Weeding in the Rain and a new Lawn Mower

May 14, 2010

Weeding in the Rain and a new Lawn Mower

This is a busy time around the farm and the crew has been doing a superb job getting things in order. We’ve been having considerable rain and with that comes considerable growth. Unfortunately, that also means the growth of weeds. On one such rainy day, the crew donned their rain slickers and set out to week the lily bed. Rain is actually a good time to pull weeds as their roots release from the soil quite easily. I’ve also included some photos that were taken when the rain ended and the sun came out. And, considering this is a farm blog, Dominick, my equipment manager, drove to White Plains, New York to pick up a new lawn mower from Argento & Sons.

: These are granite posts which will be used around the blueberry patch to support bird netting.

: This is Jimmy Rourke – Parts manager.

: A very tidy showroom

: Argento is well-stocked with parts.

: More parts

: Tony Dedonato standing with Tony

: How cute! A little Gator – I think Francesca, Sharkey, and G.K. need one of these.

: Eric Miller and Chris Anderson – mechanics

: Larry Lawler – another mechanic

: Our new mower – the G15

: Meanwhile, Dominick, my equipment manager, went to White Plains, NY to Argento & Sons to pick up the new lawn mower.

: Louis Argento – owner

: Louie is giving Dominic instructions on using the mower.

: Chris Anderson likes this model.

: The painters have been busy working on all the buildings.

: These beds contain Asiatic lilies and lovely ferns.

: Wilmer clad in his rain gear

: Chhaweng doesn’t mind a gentle rain.

: Meanwhile, Chhiring uses the edger to cut a clean border.

: Stretching a line as a guide ensures a perfect edge.

: The lily foliage looks great this year.

: Very green and healthy

: The chive patch is blooming nicely. Chive flowers are edible and when pulled apart, they make a pretty garnish for spring soups and salads.

: The chives are part of the herb garden in the stone terrace.

: Also on the terrace are boxwood, golden barberry and teucrium.

: And, of course, allium!

: Looking down towards the stable, you can see that the herbaceous peonies are beginning to open. The deep pink blossoms hanging down belong to a black locust tree.

: Beautiful black locust blooms.

: A peony bud bursting

: Ants are attracted to the sweet resin exuded on the flower buds. Some people believe that ants help the flowers to open, but, they would open regardless of the ants presence.