Garden Friday

 

Welcome to Garden Friday!

Our weather has been absolutely spectacular,

with daytime temperatures in the 60's and 70's.

We're hoping for a bit of rain early next week,

we sure could use it.

We have a burn ban in over 30 counties in NC,

and some folks are having trouble with wells being dry.

I think one of the reasons we've had such brilliant autumn color

is because of the lack of precipitation.

As much as I love the seasonal palette,

I'd rather have the rain!

The garden has been bundled up for a while,

and the brassicas have been safe from the coldest nights,

as well as wandering chooks.

The pansies that grow in the washtub

add a bit of color to the landscape.

The raised beds will be rearranged this winter,

creating a more cohesive design (hopefully).

After a Master Gardener session on propagation,

cuttings were taken from Autumn Sedum

for next spring's plant sale.

We are trying a new technique

to raise money for the Master Gardener program.

The members will be growing seedlings

or taking cuttings from their own gardens

to sell at the event.

Also started a few weeks ago,

were kale and lettuce seedlings using the winter sowing method.

Some were recently transplanted to garden beds.

That'll keep me in greens for a few months.

Seeds continue to be saved.

This is the seed pod from the black-eyed Susan vine.

They were left to dry out on the stems before harvesting.

Seeds will be one of the items for sale

at the fundraiser.

I enjoy this vine every summer,

and will continue to harvest seed to ensure

that it's always in my garden.

Some progress was made on the woodchip pile.

C helped me by driving the trailer behind

the lawnmower to move the chips where

they were needed.

There should still be enough to spread

throughout the winter in order to establish 

a few new planting areas.

Thankfully, the lettuce that was purchased as seedlings

is still coming in,

and we are able to enjoy their fresh, crisp leaves

right from the raised beds.

Earlier this week, the asparagus was cut back

 and I will be adding compost for next season.

It's always such a treat to be able to sample

fresh asparagus in the springtime.

Our mild autumn weather has given me the luxury

of spending ample time in the garden.

What a blessing.

How's your autumn garden doing?