The kids helped me plant red onions yesterday. Now you have to realize that when you plant with young children, it is very different than doing it yourself. We didn't get much done, but they had fun digging the holes and picking out the sets to be planted. I decided to do the peas myself!
I am just amazed to see all that is already growing in the perennial beds. There is lots to be given away, so I will be getting a list ready soon. But a quick preview includes bronze Fennel, Money Plant, Chives, Strawberries, Raspberries, Asters, Tower mustard, Scallions (onion and garlic), Violets, Lambs' ears, with lots more to be added!!
Have to figure a way to do it this year to minimize the time it takes to get it organized. I will definitely do postings through Plant Traders, not sure about Freecycle as it just takes so much time to wade through all the posts. Any suggestions?
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
New plant traders group
Check out the new Plant Traders Group my friend Sara has started.
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/PlantTradersFranklin/messages
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/PlantTradersFranklin/messages
It's been a while
It has been a while since i created a post. Been so very busy. And so happy to relate that I was out gardening over the weekend. I had picked up a bunch of seeds and wanted to get my early plants started. When I started to come up with a plan I had no idea where to start. I wanted to plant lettuce, spinach, arugula and radish seeds, but where to put them. As they prefer cool weather, I realized I had the perfect spot. A good sized area that is in full shade until my Red Dogwood gets its leaves. Only problem was that I would have to remove the pachysandra in the area and prepare the soil.
Okay, so years ago it would be absolutely no problem, and I was thinking as if I was back there in the days when it was no problem to start a new garden.
Saturday was such a beautiful day to get gardening, so I went out, ready to go and started to tear up the garden. Paula had found a spot where she wanted all the plants I would be removing, ans as she is now living here, and an experienced gardener, I was happy to let her have it for an area she was planning to work on.
The work started off slowly, me finding my way through the patch of plants, slowly scraping them off the bed in order to get them moved. Then a little stiffness set in, so I moved positions and worked from another direction. Came to an old Rhododendron stump that we had be unsuccessful in removing previously, so just planted around it. What do you know? It had finally decided to let me get it out of the way! Way to go, Rhodo!! That gave me 6 more feet of garden area!!
So this new bed was going to be about 8 feet by 5 feet, and I was doing pretty well working the plants up in a rolling motion, the way you would roll up a rug. Okay, I can do this, got it going and then got stopped dead in my tracks - I just didn't have the energy to move it along!! So what did I do?? Give up?? Oh no, not me!! Now you have to remember, I have more family living here, and one of them just happens to be a big, strong cowboy, who just happened to be out in the yard. SO, you all guessed it, JD was more than willing and he got to it on my behalf and got the full bed rolled up and heaved out to the back on my behalf. OH, HOW WONDERFUL, to have extra hands, and such strong ones, at that, to help out this year!!
Then I went back to turning over the soil, and very quickly ran out of steam. With only a few feet left to be done, I enrolled my hubby in the task, while I loaded up my cart with compost. Then the cart was too heavy for me to move, so got JD to help again.
NOW, I must say here, that I used to be able to do all this by myself, and here I was having these stumbling blocks all day - I should have paid closer attention, but did not. I got right to the soil mixing and then the planting.
Got seeds all planted plus those for Leeks and Broccoli rabe. I was so happy. A new bed!! And full of edibles. Many will be harvested right there, and others will be spread around the gardens as they get large enough. as it rained all day Sunday, I did not get to plant the Onion sets or the Snap Peas. I also have lots of onion clumps coming up from last year that need to be dug and separated and then replanted.
I did think to get into the hot tub as I had done so much physical work. But I was not prepared for Sunday - I had all I could to to get out of the bed and into the hot tub on Sunday morn. This older body was not happy about all the physical work I had done on Saturday, and it rebelled on Sunday. By Monday I was able to get around better and am planning to get my Onions and Peas in today.
HURRAH for spring!!! Gotta get better at pacing myself.
As for the blog - I have got to pace myself with this also. I will be providing daycare for the kids and trying to keep up with all the changes this all has brought into my daily life, so have not much extra time right now. Spending lots of time researching for new edible gardens and vegetables we will be growing. I will get to it as I am able.
Okay, so years ago it would be absolutely no problem, and I was thinking as if I was back there in the days when it was no problem to start a new garden.
Saturday was such a beautiful day to get gardening, so I went out, ready to go and started to tear up the garden. Paula had found a spot where she wanted all the plants I would be removing, ans as she is now living here, and an experienced gardener, I was happy to let her have it for an area she was planning to work on.
The work started off slowly, me finding my way through the patch of plants, slowly scraping them off the bed in order to get them moved. Then a little stiffness set in, so I moved positions and worked from another direction. Came to an old Rhododendron stump that we had be unsuccessful in removing previously, so just planted around it. What do you know? It had finally decided to let me get it out of the way! Way to go, Rhodo!! That gave me 6 more feet of garden area!!
So this new bed was going to be about 8 feet by 5 feet, and I was doing pretty well working the plants up in a rolling motion, the way you would roll up a rug. Okay, I can do this, got it going and then got stopped dead in my tracks - I just didn't have the energy to move it along!! So what did I do?? Give up?? Oh no, not me!! Now you have to remember, I have more family living here, and one of them just happens to be a big, strong cowboy, who just happened to be out in the yard. SO, you all guessed it, JD was more than willing and he got to it on my behalf and got the full bed rolled up and heaved out to the back on my behalf. OH, HOW WONDERFUL, to have extra hands, and such strong ones, at that, to help out this year!!
Then I went back to turning over the soil, and very quickly ran out of steam. With only a few feet left to be done, I enrolled my hubby in the task, while I loaded up my cart with compost. Then the cart was too heavy for me to move, so got JD to help again.
NOW, I must say here, that I used to be able to do all this by myself, and here I was having these stumbling blocks all day - I should have paid closer attention, but did not. I got right to the soil mixing and then the planting.
Got seeds all planted plus those for Leeks and Broccoli rabe. I was so happy. A new bed!! And full of edibles. Many will be harvested right there, and others will be spread around the gardens as they get large enough. as it rained all day Sunday, I did not get to plant the Onion sets or the Snap Peas. I also have lots of onion clumps coming up from last year that need to be dug and separated and then replanted.
I did think to get into the hot tub as I had done so much physical work. But I was not prepared for Sunday - I had all I could to to get out of the bed and into the hot tub on Sunday morn. This older body was not happy about all the physical work I had done on Saturday, and it rebelled on Sunday. By Monday I was able to get around better and am planning to get my Onions and Peas in today.
HURRAH for spring!!! Gotta get better at pacing myself.
As for the blog - I have got to pace myself with this also. I will be providing daycare for the kids and trying to keep up with all the changes this all has brought into my daily life, so have not much extra time right now. Spending lots of time researching for new edible gardens and vegetables we will be growing. I will get to it as I am able.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Grandkids
It is always a wonderful thing to look upon the face of your child for the first time each morning.
It is just amazing to be able to do the same with your grandkids. And to know that you will be given that gift each morning, now that they are here .................................
AH!!
Such joy!!
It is just amazing to be able to do the same with your grandkids. And to know that you will be given that gift each morning, now that they are here .................................
AH!!
Such joy!!
More Snow!!!!!
So have you had enough snow already??!!!
I have to admit that this one was just great by me. It gave Mia a chance to have a down day after our busy weekend. Paula's family moved in and are getting settled in. All went well. Their moving day, Saturday was a bright and sunny day, just perfect for the move. Some close friends brought their whole family to help with the move on this end. They got everything in in just an hour! How wonderful to be blessed with such great people in our lives.
So this snow storm went great with my son in law here. He got up very early and took care of everything outside. All John had to do was don his boots and warm up his care. JD did everything else. He even took all three kids out to play in the snow!!
The plus side to the snow is that it will be a great cushion for all the plants starting to come up already. And it won't be around long as the ground had already started to warm up.
So can you feel spring in the air??!! March already!! My son will be starting his 40th year on the 28th. He is so funny, rather than admit to being 39, he is going right for embracing the upcoming decade and telling all he is entering his 40th year!! You go, D!!
I have to admit that this one was just great by me. It gave Mia a chance to have a down day after our busy weekend. Paula's family moved in and are getting settled in. All went well. Their moving day, Saturday was a bright and sunny day, just perfect for the move. Some close friends brought their whole family to help with the move on this end. They got everything in in just an hour! How wonderful to be blessed with such great people in our lives.
So this snow storm went great with my son in law here. He got up very early and took care of everything outside. All John had to do was don his boots and warm up his care. JD did everything else. He even took all three kids out to play in the snow!!
The plus side to the snow is that it will be a great cushion for all the plants starting to come up already. And it won't be around long as the ground had already started to warm up.
So can you feel spring in the air??!! March already!! My son will be starting his 40th year on the 28th. He is so funny, rather than admit to being 39, he is going right for embracing the upcoming decade and telling all he is entering his 40th year!! You go, D!!
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
HI from Connecticut
Taking a short break in Connecticut. Mia and I are on a shopping trek for two days. We just love Plato's Closet, only to be found in Springfield and CT near us. They are great teen consignment shops, with tons of quality clothes available at prices you would not believe.
Using hotel system and unable to get my usual font. Well, at least they have a system at my disposal!! Mia is sleeping in so I have uninterrupted time to finally get to my blog!!
I feel like I have been away from all my friends, not keeping up the blog lately. Been working hard at sorting through all my stuff which had accumulated over the years. As I am a very serious textile artisan, I have lots and lots of stuff around to play with. And for any who know me it is only natural that I should start playing during this whole " get ready for the family to move in" process.
I have been crafting - knitting, crocheting, making jewelry, quilting, and loving all of it. The creative juices are flowing quite productively these days. I didn't realize how much I missed being creative until I started this process of sorting through all of my accumulation.Found supplies for so many intended projects that I had totally forgotten about. Have been having fun working on various projects. I cold never just stick to one thing at a time.
My crafting has also gotten to Mia, who is getting ready to start learning how to sew. I am so happy to see her opening up to these skills. She has been joining me at the Knitting Club at the High School each week, now that her sports are over. We had our first boy come this past week. How great that one of the teachers started this club at KPHS(King Philip High School). I am so happy to have found it to be involved with. We have expanded to crochet and sewing, just having finished a bunch of project fabric bags which everyone individualized with the embroidery feature of my sewing machine!!
Oops! Getting late, need to get back to the room to get Mia up!! Hope all are having a productive winter - especially with all the shoveling we all have been doing!! LOL
Using hotel system and unable to get my usual font. Well, at least they have a system at my disposal!! Mia is sleeping in so I have uninterrupted time to finally get to my blog!!
I feel like I have been away from all my friends, not keeping up the blog lately. Been working hard at sorting through all my stuff which had accumulated over the years. As I am a very serious textile artisan, I have lots and lots of stuff around to play with. And for any who know me it is only natural that I should start playing during this whole " get ready for the family to move in" process.
I have been crafting - knitting, crocheting, making jewelry, quilting, and loving all of it. The creative juices are flowing quite productively these days. I didn't realize how much I missed being creative until I started this process of sorting through all of my accumulation.Found supplies for so many intended projects that I had totally forgotten about. Have been having fun working on various projects. I cold never just stick to one thing at a time.
My crafting has also gotten to Mia, who is getting ready to start learning how to sew. I am so happy to see her opening up to these skills. She has been joining me at the Knitting Club at the High School each week, now that her sports are over. We had our first boy come this past week. How great that one of the teachers started this club at KPHS(King Philip High School). I am so happy to have found it to be involved with. We have expanded to crochet and sewing, just having finished a bunch of project fabric bags which everyone individualized with the embroidery feature of my sewing machine!!
Oops! Getting late, need to get back to the room to get Mia up!! Hope all are having a productive winter - especially with all the shoveling we all have been doing!! LOL
Thursday, February 5, 2009
What a wonderful sight!!
Our house has been down with the stomach flu. Hope it passes you all by. Just have not even been up to turning on the computer.
But now I am feeling fine!!
Saw a most amazing sight last week. Walking by my office window I noticed a brown blur out the window. Took a closer look and saw a first time sight. Now in my 60 years I have seen a lot, but when I see something new it just thrills me to my core. And most especially when it is something in nature.
This reminds me that I saw two playful weasel-types creatures running after each other in the deep woods a few weeks ago. They were very slender and low to the ground, so they were not the same as this buddy.
It was a mammal, trotting just about six feet away from the house going towards the woods. As it did not do me the favor of stopping so that I could grab a camera, I just had to enjoy the close encounter. Luckily I was able to call Mia who shared the experience with me.
This long chubby brown furry creature could have been a woodchuck (groundhog), except that its head was a totally different shape, and its color a darker, warmer brown, and its tail bushy.
After looking through my mammal guides, "National Audubon Society Field Guide to New England" Peter Alden and Brian Cassie, Chanticleer Press Edition, 1998, Alfred A. Knopf, New York, Peterson Field Guides, Mammals, William H. Burt/Richard P. Grossenheider, Houghton Miflin Company, 1976, and National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Mammals, John O. Whittaker, Jr., Knopf,1980, I was able to determine that this wonderful creature was a fisher cat, martes pennanti, or marten of the weasel family.
The fisher is a rare, solitary mammal. ( So those other two cavorting in the woods were not fishers) It is a forest carnivore and likes to eat rabbits, rodents, porcupines, squirrels, birds, shrews, fruits, truffles and carrion. It is also said to like cats and dogs. Maybe that's why there are no more stray cats or many squirrels around our woods! They are 31 - 40 " long and 11-16 " tall, weighing in at 3 - 18 lbs.
The fisher is primarily nocturnal, sleeping inside hollow trees or logs (which are plentiful in our woods). It may use underbrush or a hole dug in snow as a temporary den. Need to be on the lookout for its den on next exploration out through the snowy woods! It is known to venture out during the day.
Memo to self: remember to keep a few of the downed trees as is for future fisher dens!
Another interesting fact I discovered is that they climb trees. They are at home on the ground and in trees. They travel through the trees just like squirrels. I need to be looking up more. This is how they can attack porcupines, from above them, pouncing on their heads and then eating them from their unquilled underside. So folks, if you want to know how to locate one, look for porcupine remains!!!!! LOL
Okay, I am properly surprised. Just looked up porcupine in my New England guide and sure enough they are in New England!! Who knew???
So the lesson in this for me is that I need to be on the lookout outside more. You jsut never know what may be lurking right under your own windows!!
Stay warm - we are now shopping for a new heating system - oh, such joy!!!!!!
But now I am feeling fine!!
Saw a most amazing sight last week. Walking by my office window I noticed a brown blur out the window. Took a closer look and saw a first time sight. Now in my 60 years I have seen a lot, but when I see something new it just thrills me to my core. And most especially when it is something in nature.
This reminds me that I saw two playful weasel-types creatures running after each other in the deep woods a few weeks ago. They were very slender and low to the ground, so they were not the same as this buddy.
It was a mammal, trotting just about six feet away from the house going towards the woods. As it did not do me the favor of stopping so that I could grab a camera, I just had to enjoy the close encounter. Luckily I was able to call Mia who shared the experience with me.
This long chubby brown furry creature could have been a woodchuck (groundhog), except that its head was a totally different shape, and its color a darker, warmer brown, and its tail bushy.
After looking through my mammal guides, "National Audubon Society Field Guide to New England" Peter Alden and Brian Cassie, Chanticleer Press Edition, 1998, Alfred A. Knopf, New York, Peterson Field Guides, Mammals, William H. Burt/Richard P. Grossenheider, Houghton Miflin Company, 1976, and National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Mammals, John O. Whittaker, Jr., Knopf,1980, I was able to determine that this wonderful creature was a fisher cat, martes pennanti, or marten of the weasel family.
The fisher is a rare, solitary mammal. ( So those other two cavorting in the woods were not fishers) It is a forest carnivore and likes to eat rabbits, rodents, porcupines, squirrels, birds, shrews, fruits, truffles and carrion. It is also said to like cats and dogs. Maybe that's why there are no more stray cats or many squirrels around our woods! They are 31 - 40 " long and 11-16 " tall, weighing in at 3 - 18 lbs.
The fisher is primarily nocturnal, sleeping inside hollow trees or logs (which are plentiful in our woods). It may use underbrush or a hole dug in snow as a temporary den. Need to be on the lookout for its den on next exploration out through the snowy woods! It is known to venture out during the day.
Memo to self: remember to keep a few of the downed trees as is for future fisher dens!
Another interesting fact I discovered is that they climb trees. They are at home on the ground and in trees. They travel through the trees just like squirrels. I need to be looking up more. This is how they can attack porcupines, from above them, pouncing on their heads and then eating them from their unquilled underside. So folks, if you want to know how to locate one, look for porcupine remains!!!!! LOL
Okay, I am properly surprised. Just looked up porcupine in my New England guide and sure enough they are in New England!! Who knew???
So the lesson in this for me is that I need to be on the lookout outside more. You jsut never know what may be lurking right under your own windows!!
Stay warm - we are now shopping for a new heating system - oh, such joy!!!!!!
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