So cute! GOD bless.View attachment 182620
Today is a fig day.
View attachment 182621
One of my potted bananas put out a pup already.
View attachment 182622
I think he spotted the figs...
So cute! GOD bless.View attachment 182620
Today is a fig day.
View attachment 182621
One of my potted bananas put out a pup already.
View attachment 182622
I think he spotted the figs...
Excellent stuff. Can't wait to see the finished project.Winter Renovations
I got quite a bit done this past winter,...more than what can be seen in the follow pics, but they give a good idea of what is to come this spring.
View attachment 198612
View attachment 198612
The limestone in the background is being used to encircle the fountain, as a retaining wall so there will be a proper border separating that portion of the water feature form the surrounding land. I honestly had no idea what I was going to do to finish off the fountain. I knew what I wanted for a fountain, but didn't know how to define it in the enclosure. The ground will be raised 4 inches on both sides of the stream, and around the fountain.
View attachment 198615
Above, you can see the framework for the 2nd stone of the fountain. It needs one more layer of cement, and then it will be ready to be stained. I tried to give it more character than the previous one. There will be a 3rd, smaller stone to follow. I hope to plant more shrubbery around the fountain to help blend it into the landscape some more. I'm thinking some grasses, knockout rose bushes, and may some day lilies behind the stone, in the water.
View attachment 198614 View attachment 198610
Above you can see the beginning of the yearling pen. It reaches across the entire back wall of the building, 14 ft, offset about 20 inches, giving quite a bit of space for the smaller tortoises. The stones may not look it, but they are level lol. The last 3 feet curve into the wall. If you notice, there is a gate I had to take into account. The bamboo will add a nice screen for the babies, while providing a micro-climate to protect them from the sun, and help retain moisture. Its also right by a sprinkler that can be programmed to spray 4 times per day. This enclosure will also provide me with a place to plant smaller plants that otherwise would be trampled by the adults, such as small bananas. I also think some caladiums would look nice between the bamboo.
I'm very excited to see what this spring has to offer. I have big plans for this year, which includes incorporating more fruiting plants, such as berries.
Excellent stuff. Can't wait to see the finished project.
What are you using to stain the cement fountains?
Looks good. I've used the cement technique and just painted it. When I do the hingebacks enclosure I'll try the iron and coffee method.I use iron sulfate fertilizer, and coffee grounds. Its super cheap compared to commercial concrete stains. When I apply it, I try to be somewhat inconsistent so different values are produced. I then seal it with a non-gloss sealer. That is how I made the large red stones too. They sell large stone fountains, even concrete ones, for hundreds of dollars, but you can easily make one for less than 100. The pump is the most expensive part. I'm still learning how to do the "artsy" part of it, but I think it turned out well. I may try to use more coffee this time, and give the 2nd stone a darker appearance so all 3 aren't the same color.
Looks good. I've used the cement technique and just painted it. When I do the hingebacks enclosure I'll try the iron and coffee method.
I also like the 'just cement' look too, I've seen this in zoos over here and it looks good ones moss a climbing plants grow around it.
Keep the ideas coming, it's interesting.
With all the coffee I drink, I could surely donate grounds to your cause! Mine end up mostly in the compost bin, but as our gardens expand in the next few seasons, we'll probably use them to keep bugs away from new plants. Keep up the great work!!I use iron sulfate fertilizer, and coffee grounds. Its super cheap compared to commercial concrete stains. When I apply it, I try to be somewhat inconsistent so different values are produced. I then seal it with a non-gloss sealer. That is how I made the large red stones too. They sell large stone fountains, even concrete ones, for hundreds of dollars, but you can easily make one for less than 100. The pump is the most expensive part. I'm still learning how to do the "artsy" part of it, but I think it turned out well. I may try to use more coffee this time, and give the 2nd stone a darker appearance so all 3 aren't the same color.
With all the coffee I drink, I could surely donate grounds to your cause! Mine end up mostly in the compost bin, but as our gardens expand in the next few seasons, we'll probably use them to keep bugs away from new plants. Keep up the great work!!
I know what you mean. I enjoyed building our tortoise enclosure in the backyard, and although it was hard work, I was kind of sad when we'd finished it.I'll keep you in mind lol. I don't know what I'm going to do once the fountain is done. I kinda enjoy working with cement.
I know what you mean. I enjoyed building our tortoise enclosure in the backyard, and although it was hard work, I was kind of sad when we'd finished it.
Can't wait till then!!I'm going to resist posting anymore updates until May gets here and everything is growing.
What A Great enclosure.. I love your creek idea, it's very functional and natural.. Can't wait to see the yearlings enclosure as well.. Please Keep us updated. Awesome thread!!Winter Renovations
I got quite a bit done this past winter,...more than what can be seen in the follow pics, but they give a good idea of what is to come this spring.
View attachment 198612
View attachment 198612
The limestone in the background is being used to encircle the fountain, as a retaining wall so there will be a proper border separating that portion of the water feature form the surrounding land. I honestly had no idea what I was going to do to finish off the fountain. I knew what I wanted for a fountain, but didn't know how to define it in the enclosure. The ground will be raised 4 inches on both sides of the stream, and around the fountain.
View attachment 198615
Above, you can see the framework for the 2nd stone of the fountain. It needs one more layer of cement, and then it will be ready to be stained. I tried to give it more character than the previous one. There will be a 3rd, smaller stone to follow. I hope to plant more shrubbery around the fountain to help blend it into the landscape some more. I'm thinking some grasses, knockout rose bushes, and may some day lilies behind the stone, in the water.
View attachment 198614 View attachment 198610
Above you can see the beginning of the yearling pen. It reaches across the entire back wall of the building, 14 ft, offset about 20 inches, giving quite a bit of space for the smaller tortoises. The stones may not look it, but they are level lol. The last 3 feet curve into the wall. If you notice, there is a gate I had to take into account. The bamboo will add a nice screen for the babies, while providing a micro-climate to protect them from the sun, and help retain moisture. Its also right by a sprinkler that can be programmed to spray 4 times per day. This enclosure will also provide me with a place to plant smaller plants that otherwise would be trampled by the adults, such as small bananas. I also think some caladiums would look nice between the bamboo.
I'm very excited to see what this spring has to offer. I have big plans for this year, which includes incorporating more fruiting plants, such as berries.
*SideNote.... Its June 1! Update please! LoL Gotta see everything blooming and looking fantastic no doubt! Thanks again for sharing!