Almost all of the leaves have fallen off of the two big maple trees in the back this week. Wind and rain, and a glorious golden carpet over half of the garden. The children helped to tidy and rake earlier, but I hope to get back out today.
We are using the leaves to build a new bed along the back fence, and a small one near the entry in front. When we moved here a year ago, this house had nothing growing here except for the trees and one rhododendaron. So it is very satisfying, every little bit that gets done. Right now we are building and tucking in.
Our vegetables did fairly well, and now the two big beds are getting layers of straw, compost and leaves topped with black plastic to work away and hopefully build good soil for the spring. This is something new-- I will let you know how it works! The artichokes are bedded down with straw. We added a good two feet of material to the potato bin. We didn't get many potatoes, and when Asher and I pulled them up, we found all of the seed potatoes had been eaten by sow/pill/rolly polly bugs. Have you ever heard of such a thing?
Now there are only two smaller beds with winter veggies hanging on. Kale and carrots and turnips and beets and bok choy, not willing to give up the fight just yet. Even a few peas!
It has been comforting getting things in order, and it has been inspiring dreaming up new things to plant and grow again soon. For now, it is time for one last flurry of work, and then we look forward to winter's rest.
I wish I loved to garden - I've tried - but unfortunately, I just don't. So instead I will envy yours.
Posted by: Julie | 22 November 2011 at 05:47