube, 2025-07-26]
- [Mr. Fothergill's, 2025-07-25]
- [TikTok, 2025-07-29]
- [Instagram, 2025-08-03]
- [Instagram, 2025-07-31]
The family's dedication to homeschooling has grown alongside their home-and-garden lifestyle, with a homemade cardboard car being constructed for movie nights. Meanwhile, the food-and-drink offerings from their thriving garden, such as the strawberry salad, have added a delightful twist to their meals.
