Homestead Happenings

 

Welcome to Homestead Happenings,

where we share what's been going on 

here in the Piedmont of North Carolina.

Yes, folks, we have pumpkins.

Don't ask me why.

This volunteer just popped up

and is apparently enjoying the summer weather.

Doesn't it know it's supposed to be a fall crop?

Although the weather has been scorching,

(mid to high 90's),

a few maintenance tasks were completed

in the early morning hours.

The border in the front beds was redefined,

as grass had started to encroach the beds.

The summer blooms are relishing every ray of sunshine.

The combination of the purple and yellow

in the pollinator bed is a favorite.

This bed has admittedly gone a bit rogue,

because it's just been too dang hot 

to get out there and get it under control.

There are so many coneflowers that have multiplied

here in this side of the bed.

It's such a treat having fresh flowers to bring inside.

This ajuga is a new favorite.

Once the heat subsides a bit

and we will be expecting rain,

I plan to transplant some of this plant

to use as a front border.

Its undemanding demeanor makes it a breeze to grow.

Something I noticed about the yarrow

that I have heard happens is that

the pink variety seems to be reverting back to white.

I'm not sure if it is simply white yarrow

mixed in with the pink,

or if it is indeed changing.

Have you ever had this happen with a plant?

The elderberries are beginning to show some color.

The white blossoms fall off and

the berries start off green,

and then turn a rich, magenta.

Shortly after, they can be harvested

to make syrup.

There are a few scattered okra plants

that are finally starting to grow.

As I'm the only one who eats it,

just a few plants are needed.

Any surplus that I can't consume,

will be offered to neighbors.

Red ripper beans surround a tomato cage

repurposed for this crop.

These are my favorite drying beans,

as they are prolific and keep well.

The garlic is finished curing,

has been trimmed and is ready to use.

There is more than enough for sister and I,

so we will find a home for the rest of it.

The largest bulbs were put aside

for planting in the fall.

Yet another symbol of the abundance

in our lives.

This click beetle was found this week.

Though these creatures look a bit menacing,

they are perfectly harmless.

You can learn more about them here.

Matilda is having a tough time.

She has been broody for almost 3 weeks.

I've tried all the tricks I know to break her

of her broodiness, to no avail.

She is sequestered in this wire cage,

so that she doesn't overheat in the coop.

(Broody hens stay in the nesting box

because they want to hatch eggs.)

With the temps we've been having,

I didn't feel comfortable letting her stay

inside the coop all day.

I've also tried giving her a cool bath,

without success.

Any suggestions would be welcome.

Saffron and Buttercup

These two have the right idea.

We have woods on three sides of our property,

so there are ample expanses of shade 

for the girls to rest in during these dog days of summer.

Things seem to be cooling down a bit

here toward the weekend,

and we'll do our best to keep everyone safe.

*I'm asking for prayers, good thoughts

and positive energy for our young man, C,

who will be having surgery next week.

It's a very challenging experience for us,

as his autism makes it difficult to deal with

anything out of the ordinary.

Thank you from this momma's heart.

~daisy

Homestead Happenings

 

Greetings from the Piedmont of North Carolina!

Thank you for visiting our Homestead Happenings post.

We've had summer-like weather with warmer days

and a few afternoon thunderstorms.

We get out when we can and attend our garden chores.

Last weekend the garlic was harvested.

We ran out of room for the 2-week curing process,

so we are using the front porch as a secondary drying station.

Any visitors to our front porch get the aroma of a pizzeria!

A few red onions were pulled up too,

although I don't remember planting any!

Any success with growing onions is welcome,

as I have not had much luck in the past.

Chamomile was also picked,

with the help of Buttercup.

This is being dried for future use as a tea.

This plant for us has been prolific!

It is a wonderful splash of white

that breaks up the mostly blue/purple garden.

There are a few pumpkins starting to grow

on our mostly volunteer plants.

It's always exciting to see the gourds form,

and not being sure what you'll end up with.

This trellis is lined with pumpkins that were all

volunteers last year, and used for our fall decorating.

It's so easy to save seeds from these crops.

I may never need to buy pumpkins again!

The front porch bed is filling up with color!

Here we have calla lilies, salvia, sedum,

coneflowers, rudebekia, a sunflower,

and lamb's ear all living harmoniously.

The bees absolutely adore it!

The canna lily forest is sharing space with

the milkweed.

We have so many pollinators enjoying the blossoms,

and there is a constant hum of activity there.

The turmeric is rejuvenating itself

near the chook runs.

This plant lives in the garage during winter,

and then comes back to life 

when the heat of spring and summer hits.

lily

Some time was spent this week

examining the blooms on the elderberry.

These delicate white snowflake-type petals

are absolutely magical.

Another bee magnet, the comfrey

gets plenty of visitors daily.

What a blessing to have these amazing critters to watch.

Looks like something has been having its way 

with the red cabbage.

Most likely moths got underneath the netting

and laid eggs on the leaves.

Ah well, the leaves will be just fine for the girls.

With the ample rain we've enjoyed,

it was a great time to replant this border.

The lamb's ear was taking over the front porch bed,

spilling onto the sidewalk,

and so I transplanted it here along our woodland bed.

The last time I did this, it wasn't watered enough,

and most of the plants didn't make it.

With abundant rain expected over the next 10 days,

it should get just what it needs.

The garden is exploding in color right now,

and I have to say,

it makes the thought of the upcoming heat of summer

almost worthwhile.

Maybe I'll complain less about the temperature

if I have some lovely flowers to look at,

and bring into the house.

How's your spring garden coming along?