This spring I have started to develope an outside pen for my male and female russian torts.
The dimensions are approximately 20' long by 4' to 6' wide in some areas. I haven't measured it so the measurement is by eye.
The first photo is of the area on what it looked like before I started.
(CLICK ON THUMBNAIL TO ENLARGE PHOTO)
This next photo is of the plants I've started with to plant for my babies.
There are three Hibiscus bush's that will be in the front of the pen, parsley, marigolds, several different varieties of basil, chicory, peppermint, potted chives. Yet to be planted is the johnny-jump-up & nasturtium, which will be in 4' long planters and dug down just a little so they can nibble at them without trashing through them. I've also read somewhere that snap dragon are Ok but I haven't found that link again so I may not plant those until I find them to be OK for the torts.
There will be snap peas planted as soon as I find the wood tomato stacks I need to put up the short fence for the snap peas to grow on. I'm also looking for spearmint to plant in there also.
Still planting, but it's starting to take shape
As it looks today, 4 June 2008, almost everything in place so I can order the Russian Tort Seed Mix to use as a ground cover. That should be adequate for their grazing. The line of rocks you see are going to voer the drip line from the roof and will also provide a different surface for them to walk over. In the far distance is an area I left alone for them. When I was digging up the area and had them out to enjoy the sun they both headed for the taller grass at the far end and really liked hiding in there, so that will remain for them. Also far distance is another hibiscus bush that hasn't bloomed yet. I guess it's a late bloomer.
Also in the planning stages is to dig up some of the grape vines I have growing all over the ground in my garden area. I'll plant those on a short fencing structure (most likely wire strung across several stakes and high enough so the torts can't get stuck on the wire if they crawl under them) just after the drip line of rocks. I have comfrey growing in my compost pile and will dig that out to plant in the pen area also.
So now when I walk out my front door of my home, I'll be able to sit on the steps and watch my torts bull doze under everything I've worked hard in planting for them.
Such is life.
bob/stano40
The dimensions are approximately 20' long by 4' to 6' wide in some areas. I haven't measured it so the measurement is by eye.
The first photo is of the area on what it looked like before I started.
(CLICK ON THUMBNAIL TO ENLARGE PHOTO)
This next photo is of the plants I've started with to plant for my babies.
There are three Hibiscus bush's that will be in the front of the pen, parsley, marigolds, several different varieties of basil, chicory, peppermint, potted chives. Yet to be planted is the johnny-jump-up & nasturtium, which will be in 4' long planters and dug down just a little so they can nibble at them without trashing through them. I've also read somewhere that snap dragon are Ok but I haven't found that link again so I may not plant those until I find them to be OK for the torts.
There will be snap peas planted as soon as I find the wood tomato stacks I need to put up the short fence for the snap peas to grow on. I'm also looking for spearmint to plant in there also.
Still planting, but it's starting to take shape
As it looks today, 4 June 2008, almost everything in place so I can order the Russian Tort Seed Mix to use as a ground cover. That should be adequate for their grazing. The line of rocks you see are going to voer the drip line from the roof and will also provide a different surface for them to walk over. In the far distance is an area I left alone for them. When I was digging up the area and had them out to enjoy the sun they both headed for the taller grass at the far end and really liked hiding in there, so that will remain for them. Also far distance is another hibiscus bush that hasn't bloomed yet. I guess it's a late bloomer.
Also in the planning stages is to dig up some of the grape vines I have growing all over the ground in my garden area. I'll plant those on a short fencing structure (most likely wire strung across several stakes and high enough so the torts can't get stuck on the wire if they crawl under them) just after the drip line of rocks. I have comfrey growing in my compost pile and will dig that out to plant in the pen area also.
So now when I walk out my front door of my home, I'll be able to sit on the steps and watch my torts bull doze under everything I've worked hard in planting for them.
Such is life.
bob/stano40