More Transitioning From Autumn to Winter

November 22, 2010

More Transitioning From Autumn to Winter

The transition from autumn to winter is always such an unpredictable time. Some days feel so wintry and harsh and there are visions of steaming hot chocolate. Then, suddenly, the weather turns sunny and quite pleasant and you hope that those warm rays of sunshine will be the norm for a while. However, without predicting the weather, one thing’s for sure – winter is marching this way and there are many chores that need to be done around the farm in preparation for its inevitable arrival. This blog will show you that my horses wear winter blankets and so do many other things at the farm.

: Meanwhile, the grounds crew continues to construct the bamboo framing for the burlap covers.

: Chhewang screws the bamboo posts together, forming a joint.

: This is my herbaceous peony garden all cut back to the ground with its boxwood surround.

: Bamboo framing is erected all around the peony bed.

: Another way to fasten the bamboo is to tie it together with garden twine.

: Ramon and Rinze are out in the paddocks with their coats on. Where did summer go?

: Sauntering off to contemplate dry hay instead of verdant grass to graze upon.

: These boxwood are ready to be shrouded with burlap.

: A chilly gentle autumn rain and water droplets

: More boxwood outside the summer house and more bamboo framing

: Pete cuts the bamboo to size with a Japanese hand saw.

: Across the drive – more bamboo framing outside the winter house

: These are some of the original apple trees on the property.

: There are still apples for a Thanksgiving pie!

: This hornbeam hedge is dropping its leaves.

: And the holly bushes are shiny and green…

: With beautiful red holly berries for the upcoming holiday season.

: The bald cypress grove is bright amber and the trees are rapidly dropping their feathery leaves.

: The highest branch of this weeping beech is a favorite perch for the crows at the farm. These wise creatures watch all activity that takes place and they recognize everyone who works at the farm.

: The shade garden near the greenhouse is nearly ready to be trimmed and cleared.

: The currant patch outside the greenhouse – things are looking very bleak.

: I planted a grove of fastigiate oak trees – they have an upright growing habit – at the far end of the greenhouse.

: The honeybee hives have their winter wind protection of a wall of baled hay.

: This pair of urns has been emptied and covered. I like to wrap all garden ornaments in a covering of plastic sheeting and burlap, as well, protecting them from the elements.

: I purchased these two magnificent Kenneth Lynch and Sons pots at an auction when Kenneth Lynch was still in operation in Wilton, Connecticut. The urns are cast concrete, a formula which no one has figured out. They are magnificent!

: As is their nature, this grove of beech trees is still holding many leaves.

: We will hope for the best.

: I had several boxwood shrubs replaced around the farm because of yellowing foliage. Wilmer and Gyurme transplanted those boxwood to inconspicuous areas.