Aaron’s Instagram

It's just two weeks till @benzblogger and I head north on another adventure. We're driving from Atlanta to Newfoundland starting off with 4 days of @rally_north_america from New York to @campsunshinemaine with hot laps on Watkins Glen and New England Dragway. Donation link to support the kids and families of is in my bio.

@edbolian @arnesantics

It’s just two weeks till @benzblogger and I head north on another adventure. We’re driving from Atlanta to Newfoundland starting off with 4 days of @rally_north_america from New York to @campsunshinemaine with hot laps on Watkins Glen and New England Dragway. Donation link to support the kids and families of #campsunshine is in my bio.

#longroofsociety #makeamericafastagain #bonnevillesaltflats #e63swagon #roadtrip #roadtrip2019 #e63amg #e63 #e63s #e63samg #e63wagon #mercedes #mercedesbenz #amg #rally #roadrally #rallynorthamerica @edbolian @arnesantics

Aaron’s Instagram

It's just two weeks till @benzblogger and I head north on another adventure. We're driving from Atlanta to Newfoundland starting off with 4 days of @rally_north_america from New York to @campsunshinemaine with hot laps on Watkins Glen and New England Dragway. Donation link to support the kids and families of is in my bio.

@edbolian @arnesantics

It’s just two weeks till @benzblogger and I head north on another adventure. We’re driving from Atlanta to Newfoundland starting off with 4 days of @rally_north_america from New York to @campsunshinemaine with hot laps on Watkins Glen and New England Dragway. Donation link to support the kids and families of #campsunshine is in my bio.

#longroofsociety #makeamericafastagain #bonnevillesaltflats #e63swagon #roadtrip #roadtrip2019 #e63amg #e63 #e63s #e63samg #e63wagon #mercedes #mercedesbenz #amg #rally #roadrally #rallynorthamerica @edbolian @arnesantics

Jesse’s Instagram

When you wait just one more day in case they aren't fully ripe...it rains buckets and they spilt. Ate them anyway. They were delicious!

When you wait just one more day in case they aren’t fully ripe…it rains buckets and they spilt. Ate them anyway. They were delicious!
#tomatoplants #homegrown #cherrytomatoes #thefirsttomato #zone7b #splittomatoes #gardenfail

Jesse’s Instagram

When you plant non-traditional tomatoes and then fail to label the plants you'll have to guess when they're ripe. Touch of red? Maybe!? Maybe not?!

When you plant non-traditional tomatoes and then fail to label the plants you’ll have to guess when they’re ripe. Touch of red? Maybe!? Maybe not?!
#MasterGardener #tomatoes #cherrytomatoes #zone7b #organicgardening #ripetomatoes #firsttomatoes #gardeningsuprises

Jesse’s Instagram

Nom for me, nom for you. Two of the chickens make a daily trek over to the blueberry bushes to assist with the harvest. They don't normally venture so far from the coop but blueberries are a strong enticement.

Nom for me, nom for you. Two of the chickens make a daily trek over to the blueberry bushes to assist with the harvest. They don’t normally venture so far from the coop but blueberries are a strong enticement.
#blueberries #blueberrythief #zone7b #rabbiteye #Chickensaddle #sophiebhawkins #hawk #orchard #homegrown #gardenhelper

Jesse’s Instagram

These two geniuses are back in the broody business. Ruthie, the small black #silkie, is sitting on zero eggs in the preferred box. Bryce, my model, decided that Ruthie was pretty much baby sized so she'll just skip the eggs and sit on her. Delightful. It's also about 90°F outside and they are putting out a combined broody heat that could cook an egg, not hatch it! Also, the screeching! I'm giving them two days. This is just dumb.

These two geniuses are back in the broody business. Ruthie, the small black #silkie, is sitting on zero eggs in the preferred box. Bryce, my #whitelacedredcornish model, decided that Ruthie was pretty much baby sized so she’ll just skip the eggs and sit on her. Delightful. It’s also about 90°F outside and they are putting out a combined broody heat that could cook an egg, not hatch it! Also, the screeching! I’m giving them two days. This is just dumb.
#petchicken #petshaming #broodychicken #chickenmama #nestingboxdrama #broodybesties #heatwave

Jesse’s Instagram

Vi, you've got a little grass...
No I don't.
You do! It's on both...
No.
I'm serious. You've got grass hanging out of your beak.
Shut up. Provide treats. No commentary.
Jeez. Bossy ass chicken.

Vi, you’ve got a little grass…
No I don’t.
You do! It’s on both…
No.
I’m serious. You’ve got grass hanging out of your beak.
Shut up. Provide treats. No commentary.
Jeez. Bossy ass chicken.
#VioletZindars #Cochin #silverlacedcochin #petchicken #biggirls #girlboss #chickenportrait #closeup #beautyqueen #glamour #backyardpoultry #chickenselfie #chickenselfiesunday

Jesse’s Instagram

The vine is a mile long. It had produced one The worms found it. Another Ah well, the chickens do consider "infested young squash" to be a delicacy.

The vine is a mile long. It had produced one #spaghettisquash. The worms found it. Another #gardenfail. Ah well, the chickens do consider “infested young squash” to be a delicacy. #bonappetit
#gardenpests #zone7b #organicgardening #Chickenfood #ventilated #farmtotable

Jesse’s Instagram

Flower progess photos! The Carlos are so cute! Each flower group is about the size of a quarter. Our tree is starting to bloom! Very exciting. The deer only nibbled the bottom few branches. The have a great view of the cucumbers coming in. I think I am supposed to companion plant them near the tomatoes but I didn't. The plants seem to do better in darker colors. All if the yellow ones are struggling but the red and purple are rocking. Overall I am enjoying the flowers.

Flower progess photos! The Carlos #Lantanas are so cute! Each flower group is about the size of a quarter. Our #Hydrangea tree is starting to bloom! Very exciting. The deer only nibbled the bottom few branches. The #marigolds have a great view of the cucumbers coming in. I think I am supposed to companion plant them near the tomatoes but I didn’t. The #callalily plants seem to do better in darker colors. All if the yellow ones are struggling but the red and purple are rocking. Overall I am enjoying the flowers.
#gardeningsuprises #lantana #hydrangeas #zone7b #shadetolerant #shadegarden #yellowmarigolds #lilies #MasterGardener #companionplanting #feedthebees #pollinatorgarden

Jesse’s Instagram

This deer is practically an IG model. She's got this arbor set up out in the woods and insists on framing herself for perfect pictures. I had to take about a million to make sure I got her best angles. Thirsty.

This deer is practically an IG model. She’s got this arbor set up out in the woods and insists on framing herself for perfect pictures. I had to take about a million to make sure I got her best angles. Thirsty.
#GwinnettCounty #gwinnettcountyparks #doe #hiking #naturephotography #notscared

Jesse’s Instagram

The first multi-crop harvest! The voles ate most of the potatoes so I decided to just see what was left. It's about 10 lbs of and potatoes. Not terrible...but I think I planted 20 lbs of seed potatoes. The peppers are #coolapenos, like jalepenos but not hot. We'll see!

The first multi-crop harvest! The voles ate most of the potatoes so I decided to just see what was left. It’s about 10 lbs of #redpontiac and #yukongold potatoes. Not terrible…but I think I planted 20 lbs of seed potatoes. The peppers are #coolapenos, like jalepenos but not hot. We’ll see!
#harvestbasket #gardeninggloves #zone7b #vegetablegarden #peppers #eatlocal #yardtotable #futurefood

Jesse’s Instagram

Do I have two kinds of worms? The ones on my palm are greenish and ball up when I pick them up. The ones on my fingers are reddish and immediately stretch out and try to escape. I dug them up in two separate potato hills but right next to each other in the garden. Hmmm...

Do I have two kinds of worms? The ones on my palm are greenish and ball up when I pick them up. The ones on my fingers are reddish and immediately stretch out and try to escape. I dug them up in two separate potato hills but right next to each other in the garden. Hmmm…
#worms #gardenfriends #zone7b #digginginthedirt #redworms #greenworms #MasterGardener

Jesse’s Instagram

The first! I started the peppers from plants, not seeds, so they had a bit of an advantage. Now if I could only find my velcro tape to secure them to the stakes.

The first! I started the peppers from plants, not seeds, so they had a bit of an advantage. Now if I could only find my velcro tape to secure them to the stakes.
#bellpeppers #greenpepper #purplepepper #harvest #eatlocal #growningeorgia #backyardgarden #organicgardening

Jesse’s Instagram

Just a minute of chickens eating collards. The for main characters are Donna the #silkie, Vi the #Cochin, Becky with the Good Hair and Kahlo the Guest appearances by Gretch the jerk and Wilga the feather plucker. They really do each have their own personalities.

Just a minute of chickens eating collards. The for main characters are Donna the #silkie, Vi the #Cochin, Becky with the Good Hair and Kahlo the #whitecrestedblackpolish. Guest appearances by Gretch the jerk and Wilga the feather plucker. They really do each have their own personalities.
#petchicken #backyardpoultry #collardgreens #PolishChicken #chickenvideo #chickensnacks

Jesse’s Instagram

This "Mouse Ear Blue Hosta" spoke to me at the nursery. I had no idea it was such a show off in the flower department. I choose plants (and paint) based on the names. Good idea? Probably not. But my house is painted "Dark Squirrel" and I have a "Mouse Ear" hosta so I think I'm winning!

This “Mouse Ear Blue Hosta” spoke to me at the nursery. I had no idea it was such a show off in the flower department. I choose plants (and paint) based on the names. Good idea? Probably not. But my house is painted “Dark Squirrel” and I have a “Mouse Ear” hosta so I think I’m winning!
#hostas #zone7b #hostaflowers #mouseears #gardenwin #shadegarden #GwinnettCounty

Jesse’s Instagram

The corn is f'd. Every year, same story. Swipe for the progression from no rain to light rain to thunderstorm. I've tried planting it deeper, hilling the rows, planting closer, further, more rows, less rows. I've tried shielding them with fencing, between trellises, additional posts, words of encouragement, threats. I've planted earlier, later, different varieties, more water, less water, fertilizer, weeds, mulch, companions. I'm out of ideas.

If anyone can tell me how to keep my corn vertical until harvest I would really appreciate it! I  f'ing .

The corn is f’d. Every year, same story. Swipe for the progression from no rain to light rain to thunderstorm. I’ve tried planting it deeper, hilling the rows, planting closer, further, more rows, less rows. I’ve tried shielding them with fencing, between trellises, additional posts, words of encouragement, threats. I’ve planted earlier, later, different varieties, more water, less water, fertilizer, weeds, mulch, companions. I’m out of ideas.

If anyone can tell me how to keep my corn vertical until harvest I would really appreciate it! I f’ing . #zone7b #growingcorn #gardeningfail #gardenfail #MasterGardener #eatlocal #growyourown #upickfarm #boo #gardentips #zone7 #vegetablegarden #growingvegetables

Jesse’s Instagram

The garden inspectors noticed some blueberries had fallen off the bushes. Don't worry, they cleaned that right up. And then a few that hadn't yet fallen but might have soon. They took care of those. And they wanted me to pass down a few from the higher branches but I had to draw a line. It's a very wavy line.

The garden inspectors noticed some blueberries had fallen off the bushes. Don’t worry, they cleaned that right up. And then a few that hadn’t yet fallen but might have soon. They took care of those. And they wanted me to pass down a few from the higher branches but I had to draw a line. It’s a very wavy line.
#petchicken #oliveegger #gloriavanderbuilt #sophiebhawkins #EasterEgger #chickensaddle #blueberrybush #rabbiteye #spoiledchickens #zone7b

Jesse’s Instagram

I was hoping this flower would open today but instead all of the petals fell off. I planted a pack of wildflower seeds (horrible idea. There is no way to know which ones are weeds vs. flowers until the weeds are well established) and this is one of three varieties I've seen. I think it's a poppy of some sort?

I was hoping this flower would open today but instead all of the petals fell off. I planted a pack of wildflower seeds (horrible idea. There is no way to know which ones are weeds vs. flowers until the weeds are well established) and this is one of three varieties I’ve seen. I think it’s a poppy of some sort?
#wildflowers #beemix #zone7b #flowergarden #poppy #orangepoppy

Jesse’s Instagram

May you grow big and strong and decapitate any prey or mates that cross your path. This fierce predator has only one front claw but I choose to believe she lost it in a battle with a much larger foe. It will not slow her down.

May you grow big and strong and decapitate any prey or mates that cross your path. This fierce predator has only one front claw but I choose to believe she lost it in a battle with a much larger foe. It will not slow her down.
#prayingmantis #gardenfriend #zone7b #bugs #futurequeen

Jesse’s Instagram

I trimmed back some dead branches on the this year. Then I stepped on one and punched a bloody hole in my foot. I think I'll just let them grow however they please next year. I learned my lesson.

I trimmed back some dead branches on the #OakLeafHydrangea this year. Then I stepped on one and punched a bloody hole in my foot. I think I’ll just let them grow however they please next year. I learned my lesson.
#hydrangea #annuals #zone7b #goldenhour #selfdefense #woods #frontyard #gardening #flowergarden

Jesse’s Instagram

Current garden updates: Things are happening! The usual suspects are starting to produce. Tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers and zucchini are well on the way. The corn in about ready fall over and be consumed by nature. Is this first picture Asapragus seeds? I let them all fern out and now they are growing these cute little pods. Maybe they are planting more asparagus for me! 
Ok, I have to go chase the chickens out now. They followed me from plant to plant while I took pictures in case something was for them.

Current garden updates: Things are happening! The usual suspects are starting to produce. Tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers and zucchini are well on the way. The corn in about ready fall over and be consumed by nature. Is this first picture Asapragus seeds? I let them all fern out and now they are growing these cute little pods. Maybe they are planting more asparagus for me!
Ok, I have to go chase the chickens out now. They followed me from plant to plant while I took pictures in case something was for them.
#zone7b #vegetablegarden #growyourown #eatlocal #yardtotable #blueberrybush #coolapeno #asparagus #rainbowbellpeppers #cucumbers

Jesse’s Instagram

The shoe on the right is exactly one year old. The shoe on the left is a brand new replacement. It's hard to believe these are the same model! Those were some hard miles! Happy hiking!

The shoe on the right is exactly one year old. The shoe on the left is a brand new replacement. It’s hard to believe these are the same model! Those were some hard miles! Happy hiking!
#merrell #hiking #hikingshoes #fitbit #getoutside #wandernorthga #FindYourPark

Jesse’s Instagram

Growing corn or ratty Barbie dolls? There is no way to know yet. We'll have to stay tuned for the results.

Growing corn or ratty Barbie dolls? There is no way to know yet. We’ll have to stay tuned for the results.
#gardeningsuprises #zone7b #corn #homegrown #eatlocal #barbiehair #cornsilk #GeorgiaGrown

Jesse’s Instagram

Majestic rooster, mid-crow. Sonia is trying to intimidate me but he is about 8" tall and less than a pound. I remain unfazed.

Majestic rooster, mid-crow. Sonia is trying to intimidate me but he is about 8″ tall and less than a pound. I remain unfazed.
#napoleoncomplex #tinyrooster #silkierooster #SoniaSotomayor #smallbutmighty #backyardpoultry #petrooster

Jesse’s Instagram

My blueberry bushes seem to be pre-drying the berries. It hasn't rained in several weeks so I shall add watering the blueberry bushes to my schedule until it rains again.

My blueberry bushes seem to be pre-drying the berries. It hasn’t rained in several weeks so I shall add watering the blueberry bushes to my schedule until it rains again.
#blueberrybush #blueberries #zone7b #dry #dehydratedblueberries #crops #orchard

Jesse’s Instagram

My first green egg in months! Welcome back to the party Glo or Wilga. It's about time! Notice Gretch looking to see if I'm holding snacks? Notice how she is in the garden and not the chicken area? Today she nearly uprooted two pepper plants while looking for a fresh dust bath. So helpful! Currently all alone in first place for worst chicken in my flock.

My first green egg in months! Welcome back to the party Glo or Wilga. It’s about time! Notice Gretch looking to see if I’m holding snacks? Notice how she is in the garden and not the chicken area? Today she nearly uprooted two pepper plants while looking for a fresh dust bath. So helpful! Currently all alone in first place for worst chicken in my flock.
#farmfresheggs #backyardpoultry #eatlocal #farmtotable #SicilianButtercup #petchicken #colorfuleggs #greeneggs

Jesse’s Instagram

The first spaghetti squash is on the vine! Only two plants germinated but that is probably a blessing as they are already over 6 feet tall and spreading. Meanwhile, on the trellis, the first plant just reached the bottom rung. I planted the seeds on the same day.

The first spaghetti squash is on the vine! Only two plants germinated but that is probably a blessing as they are already over 6 feet tall and spreading. Meanwhile, on the #cucumelon trellis, the first plant just reached the bottom rung. I planted the seeds on the same day.
#zone7b #spaghettisquash #trellis #squashblossom #gardeningsuprises #gardeningingeorgia

Jesse’s Instagram

The poor bunny is it out of green beans! How could I let this happen!? I suppose she'll have to move on to her second favorite crop. I don't know what that is yet but I'm sure I'll find out soon. I wish it was weeds.

The poor bunny is it out of green beans! How could I let this happen!? I suppose she’ll have to move on to her second favorite crop. I don’t know what that is yet but I’m sure I’ll find out soon. I wish it was weeds.
#bunny #gardenpests #gardeningingeorgia #redleaflettuce #swisschard #zucchini #MasterGardener #rabbit

Jesse’s Instagram

Tour of North Georgia.

Tour of North Georgia.
#taccoatraintrestle #blackrockstatepark #ClaytonGA #wandernorthga #scenicoverlook #waterfallhike #admiralaxe #axethrowing #fern #donuts #clevelandGA #glendas #vorpahlinginlove

Jesse’s Instagram

These are my Carlos Lantanas. I know nothing of the plant but the name made me laugh so now we have three. I shall raise them to be the best guitarists in the garden. If they split I will call the product Maria, Maria.

These are my Carlos Lantanas. I know nothing of the plant but the name made me laugh so now we have three. I shall raise them to be the best guitarists in the garden. If they split I will call the product Maria, Maria.
#lantana #carloslantana #gardeningingeorgia #zone7b #shadetolerant #shadegarden

Jesse’s Instagram

Donna and Vi like to hang out as far from the rooster as physically possible. Here they are, safely camouflaged in the jungle, waiting for the all clear to return to to coop for the night. It makes it hard to get an accurate head count but I do understand why they hate that power hungry little crower.

Donna and Vi like to hang out as far from the rooster as physically possible. Here they are, safely camouflaged in the jungle, waiting for the all clear to return to to coop for the night. It makes it hard to get an accurate head count but I do understand why they hate that power hungry little crower.
#donnamartin #VioletZindars #Silkie #cochin #freerangechickens #petchickens #junglefowl #volunteertomatoes #wildchickens

Jesse’s Instagram

Those are some good looking roots! Also, why would anyone buy these as cut flowers when they are absolutely gorgeous as potted plants?!

Those are some good looking roots! Also, why would anyone buy these as cut flowers when they are absolutely gorgeous as potted plants?! #callalily #perennials #gardeninggloves #gardeningingeorgia #zone7b #yellowlily

Jesse’s Instagram

She's no longer broody but oh, she is moody! She's holding quite a grudge about being locked out of the coop for three days. The other two have moved on. Not Glo. This is her on the highest perch, just glaring. I think she wanted to be eye level with me for maximum intimidation.

She’s no longer broody but oh, she is moody! She’s holding quite a grudge about being locked out of the coop for three days. The other two have moved on. Not Glo. This is her on the highest perch, just glaring. I think she wanted to be eye level with me for maximum intimidation.
#moody #gloriavanderbuilt #oliveegger #petchicken #angrybird #broodychicken #broodybreaker #comb #backyardpoultry #roost

Jesse’s Instagram

The Thing I Did Not Plant is having another great year in a Place It Does Not Belong! Perhaps this is the year I move it to a forever home. It deserves it. From the compost pile, to the vegetable garden, to the back yard and finally to a good home. It's been a long journey.

The Thing I Did Not Plant is having another great year in a Place It Does Not Belong! Perhaps this is the year I move it to a forever home. It deserves it. From the compost pile, to the vegetable garden, to the back yard and finally to a good home. It’s been a long journey.
#cannas #volunteerplant #zone7b #gardening #ididntplantthis #magic #rehoming #cannaslily

Jesse’s Instagram

The asparagus patch is a crazy, ferny mess. There are occasional new shoots appearing which makes me think that next year we may actually eat a few! Also, the asparagus does not seem to have any predators at this time. No bugs, birds, or other chewing friends. Interesting.

The asparagus patch is a crazy, ferny mess. There are occasional new shoots appearing which makes me think that next year we may actually eat a few! Also, the asparagus does not seem to have any predators at this time. No bugs, birds, or other chewing friends. Interesting.
#asparagus #zone7b #perennials #vegetablegarden #asparagusfern #gardenpests #futurefood

Jesse’s Instagram

No, it's cool. Just eat them right in front of me. Really, you've earned a snack. I know I bought the tree, grew the tree, fertilized it and weeded around it, but you were clearly born nearby and are entitled to unlimited nectarines. In fact, just eat half and throw the rest on the ground. I'll clean up the rotten leftovers for you. Are you friends with the bunnies that are working their way through the green beans? Do you know the voles eating the seed potatoes? Maybe you guys could work out a schedule for maximum consumption. Who is going to work with the chickens to finish off the lettuce?

No, it’s cool. Just eat them right in front of me. Really, you’ve earned a snack. I know I bought the tree, grew the tree, fertilized it and weeded around it, but you were clearly born nearby and are entitled to unlimited nectarines. In fact, just eat half and throw the rest on the ground. I’ll clean up the rotten leftovers for you. Are you friends with the bunnies that are working their way through the green beans? Do you know the voles eating the seed potatoes? Maybe you guys could work out a schedule for maximum consumption. Who is going to work with the chickens to finish off the lettuce?
#nature #gardenpests #squirrelfood #squirrels #nectarinetree #nectarine #decorative #ornamentaltree #voles #yardfriends #snowwhite

Jesse’s Instagram

Getting closer! These raspberries turn black when they are ready to eat. I noticed a herd of ants getting ready for the ripeness as well.

Getting closer! These raspberries turn black when they are ready to eat. I noticed a herd of ants getting ready for the ripeness as well.
#sharingiscaring #homegrown #raspberries #blackraspberry #tinyfarm #zone7b

Jesse’s Instagram

Update: I put him under the tree near where I found him and his parents came to guide him out into the field. He hopped down the hill stretching his itty bitty wings and followed the adult birds towards the tree line and away from the parking lot. Success!

Help! I made a new friend at work today! This little was in danger of being run over so I had to save it. Now it is in a box with a hot water bottle mama. It eats well and naps a lot. Now what? What should I feed it? How long will it be mine? Should I release it where I found it when it is bigger? Any advice welcomed! 
@awarewildlife

Update: I put him under the tree near where I found him and his parents came to guide him out into the field. He hopped down the hill stretching his itty bitty wings and followed the adult birds towards the tree line and away from the parking lot. Success!

Help! I made a new friend at work today! This little #mockingbird was in danger of being run over so I had to save it. Now it is in a box with a hot water bottle mama. It eats well and naps a lot. Now what? What should I feed it? How long will it be mine? Should I release it where I found it when it is bigger? Any advice welcomed!
#goodwithchickens #mockingjay #wildbird #angrybirds #Birdbox #birdrehab @awarewildlife