Now that we're comfy...

We're beginning the planting process in the chicken yard. And might I add that fall is the best time to purchase shrubs/grasses/plants because they are butt cheap. We had spent the summer with just some mulch as ground cover until we got used to the chickens and they got used to the yard. Chickens are surprisingly playful and are forever wanting to climb and jump on everything.  Unfortunately that included the weed wacker and other items not safe for poultry play.

I'm telling you now that this book has been my bible for creating the perfect chicken garden.

And it's only $15. So after reading many many tips, and remembering our history with craptastic soil...I decided on the following shrubs/grasses. We went with 3 red Barberry shrubs, which we have in the front yard and grow like crazy in the sun. These also change colors with the seasons and have pretty little flowers in the spring. There are thorns, which I'm hoping deter munching by the ladies. Next, 2 Dwarf Burning Bush(es) which will turn bright fiery red in the fall. Also a full sun shrub. Maiden Grass, which gets it's colors in the late summer and fall and dries and turns into beautiful tan curls in the winter. 2 Switch Grasses which also turn colors in the fall and last, a Honeysuckle goldflame just for fun. 

I also gave the kids a bit of an art project.

Barry's sign is on the way...

More photos will follow once I get those last 3 planted, but it's already becoming exactly what I'd hoped. Bring on the chicken TV...