My track record with gardens is that I kill things, all things, even cactus. All my friends will attest to my varied torture methods with plants. This year however I am planning big, throwing off past faults, embracing wise friends and jumping in with both feet :lol:

Check out what we did today!

http://www.amitymama.com/vb/attachments/testing-board/62014d1177631983-garden-pics-img_5788.jpg
http://www.amitymama.com/vb/attachments/testing-board/62015d1177631992-garden-pics-img_5789.jpg
Thats my 17yr old brother who came over for the day to help me with my insanity- he's great :)
http://www.amitymama.com/vb/attachments/testing-board/62019d1177632067-garden-pics-img_5793.jpg

These following pictures are my yard- before- from left to right standing in one far corner.
http://www.amitymama.com/vb/attachments/testing-board/62016d1177632002-garden-pics-img_5790.jpg
http://www.amitymama.com/vb/attachments/testing-board/62017d1177632052-garden-pics-img_5791.jpg
http://www.amitymama.com/vb/attachments/testing-board/62018d1177632059-garden-pics-img_5792.jpg

I would like to comment on how I think Lowe's is the most awesome place ever- free delivery means a semi truck, a fork lift and delivery of tons of cement blocks right in my backyard!
http://www.amitymama.com/vb/attachments/testing-board/62021d1177632122-garden-pics-img_5795.jpg
http://www.amitymama.com/vb/attachments/testing-board/62020d1177632114-garden-pics-img_5794.jpg
http://www.amitymama.com/vb/attachments/testing-board/62022d1177632130-garden-pics-img_5796.jpg

And these are the after shots for today- I still have more to do but I'm done for today. These first two pics are right as you walk through a short picket fence that divides my yard from the kids play area and the future garden and chicken area. These are items I found about the yard and arranged.
http://www.amitymama.com/vb/attachments/testing-board/62023d1177632188-garden-pics-img_5797.jpg
http://www.amitymama.com/vb/attachments/testing-board/62024d1177632196-garden-pics-img_5798.jpg

And the REAL work that happened today!
http://www.amitymama.com/vb/attachments/testing-board/62025d1177632203-garden-pics-img_5799.jpg
http://www.amitymama.com/vb/attachments/testing-board/62026d1177632245-garden-pics-img_5800.jpg

The dirt that I have filling in so far is from a past raised planter (remnant is seen in one of the first pics) that was left dormant. We cleaned it out and shoveled it all into the bed of the truck so we could still use it. It looks like good soil and there were humongous worms in it so it must be ok because they like it :)

Thanks for looking,
Sarah