The last rose of summer is now blooming. The main colors left on the farm are the fall colors of leaves and some berries as on the bittersweet vines that are plentiful around here and fun to use as decoration by the front door as well as inside the house. The ordeal of gathering all the leaves, mulching them for compost, adding a winter cover for garden beds and the mulching of perennials is a major annual task but now about done. We have had some windy rain storms the last few weeks and it has hastened the fall of leaves. At this point I can report that most of the garden chores are now done, everything needing a protective cover for winter has it now, especially the strawberry and asparagus beds.
My final tally of canned products has hit 400 jars! Nearly one third has been sold and the shelves in the basement are buldging with the rest. I have my wood stash for the winter all covered and in place in a few accessible locations and the snow blower is now in position in the garage. I am ready! A few veggies are still in the garden: Brussels sprouts; leeks; kale; some carrots; Swiss chard and turnip greens.
I want to share a fun video with you, faithful readers of the blog. In late October Cotton and his parents visited and he had a chance to help make apple cider in the old cider press and also enjoy the Saco Fall Festival downtown. I think the video speaks for itself as to how much fun Cotton had as well as his parents and I. Enjoy! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8fFPCpSOA9Q