Author: Jesse

Jesse’s Instagram

The largest is in full bloom! There is another one in the woods just starting and a third that is just leafing out. Location matters.

The largest #dogwood is in full bloom! There is another one in the woods just starting and a third that is just leafing out. Location matters.
#zone7b #flowers #whitedogwood #yardflowers #GwinnettCounty

Jesse’s Instagram

Clematis. These white ones are the first to bloom but I am hoping some of the other colors we've planted make a showing soon.

Clematis. These white ones are the first to bloom but I am hoping some of the other colors we’ve planted make a showing soon.
#clematis #zone7b #fenceflowers #deerfence #GwinnettCounty #gardeninggloves #MasterGardener #gardentour2024

Jesse’s Instagram

After my talk with Gretchen about dust bathing in the garden she must have told Gloria that it was forbidden. Gloria took that very seriously and limited herself to just two hours of disturbing the soil and nibbling broccoli leaves.

After my talk with Gretchen about dust bathing in the garden she must have told Gloria that it was forbidden. Gloria took that very seriously and limited herself to just two hours of disturbing the soil and nibbling broccoli leaves.
#petchickens #oliveegger #gloriavanderbuilt #dustbath #gardenpests #chickendrama

Jesse’s Instagram

I did it! Three purple asparagus harvested at their prime! And what did I do with such a bountiful crop? I ate them while standing in the garden. They were crisp, juicy and delicious! Maybe next time I'll get more at once and can cook them.

I did it! Three purple asparagus harvested at their prime! And what did I do with such a bountiful crop? I ate them while standing in the garden. They were crisp, juicy and delicious! Maybe next time I’ll get more at once and can cook them.
#asparagus #purpleasparagus #zone7b #harvest #firstharvest

Jesse’s Instagram

Hey Gretch, I just planted those items and would prefer you dust bathe in the secure area I have fenced off for chickens. It's several hundred square feet, full of places to dig, things to climb and treats! All the other chickens are in there (because they can't fly as well as you). So, can you please go back inside and away from my newly planted veggies? Guess how that ended...

Hey Gretch, I just planted those items and would prefer you dust bathe in the secure area I have fenced off for chickens. It’s several hundred square feet, full of places to dig, things to climb and treats! All the other chickens are in there (because they can’t fly as well as you). So, can you please go back inside and away from my newly planted veggies? Guess how that ended…
#Gretchen #SicilianButtercup #petchickens #gardenfail #dustbath #zone7b #Broccoli

Jesse’s Instagram

Ruthie may get her top knot back! She's always getting her head feathers pulled out by her hateful sisters (she is loud and hogs the preferred nesting box) but it looks like she's having a successful molt! Or she could spend tomorrow shrieking in the box and lose all of this growth. Probably the second one.

Ruthie may get her top knot back! She’s always getting her head feathers pulled out by her hateful sisters (she is loud and hogs the preferred nesting box) but it looks like she’s having a successful molt! Or she could spend tomorrow shrieking in the box and lose all of this growth. Probably the second one.
#ruthbaderginsburg #Ruthie #RBG #silkie #petportrait #chickenselfie #silkies #blacksilkie #judgementalchicken

Jesse’s Instagram

Who wore it better? Becky is doing an incredible daffodil impression. I hope it brings you joy!

Who wore it better? Becky is doing an incredible daffodil impression. I hope it brings you joy!
#BuffLacedPolish #PolishChicken #petchicken #daffodil #whitedaffodils #zone7b #petportrait #chickensofinstagram #beckywiththegoodhair

Jesse’s Instagram

I do not seem to be capable of cutting asparagus stalks to eat. They work so hard and it seems cruel to stop them from achieving their full potential. Viva la asparagus!

I do not seem to be capable of cutting asparagus stalks to eat. They work so hard and it seems cruel to stop them from achieving their full potential. Viva la asparagus!
#asparagus #zone7b #purpleasparagus #springisintheair #mastergardener #reluctantharvester

Jesse’s Instagram

Garden Inspector reporting for duty! I cleared some weeds from around these onions so everyone had to come check out that fresh, fresh dirt. Worms were consumed, plants were destroyed, the usual for my inspectors.

Garden Inspector reporting for duty! I cleared some weeds from around these onions so everyone had to come check out that fresh, fresh dirt. Worms were consumed, plants were destroyed, the usual for my inspectors.
#gloriavanderbuilt #oliveegger #petchickens #zone7b #wintergarden #MasterGardener

Jesse’s Instagram

She stood too long in the Good Looks line and missed out on Smarts. She literally lacks the sense to come in out of the rain. It's a tragic day for Becky with the Not So Good Hair.

She stood too long in the Good Looks line and missed out on Smarts. She literally lacks the sense to come in out of the rain. It’s a tragic day for Becky with the Not So Good Hair.
#beckywiththegoodhair #BuffLacedPolish #PolishChicken #petchickens #poof #backyardchickens #chickendrama #mudhen

Jesse’s Instagram

Today I saw a very healthy looking coyote sprinting across the road. He looked beloved pet levels of fluffy and fed. And he was fast! This is why my chickens don't free range unless I'm in the yard with them. Also, cute hosta.

Today I saw a very healthy looking coyote sprinting across the road. He looked beloved pet levels of fluffy and fed. And he was fast! This is why my chickens don’t free range unless I’m in the yard with them. Also, cute hosta.
#GwinnettCounty #zone7b #highway316 #hosta #coyote #coyotespotting

Jesse’s Instagram

Something very ambitious has sprouted out of the compost pile. I don't know what it is but Vi is coming by to conduct testing. Testing = Eating.

Something very ambitious has sprouted out of the compost pile. I don’t know what it is but Vi is coming by to conduct testing. Testing = Eating.
#compost #composting #petchicken #darkbrahma #VioletZindars #tinyfarmer #eggshell

Jesse’s Instagram

One day, in his tiny asparagus soul, he heard a voice whisper "grow." And he felt that it was right. And that he should grow. And grow he did! He grew even though it was winter. He grew even though none of the other asparagus stalks had even broken ground. He grew and grew until he was waist height on a human. Now he will fern out and shade his siblings as they eventually emerge, like normal asparagus, in the spring.

One day, in his tiny asparagus soul, he heard a voice whisper “grow.” And he felt that it was right. And that he should grow. And grow he did! He grew even though it was winter. He grew even though none of the other asparagus stalks had even broken ground. He grew and grew until he was waist height on a human. Now he will fern out and shade his siblings as they eventually emerge, like normal asparagus, in the spring.
#asparagusfable #taleoftheasparagus #asparagus #zone7b #earlyriser #stalker

Jesse’s Instagram

Spring things! It's hard to believe it's really here. This cute pollinator seems a little early to the party but with the blueberries about to bloom she'll have plenty to do! This is the first year that we get to eat #asparagus!

Spring things! It’s hard to believe it’s really here. This cute pollinator seems a little early to the party but with the blueberries about to bloom she’ll have plenty to do! This is the first year that we get to eat #asparagus!
#jessamine #blueberrybush #hosta #zone7b #purpleasparagus #springisintheair #MasterGardener

Jesse’s Instagram

Bryce generally will not get within 10 feet of me. However, it was imperative that she get a drink out of the mud puddle I made while filling their sparkling clean waterers. Treats are not worth getting close but mud puddles? Mmm yeah!

Bryce generally will not get within 10 feet of me. However, it was imperative that she get a drink out of the mud puddle I made while filling their sparkling clean waterers. Treats are not worth getting close but mud puddles? Mmm yeah!
#brycedallashoward #velociraptor #brontosaurus #covermodel #WhiteLacedRedCornish #weirdos #petchickens #chickensofinstagram #GwinnettCounty

Jesse’s Instagram

Somebody is feeling himself today! Sonia just did his first crows of the season and look how red his face is! Still, none of the girls are interested in his advances. Poor tiny rooster.

Somebody is feeling himself today! Sonia just did his first crows of the season and look how red his face is! Still, none of the girls are interested in his advances. Poor tiny rooster.
#SoniaSotomayor #silkierooster #springtime #pantaloons #blacksilkie #petrooster #petchickens #roostersofinstagram

Jesse’s Instagram

It's not warm and it's not sunny but these tulips make me believe in spring. I bet they have to be replanted every year due to squirrel consumption. Worth it!

It’s not warm and it’s not sunny but these tulips make me believe in spring. I bet they have to be replanted every year due to squirrel consumption. Worth it!
#tulips #Alabama #birminghamalabama #pinktulips #springtime #bulbs

Jesse’s Instagram

I've been hoodwinked! I've had this h*cking rooster in a cushy isolation area for seven days. Seven days of handmade meals delivered to his straw-lined, temperature controlled, batchelor pad. Seven days of him just staring at me and not taking a single step while I worried about him favoring one leg. Seven days of catering to blueberry and scratch preferences. I decided to bring him out to visit his hennies tonight and he sprints off like he's a track star. Can you see when it looks directly at me and essentially laughs in my face? We were enemies before and we are enemies still. Well played Sonia.

I’ve been hoodwinked! I’ve had this h*cking rooster in a cushy isolation area for seven days. Seven days of handmade meals delivered to his straw-lined, temperature controlled, batchelor pad. Seven days of him just staring at me and not taking a single step while I worried about him favoring one leg. Seven days of catering to blueberry and scratch preferences. I decided to bring him out to visit his hennies tonight and he sprints off like he’s a track star. Can you see when it looks directly at me and essentially laughs in my face? We were enemies before and we are enemies still. Well played Sonia.
#rooster #silkierooster #SoniaSotomayor #petrooster #backyardchickens #faker #played #GwinnettCounty #petsofinstagram

Jesse’s Instagram

It might be too early but I'll enjoy this little pop of color anyway. I've never had a daffodil in this exact spot before. I assume the local squirrel landscaping crew was here.

It might be too early but I’ll enjoy this little pop of color anyway. I’ve never had a daffodil in this exact spot before. I assume the local squirrel landscaping crew was here.
#zone7b #daffodil #daffodils #springtime #squirrels #bulbs

Jesse’s Instagram

The Red at the top of the hill is really showing up all of the other this year! It has palm sized flowers, huge buds and I can spot it from across the yard. Very impressive.

The Red #Camellia at the top of the hill is really showing up all of the other #camellias this year! It has palm sized flowers, huge buds and I can spot it from across the yard. Very impressive.
#zone7b #annuals #redcamellia #nursery #GwinnettCounty #newvariety #deerresistant

Jesse’s Instagram

Hey Kay! All the girls were enjoying a group dig in the leaf pile but Kahlo decided to observe from above. Too pretty to dig.

Hey Kay! All the girls were enjoying a group dig in the leaf pile but Kahlo decided to observe from above. Too pretty to dig.
#fridakahlo #PolishChicken #whitecrestedblackpolish #petchickens #backyardchickens #Kahlo #topknot #GwinnettCounty

Jesse’s Instagram

Glo is taking credit for the first full size eggs I've seen in a long time. We're all looking forward to spring. Thanks #puxatawneyphil!

Glo is taking credit for the first full size eggs I’ve seen in a long time. We’re all looking forward to spring. Thanks #puxatawneyphil!
#oliveegger #homegrown #petchickens #gloriavanderbuilt #groundhogday #GwinnettCounty

Jesse’s Instagram

See! It does get below freezing in the South. Dammit. I really liked that watering wand. Anyone have a favorite I should consider as a replacement? I like to be able to stand up when I'm watering seedlings.

See! It does get below freezing in the South. Dammit. I really liked that watering wand. Anyone have a favorite I should consider as a replacement? I like to be able to stand up when I’m watering seedlings.
#gardenfail #gardeningingeorgia #wand #belowfreezing #zone7b #mastergardener

Jesse’s Instagram

Vi wants you to know that she is displeased. Not about anything in particular but just generally aggravated. This can be remedied with treats. She would prefer warm oatmeal but will accept pretty much anything. Thank you for listening.

Vi wants you to know that she is displeased. Not about anything in particular but just generally aggravated. This can be remedied with treats. She would prefer warm oatmeal but will accept pretty much anything. Thank you for listening.
#VioletZindars #darkbrahma #petchickens #chickenselfie #closeup #backyardchickens #comb #chickensofinstagram

Jesse’s Instagram

I put fresh straw in the rooster free coop as well as the nesting boxes. The results were mixed. Some chickens immediately investigated, kicked and removed the new material (see: Gretchen who doesn't even live in this coop). Some believe this was an act of aggression and refused to enter the area. Despite these actions everyone spent the night with fresh bedding and were insulated from the cold. I'm bigger. I win.

I put fresh straw in the rooster free coop as well as the nesting boxes. The results were mixed. Some chickens immediately investigated, kicked and removed the new material (see: Gretchen who doesn’t even live in this coop). Some believe this was an act of aggression and refused to enter the area. Despite these actions everyone spent the night with fresh bedding and were insulated from the cold. I’m bigger. I win.
#petchickens #SicilianButtercup #beckywiththegoodhair #BuffLacedPolish #Gretchen #coop #freezewarning #zone7b

Jesse’s Instagram

I'm a little early for but I couldn't wait! Can you see that Sonia has ONE green tailfeather? Just one. He grew it after his last molt. Very proud of himself. Never lets me sneak up behind him to photograph it. This was a combo treat distraction/zoom in scenario. Sonia is pretty much a peacock with this coloring, right?

I’m a little early for #FluffyButtFriday but I couldn’t wait! Can you see that Sonia has ONE green tailfeather? Just one. He grew it after his last molt. Very proud of himself. Never lets me sneak up behind him to photograph it. This was a combo treat distraction/zoom in scenario. Sonia is pretty much a peacock with this coloring, right?
#rooster #silkierooster #SoniaSotomayor #petrooster #peacock #greenfeather #GwinnettCounty

Jesse’s Instagram

I opened the gate between the enclosed chicken yard and the garden and they all bolted. It is kind of a muddy mess in the chicken zone but the garden isn't much better right now. I suppose the forbidden area needs no actual attractions to be attractive.

I opened the gate between the enclosed chicken yard and the garden and they all bolted. It is kind of a muddy mess in the chicken zone but the garden isn’t much better right now. I suppose the forbidden area needs no actual attractions to be attractive.
#givethemaninch #escapists #backyardchickens #petchicken #silkie #explorers #zone7b #garden #weedcontrol

Jesse’s Instagram

This is Sonia, my Roo. He doesn't usually eat the treats I put out unless his hens are busy elsewhere. I guess the plum skewers were irresistible because he didn't even try to tidbit for the girls. His fresh Mohawk is looking really good and his pantaloons are very full. It's a good life for a tiny rooster.

This is Sonia, my #Silkie Roo. He doesn’t usually eat the treats I put out unless his hens are busy elsewhere. I guess the plum skewers were irresistible because he didn’t even try to tidbit for the girls. His fresh Mohawk is looking really good and his pantaloons are very full. It’s a good life for a tiny rooster.
#SoniaSotomayor #silkierooster #petrooster #plums #chickenfood #supervisedfreerange

Jesse’s Instagram

This Camellia is just delightful! It's like a giant flower arrangement in the middle of the woods. Thank you person who lived here before me for having a vision.

This Camellia is just delightful! It’s like a giant flower arrangement in the middle of the woods. Thank you person who lived here before me for having a vision.
#camellia #pinkcamellia #zone7b #perennials #evergreen #forestfloor #generations

Jesse’s Instagram

Can a pip? If so, please witness my first rhododendron to pip this year! I can't wait for it to hatch. But, I know you can't help them hatch. That can be dangerous. Best to make sure the humidity is right and let them get out of the shell by themselves. I may be mixing up rhododendrons and chicks. Probably true for both, except maybe the shell thing.

Can a #rhododendron pip? If so, please witness my first rhododendron to pip this year! I can’t wait for it to hatch. But, I know you can’t help them hatch. That can be dangerous. Best to make sure the humidity is right and let them get out of the shell by themselves. I may be mixing up rhododendrons and chicks. Probably true for both, except maybe the shell thing.
#gardeningsuprises #zone7b #purpleones #hatchday #forest #MasterGardener

Jesse’s Instagram

Shame tiny dinosaurs, shame. One tiny egg per day is not paying the rent. Disgraceful. Who gave you the impression that you are just decorative pets rather than farm animals? Me? Oh. Very true. Have some additional treats. Love you!

Shame tiny dinosaurs, shame. One tiny egg per day is not paying the rent. Disgraceful. Who gave you the impression that you are just decorative pets rather than farm animals? Me? Oh. Very true. Have some additional treats. Love you!
#petchickens #backyardchickens #decorative #fancychick #minieggs #GwinnettCounty #zone7b

Jesse’s Instagram

This is my compost pile. It is mostly kitchen scraps, some garden debris, a little chicken bedding and some yard waste to mix it up. Today it is full. I am always impressed by how quickly it breaks down. So, now we wait. I'll let you know when I see a big change. 
Fyi, this is just a bit of fencing bent into a circle. When I want to "stir" the compost I just pick up the wire, set it down next to the pile and then put it all back in. Very advanced stuff. Once it's mostly broken down it goes into the garden. I have a larger pile for the rest of the chicken bedding that gets turned with the tractor.

Everyone can compost!

This is my compost pile. It is mostly kitchen scraps, some garden debris, a little chicken bedding and some yard waste to mix it up. Today it is full. I am always impressed by how quickly it breaks down. So, now we wait. I’ll let you know when I see a big change.
Fyi, this is just a bit of fencing bent into a circle. When I want to “stir” the compost I just pick up the wire, set it down next to the pile and then put it all back in. Very advanced stuff. Once it’s mostly broken down it goes into the garden. I have a larger pile for the rest of the chicken bedding that gets turned with the tractor.

Everyone can compost!
#zone7b #composting #compost #chickenscraps #gardenvisit

Jesse’s Instagram

I planted this thing two years ago. It over wintered so I split it and replanted it. It is still growing and seems to have encouraged some onions to self-seed. It's called Raspberry something. No one eats it but it sure is pretty.

I planted this thing two years ago. It over wintered so I split it and replanted it. It is still growing and seems to have encouraged some onions to self-seed. It’s called Raspberry something. No one eats it but it sure is pretty.
#MasterGardener #zone7b #raspberry #wintergarden #winterinterest #onions

Jesse’s Instagram

Sonia is working on his mohawk. As a tiny silkie rooster with a girly name, every bit of toughness is important. He did not appreciate my help in removing feather casings. Or the snuggles I offered. Or anything to do with me. Roosters.

Sonia is working on his mohawk. As a tiny silkie rooster with a girly name, every bit of toughness is important. He did not appreciate my help in removing feather casings. Or the snuggles I offered. Or anything to do with me. Roosters.
#SoniaSotomayor #silkie #silkierooster #petchicken #Mohawk #punkrock #MohawkMonday #backyardchickens

Jesse’s Instagram

Becky fans, rejoice! She is giving you all the angles. She is thankful for big hair, full beards and freshly fallen leaves.

Becky fans, rejoice! She is giving you all the angles. She is thankful for big hair, full beards and freshly fallen leaves.
#beckywiththegoodhair #BuffLacedPolish #PolishChicken #thanksgivingchicken #thankful #Poof #petchickens #backyardchickens