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