Preparing the farm for the dead of winter
As you may know, I am a firm believer in protecting my hedges with a burlap covering during the cold of winter. Winter can be very damaging to evergreen shrubs and I feel it essential to wrap them and keep them safe from the elements. The burlap does a great job of keeping off heavy snow and ice, which is notorious for breaking branches. But it also serves as a protective barrier against windburn. In addition to all of this, a burlap covering will deter deer and other hungry critters. On my farm, burlapping is always a big project and I feel that Shaun and his crew are doing a fine job. Please enjoy these photos.
- I decided that the terrace knot garden needed a burlap covering this year.
- This was a rather complex project that required a lot of cutting and fastening.
- The joints were carefully tied with twine.
- Did I say complex?
- They even used screws to hold part of the frame together.
- Once the framework was complete, it was time to cover it with burlap. Here is a boxwood hedge getting its winter protection.
- Chhewang is using a large needle to sew the burlap onto the frame.
- Sewing….
- and knotting
- Back at the knot garden, Shaun and his crew are busy with their needles. As you can see, snow has already fallen.
- One section complete.
- I admit, It’s a bit odd looking, but I think it will do the trick.
- I think the guys are great with their needles!
- A staple gun is also used for this project.
- As are these hedges.
- The peony hedge is neatly covered.
- And now for the allée of boxwood down near the stables.
- Chhewang is using a heavy metal spike to make holes in the ground.
- The holes need to be quite deep so that the burlap-covered bamboo frame will withstand heavy winds.
- The bamboo pole is secured in the hole.
- A crosspiece of bamboo is attached to the tops of the ‘teepees.’
- Jute twine is used to tie the poles together.
- The tree peony garden is surrounded with a burlap windscreen.
- The ground is covered with a thick layer of mulch to protect the soil from heaving.
- This is the bamboo framework over the boxwoods surrounding the peony bed.
- The excess is taken to the compost area.
- Any excess is removed with a hand saw.