Spuds and such...

Moving right along... we constructed the potager, a raised bed amidst a field of clay. And we amended the soil a few times over.

Planting seeds we did -- we're eager to see what takes...

-carrots

-beets

-rocket

-eggplant

-spring onions

-zucchini

-bell peppers

For some height and added interest, we made a trellis around which will twine sweet peas in hues of pink, blue and purple. And for good measure, we happened upon some marigold plants to stand sentinel, and ward off slugs and any other unwanted garden riff-raff from the bed corners...

Potatoes grow well here, and we found a separate area on the property for a potato patch.

After preparing the spuds, and leaving them to sit for a few days, we were ready to go ...

... and so was El Burro, who was dusted off, and brought out for tilling! Behind the potatoes, we made a few more trellises for sweet peas that will add a nice contrast to the back of the studio.

I predict dishes of patate raclette will be served at Chateau Acorn's kitchen in the future.

Phyto Phagus.

With so much acreage on Chateau Acorn's property, we recognized the imperative to use the land sustainably.

The composting project was another undertaking that required architectural sign-off and necessary approvals from Mssr. Acorn, who was instrumental in the saws and tool department...

The design took shape over a few days time, in between rain showers...

And Phyto Phagus (the plant eater) was born, thanks to the fastidiousness and attention of a Greek...

Let the composting begin.

Cleo, weep for us.

Upon entry to the grounds of Chateau Acorn, one is greeted by the marshlands...

We decided to make the area more accessible by creating a streambed to divert water from flooding the meadow. (More on this project in coming posts.)

In the meantime, our first attack on this swampland was to plant a weeping willow which would be amenable to the site and have a predisposition to wet. Mssr. Acorn and I digging and planting...

As with many things at Chateau Acorn, there is a penchant towards anthropomorphism. We look forward to many long years ahead of weeping and sighing boughs...

Her name is Cleo.