Leaf Mounds

Normally we prepare our rose beds with dirt insulation at the base of each rose before raking the lawn. That way we can dump the leaves directly on the roses for good winter insulation. Some years are just abnormal though. And so when the temperature is abnormally persistently cold and more snow is in the forecast, the leaves had to be harvested and stock piled while they were still to be found. The rest of the rose insulating steps will come later.

Second Snow

Growing

Our gift-tree is growing by leaps and bounds.

Garden Flowers of August

Garden Improvements

Dad and a friend made Mom's wish come true - a quack grass barrier around her flower bed. Now to fully eradicate the unwanted grass inside the barrier.

Resident Turkeys

We have had plenty of rain which means plenty of mud. In addition we have had plenty of wild turkeys. Add turkey traffic to mud and you get turkey tracks.

Our turkey parade began early this summer. The members included a very protective mother and six of her lively miniatures. Over time one miniature went the way of all good birdies and a papa joined the group. Now one more of the troupe has been lost. The remaining six have determined that our property is their permanent residence with occasional day trips. The amenities are rather nice, after all.

The well stocked grape arbor has been a great attraction.

As have fallen crab apples.

The Garden Patio

Much has changed in Dad's raised beds (a.k.a. the Garden Patio) since I posted about their formation early this summer. While now they look rather bare except for a smattering of a few cold hearty crops, here's a look at a mid-August garden.

Rapunzel Cherry Tomato

Lettuce

Onion

Pie Pumpkin

Swiss Chard

Nasturtium

Green Beans

Kale

Celeriac or Celery Root

Parsley

Celery

Broccoli

Peppers

Spaghetti Squash

Young Plant Protectors

(How did my non-coffee drinking parents collect so many metal coffee tins?)

Wild Turkeys with Garden Patio in Background

(More on the wild turkey's another day.)

Backlog

I have a backlog of life happenings to share with you. Let's begin!

In August we spent a couple last days at the lake for the season.

As always my trusty basket went with me.

Hannah and I found the lake an inspiring place to make good headway on knitting up Nautical Signal Flag Pillow Covers for our Etsy shop.

Second Frost