The green is a lilac bush, a raspberry thicket, the city park behind my fence and a bunch of weeds that needs eliminating yet. ;) Heidi, the new beds with the cement blocks the holes in the blocks are filled with compost and every other one is either basil or marigolds (supposedly they help control pests and encourage bees).
Gwen, too bad gardens are difficult in West Texas, I imagine with the ongoing drought watering isn't an option. I'm excited this year because I found a source for straw just outside the city. I used it or old hay for mulch when I lived in the country to help prevent weeds, keep the ground temps more even and preserve soil moisture. I will add more as the plants grow. It also breaks down and helps the soil.