Up until about a month ago, we had a pretty hefty issue with water in our backyard. And by hefty, I mean our yard was a swamp. And by swamp, I mean L&L couldn’t play in our backyard without rain boots on ever. Thankfully, last month, we finally had a landscaper drop French drains, rework the downspouts and our yard has dried out. As a result, we had some pretty bad shape rain boots laying around. With Earth Day just this past Friday and the weather coming around I thought L&L and I could recycle these well loved, and now too small boots.
We went to Frank’s Nursery in Elkridge. I mentioned to Chef I could have spent my whole day there, but we were just picking up flowers for this project. I pointed out the wave petunia to L&L and told them to pick any two they wanted.
We should pause for a second. I am not a gardner. I don’t have a green thumb. I am more of pea green with some brown swirled in. I have to admit, that’s real progress from my black thumb a few years ago, so I feel like I am going in the right direction. Most importantly for me is that I enjoy being in the garden. It brings me so much joy and relaxation working in the dirt, and seeing some of fruits of labor come to fruition. Additionally, I want L&L to know the importance of gardening, and experience the joy it brings. If you are a gardening doubter, you just need to get out there, and start small. I am so far from an expert, but I just keep building my knowledge from year to the next.
Back to the task at hand. I would like you to meet my favorite non-kitchen tool. The power drill. I fitted this guy with the largest drill bit I own.
I very carefully drilled two holes in the bottom of the boots. If you don’t have a drill or don’t like using them, no problem. Using a hammer and a nail, hammer several holes in the bottoms of each boot.
There is no secret as to how well loved these boots really were. Next, I asked L&L to gather a bunch of rocks and pebbles from our backyard. Oh, boy. To say they really weren’t interested was an understatement, but they hung in there for a few minutes.
I filled the bottom of each boot. Tilting them forward a bit to make sure there was plenty of stones in the toes to weigh them down. I figured between the holes and the rocks there would be sufficient water drainage.
Next up I added a scoop of potting soil. Which I neglected to take a photo. Then I added a petunia to each boot. I like wave petunias because they cascade. I am pretty excited to see these in full bloom.
For now LT’s boots.
And L2’s boots.
And together.
I am not sure this is their final summer landing spot. A new fence for our yard is coming, and I thought I could string them to the gates. Will see. For now, I am just enjoying all the memories these boots carry for a bit longer.
Beautiful