My deck now sits empty, thanks to the new rules regarding grills and the snow, but fear not. I have a plan to return it to it’s previous state of awesome.
I didn’t do a whole lot with the deck this summer because it was still a work in progress. I realize it can be a little hard sometimes to call a built-out deck a work in progress, but trust me, there was work to be done on that sucker. Over the course of a month and a half, I got some better lighting for the space and some foldable wooden deck furniture, which is currently folded away in my closet where the snow and wind can’t destroy it. Once it warms up again I’ll re-hang the lighting and bring the furniture back out, but there will still be an empty spot where my grill previously resided.
Fortunately, I have a plan for that empty spot. Regrettably, that plan is not a hammock (although that would totally rule).
Instead of the hammock mentioned above (which I will have someday, just trust me), I’m going to get some large planters and create a small-scale herb garden similar to what my mom has at my parents’ place. Theirs has a lot more space to grow in, but I really like the idea of growing my own herbs. They seem to do well enough in a mixed-shade environment, and it would certainly make life easier for me in the summer when I’m making dishes like garlic-scented tomato salad or fresh bruschetta or mojitos. Here’s the proposed herb list so far:
Basil
Mint
Sage
Rosemary
Thyme
Parsley (maybe? I feel like this is one that could be cut)
If I had the space, I would love to grow green onions, tomatoes, and garlic. If space were possible but limited, I’d just go with the tomatoes and garlic. I’m normally not big on tomatoes in their natural state, but Romas that have been cooked down a bit and frozen are something I could create tasty pasta sauces and fresh bruschetta with year-round, and good beefsteak tomatoes are excellent in garlic-scented tomato salad.
The thought of fresh garlic-scented tomato salad, combined with the whiteout conditions on my drive home tonight almost make me wistful for those summer days when it’s 85 degrees outside.
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