Project ~ expand flowerbed around front porch !

                                                                                                                                                                                                            Today's project was to widen the flower bed around my front porch.  First I moved the stones back to just outside where I wanted them to go.  I initially dug out some of the sod to use at another location, the rest was cut short then covered w/ a layer of newspaper (Tip  ~ I water the paper to keep it from blowing away), then I added a layer of peat moss, a layer of Organic Humus & Manure, then a final layer of Miracle Grow Garden Soil.  Later this month I will be adding mulch also.  It was exhausting work but in a few months when all the flowers are blooming, I'll be so glad I did it.    My main reason for widening this bed was because it was very crowded last year and I wanted to spread things out. I couldn't believe how big everything got last year ~ my boyfriend said it looked like a jungle.  I bought some plant supports from Gardeners Supply Company to support some of the plants that got really big.  Last year I waited too long and had to tie them up.  This year the supports will go over them and they'll actually grow up through them.  It won't be long before I have to put them out.  Things are growing FAST !   I dug up and divided several of the plants:  Yarrow, Shasta Daisies, Dianthus, and Delphiniums.  I also planted 3 yellow Ice plants, 3 Blue eyed grasses and 3 Elderberry shrubs that I recently purchased on sale for $2.99 each ~ what a deal! I added some of my compost around each new plant and each transplant. I was able to fill up one of my large Tubtrugs and probably have enough to fill another!  (A new composting system is my next project - I have a "toss and forget" type now with doors on the bottem to collect the "black gold".  I want to set up a two open bin system.)  Sorry to have rambled in a different direction but my mind is filled w/ ideas.  Back to my current project ~  I'll need to water each plant every couple of days until I know they're established.  I have my fingers crossed !  Now just a few touch up things ~ add a few more rocks to control the water flow from the down spout and mulch.  I better get some rest before the mulching starts later this week ~ it's not as easy as it was a few years ago ~ back aches, knees ache, arms ache,... I hate getting old  ~ guess it'll be Advil and ice packs tonight !