Colder days ahead
Now that we have reached December, the beds have been cleaned, the bulbs planted, the flowers have faded, and the garden is desolate. Even the long persistent yellow flowers of witch hazel are gone following the examples of all other deciduous shrubs and trees. Seed heads of our coneflowers stand alone, waiting to be eaten […]
Seasonal wreaths
I am often amazed at the inventiveness of my clients at @annsplaceinc The latest class we finished was packed with 21 people to create seasonal wreaths out of spruce cones, acorns and other things collected from the outdoors. The cones were easy to collect though I needed to purchase acorns for the first time ever. […]
Last leeks
It is time to harvest the last of the leeks (Allium porrum). This vegetable takes longer than any other to reach maturity but it is worth it as it helps make a savory and yummy potato (Solanum tuberosum) leek soup. The top crust of the soil is frozen though below is still warm and grainy. […]
Late to plant
Juana reminds me that we could use a line of bulbs along the fence that was extended late Summer. Outside the fence is now inside. All of the local stores are out of daffodils filling their spaces with Christmas effluvia, but great deals can be had from mail order companies. I am able to get […]
Ice water
It’s a cold morning outside to fill the bird feeders. I notice that the bird bath is frozen solid; a few birds land on its edge and are thwarted in getting a drink. I wait until things warm up a bit and install a heater so the birds can continue getting a drink as the […]
Collecting crafts
Preparing for horticultural therapy classes sometimes calls for working well in advance. For some of my classes this Fall and Winter I need a variety of cones and nuts. To best collect them I start foraging in late September and early October before the leaves fall. This year I am fairly successful in collecting cones: […]
Leaf lanterns
Ironically, the first zoom class at Ann’s Place a few weeks back is held on a lovely day and could have been outside. But everyone seems content and snug in their dwellings to make leaf lanterns. And as the craft requires the use of an iron it may not be a bad idea to do […]
Final flowers
We have had more Indian Summer days this season than for the last 10. A fleeting freeze followed up by days of balmy weather confuses not only people but the plants surrounding us. The first seasonal misfit I find is a lone buttercup emerging from the bed of wild strawberry leaves surrounding it. Its tiny […]
Stacking wood
It is late in the season to be stacking wood next to the house. We typically do it in early rather than mid Fall. But this year’s spate of warm and active days has let us delay this task. Every year we burn at least a cord and a half of wood so it is […]
Lovely grasses
Northern sea oats (Chasmanthium latifolium) is one of my favorite grasses that persist well into Winter. Developing expansive seed heads that turn a purplish brown, it waves to and fro in even the most gentle breeze with a soft and pleasing rustle. Its stalks become a light brown but not a dry looking brown as […]