We decided we needed more raised bed garden space. On the east bed, we had a demarcation line of stones separating the garden from the adjoining mulched landscape. On the mulched east side of the stones, the soil was essentially clay and John had not put in any compost, as he did on the west side. We decided to reroute the separation line to not quite double the size of the east bed (probably added about 100-120 sq ft). We left every other stone from the original demarcation line (as stepping stones) and I rerouted the wire anti-bunny fence. Today, we rented a mini-tiller (Mantis 7262 from Home Depot) and purchased six cubic feet of a Scotts humus and manure mixture.
I was not surprised to find the little tiller did not have the capability to bust through the clay soil surface. I got out the spade and loosened the surface which gave the tiller a fighting chance. It did well after that in turning up the clay. After I dispersed the humus/manure, I used the tiller to blend it all together. Turned out better than I expected and I did not hurt myself too badly.
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Now we should have plenty of room for the asparagus, globe artichoke and celeriac. T also found a Wormwood, Silver Mound (Artemisia schmidtiana) which she planted on the east side of the pond.
Not surprisingly, John (landscaping) never showed up this week as he had promised he would and we have not heard from him since he called on June 30.
