We awoke to our first white frost on December 4th!
The Elk have been browsing our lilac. And our California lilac is chewed right to the ground or may even be pulled out. It came back from last years Elk harvest but then at one point in the summer it was gone again. The mushrooms that pop up under the forest are regularly eaten by Elk. We need a herd of goats to eat all the blackberry bushes that are taking over on the property. Too bad the Elk don’t like them.
The garden has been giving us kale and swiss chard. Slowly manure and mulch is being put around the garden for the winter. Garlic are being planted around the fruit trees to protect them a bit more. And companion planted with the strawberry new transplants.
The hoses have been pulled and drained. The water taps turned off. Tools are gathered and put into winter safety. There is some pruning to be done this winter and moving of plants out of the garden and into protection from Elk on the property. Building wooden rails around each tree, bush, and special flower garden areas will continue throughout the year.
Our beloved farm dog, Shila, passed on November 19th and our neighbour Stuart came with his back hoe and we buried her under the wild plum tree. Koa wanted blossoms to fall on her grave site.
The greenhouse up on the deck enters the third winter without the plastic changed. We have it full with plants and did get a light put up. We would like to cover the floor slats with rubber mats to protect it from some of the cold. And we can open the kitchen window for the night when it gets really cold. Especially since we are adding a wood heater to the house in a basement addition. Just on the deck against the house wall we have lavender still blooming. The hydrangea, geranium, sweet peas, and catnip continue to grow in pots.
Since COVID we stopped our farm stand sales and offer plants, trees, herbs, flowers and veggies on our blog to those who wish to put in an order and come pick up. May you have a wonderful month of December. Enjoy the holiday season.