March 26, 2024

Removing the Winter Burlap

And just like clockwork, this time every year my outdoor grounds crew begins the process of removing all the burlap around the farm, exposing the lush green boxwood that has been covered all winter long.

Every autumn for as long as I’ve been gardening I’ve covered all my boxwood shrubs and outdoor ornamental urns to protect them from the season’s heavy snowfall, freezing temperatures, and damaging winds. Then, every spring when the ground begins to thaw, it’s all removed and stored away. The entire process is a big undertaking; however, knowing my plants are protected in the cold is a great comfort. And seeing all the healthy, intact shrubbery and foliage at the start of a new season is an even greater delight.

Enjoy these photos.

March 25, 2024

The Growing Chicks at My Farm

The youngest residents at my farm are thriving.

Earlier this year I incubated and hatched more than two dozen baby Silkie and Ayam Cemani chicks. Since then, the peeps have grown and moved into their new "nursery" coop where they can have access to the outdoors. All of them are alert, healthy, and very curious. They will remain in this enclosure until they are old enough to join the adult chickens.

Enjoy these photos.

March 23, 2024

Potting Aloe Vera and Other Succulents

If you want to add some houseplants to your collection, consider aloe vera - it's low maintenance and a wonderful air-purifying specimen.

Aloe vera is a succulent plant species of the genus Aloe. Known for its lance-shaped leaves with jagged edges, aloe vera is an evergreen perennial that originates from the Arabian Peninsula, but also grows wild in tropical, semi-tropical, and arid climates around the world. I have many different varieties of aloe vera. This week, my head gardener, Ryan McCallister, potted up a selection of small succulents for my greenhouse including Aloe 'Marmalade.'

Enjoy these photos.