by Hope
We began transplanting our veggies, fruits, and herbs into our raised beds this weekend. And I am so freaking excited. We have 5 standing beds in the backyard, meaning the dogs cannot reach them. We have one of these 24″ high beds (pictured) in the back yard.
You can see some our newly planted native plants in the background as well. We got our cucumbers, tomatoes, watermelons, and some herbs in the beds pictured. I’ve been researching companion planting so focusing on that, native plants, and, of course, keeping my crazy dogs from digging up and fertilizing my food.
Then we have this bed in our front yard. Plus some in-grown herbs and berry bushes. And a whole bed of strawberry plants that I just let run wild from year to year. They are delicious, but I have to get to them before the birds do. We’ve tried painting rocks red and dispersing them in the strawberry plants to try to deter the birds. I think it helps some, but not a bunch. Do you have any tricks for protecting your growing strawberries?
I hope to add a couple of fruit trees on the side of the house, but that may not happen til next year. It’s definitely a work in progress. But I’ve got all sorts of ideas and plans in my head. And I am thoroughly enjoying the process and the research.
Next step, figure out how to preserve some of the food I grow. Not only learn how to preserve it, but do it in a way that I will reuse it; otherwise, it’s not worth the effort. (I don’t like spaghetti so tomato sauce is a waste.) I don’t like jams or jellies. Meaning lots and lots more research to do. And I am enjoying it very much.
Hope is a resourceful and solutions-driven business manager who has spent nearly two decades helping clients streamline their operations and grow their businesses through project management, digital marketing, and tech expertise. Recently transitioning from her role as a single mom of five foster/adoptive children to an empty nester, Hope is navigating the emotional and practical challenges of redefining her life while maintaining her determination to regain financial control and eliminate debt.
Living in a cozy small town in northeast Georgia with her three dogs, Hope cherishes the serenity of the mountains over the bustle of the beach. Though her kids are now finding their footing in the world—pursuing education, careers, and independence—she remains deeply committed to supporting them in this next chapter, even as she faces the bittersweet tug of letting go.
Since joining the Blogging Away Debt community in 2015, Hope has candidly shared her journey of financial ups and downs. Now, with a renewed focus and a clear path ahead, she’s ready to tackle her finances with the same passion and perseverance that she’s brought to her life and career. Through her writing, she continues to inspire others to confront their own financial challenges and strive for a brighter future.
