Gutter garden! (and send us your pics)

I think this is brilliant:

(photo by Suzanne Forsling)

I first saw it on Apartment Therapy (and they include links to more small garden ideas), and then clicked over to the homeowner's own story (Suzanne Forsling in the Juneau Empire "How does your garden grow?") about how she built it. Her house only receives a sliver of sun on this exterior wall, so this solution was perfect. You probably couldn't grow much beyond greens, herbs, turnips and green onions (what she planted) in such a shallow bed, but it's better than nothing. Hmm, bet you could grow strawberries, too. You'd have to be very careful about watering so that it doesn't collect next to the siding and rot. It makes me think about my own shady situation. I could actually attach a gutter along our deck rail, which does get lots of sun, though I'd try to first find a gutter to reuse before buying a new one.

I think this whole national gardening movement is so exciting! It seems like everyone is talking about it, and the Obamas have set a good example with the new White House organic veggie garden. I haven't planted a thing yet, however. I need to build a raised bed for a corner of the yard, and we're having some construction work done near another garden spot, and I'm worried that it will get trampled. All in good time.

If you have photos of your garden solutions you'd like to share, please email them to us and let us know what you're planting this year. I'm always so inspired by the ideas generated by the EnviroMom community, and I know everyone would love to see your dirt!