photo credit: ajagendorf25

Today our side yard has one Amish buggy in the lower drive and one draft house tied to a tree near the barn. A group of Amish are starting to harvest the small branches needed for their furniture.

They only select branches under four inches and cut the trees in such a way that they will grow back, usually with more small branches that can be harvested in four or five years.

The Amish have cut Hickory off of our property on and off for about 15 years. Part of the deal often includes an Amish rocking chair or Amish love seat.

Eli, one of the Amish, told me they would be here cutting for about two weeks. He asked for permission to park the buggy by the barn and tie the horse to a tree. At the end of the their job they will bring several draft horses to haul the hickory bundles off the hill and load them into a wagon.

photo credit: Jan Tik

One year they harvested Hickory in the late spring when there was a foot of snow on the ground. When they came to haul the wood away they used an old wooden sled that could be pulled by horses. The sled was over 10 foot long and six foot wide with sides to hold the hickory bundles in place.

I asked about the history of the sled and was told it was over 100 years old and has been passed down through the family for generations.

So far today the Amish have collected about five bundles of branches. They cut them in four to eight foot sections. They then sort them before they are bundled by length and for what purpose they will be used for later. At this moment they are sorted by length and propped against my front trees.

The harvesting of the hickory will make for an interesting few weeks. The Amish in my area do not allow photographs to be taken. They are from an older sect and their beliefs are more controlled. They believe that the photographic image steals their soul.

So any photos in the article are from Amish groups that allow photographs to be taken.

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photo credit: Spudjnr123

As I was doing outdoor chores and picking up the yard and gardens and preparing them for winter I was distracted by last years gourd collection. The gourds were dry early this summer and I cut and cleaned the interiors about a month ago. I have about 20 I have selected for bird feeders or for hanging plants.

I still need to sand and clean the exterior and seal the insides (if used for plants) to prevent the gourds from attracting moisture and slightly molding. You should not seal the interior of a bird feeder. The sealer will affect the seed and hurt the birds.

You also need to use a pot inside the gourd if you want your gourd planter to last several seasons. Gourds and water really do not mix well, unless the gourd has been sealed on the inside and out.

photo credit: timlewisnm

If I get my outdoor chores done this week I will start on my gourds next week. I have an art show coming up that I would like to display some of the finished gourds.

I have grown gourds in my gardens since my very first garden and each year they add interest and usually a few horror stories for my family member to tell the neighborhood. Many people consider gardening to be a bit boring, but they haven’t visited my gardens!

Here’s a link to my one gourd garden that that still pops up in local neighborhood conversations. Grow your gourds on swing sets.

And one more fun thing to try with gourds is shaping them while they grow. Creative gardening: Shaping your Gourds

I’ll share a few of my finished gourds in a few weeks.

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photo credit: *Micky

I don’t have all the outdoor garden chores done plus I am really not ready for winter weather so I hope they are wrong. Mid October seems too early for a snowfall although I know we usually have a few warning snowfalls before winter sets in.

The leaves are still hanging on the trees and hopefully we will enjoy their beauty for a few more days after our taste of winter weather.
photo credit: dougtone

I believe this might be what they call Squaw Winter, which is usually followed by Indian summer.

As our summer was cold and wet and made for problems with gardens and crops I hope we have a long Indian summer.

For those who make apple cider it is also said that you need a good frost to bring out the best flavor in cider. We have made cider on and off for many years and I do think the best cider is made later in the season.

And for those who follow signs in nature, most wooly bear caterpillars show a long harsh winter. And the Oak trees and Apples trees have few fruit, which usually signifies a mild winter.

So do you believe we will have a harsh or mild winter?

Update: We missed the snow during the day but by Friday morning the snow was clinging to the tree limbs and covered the ground. ANd as typical for the first snow, it is gone, but still cold.

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photo credit: vieux bandit

Fall has always seemed a magical time to me. Yes, summer is over and winter will soon set in. But we have the period of time when fall flowers are at their peak and the air feels alive.

At this time of year the fog lifts slowly off the Conewango Creek each morning. It may take until 10 a.m. before I am sure what type of day we will have. After the fog lifts I take a walk down by the creek and watch the leaves slowly drift on the water and head south.

I also check the apples tree down by the creek to see how the crop is and if I will to able to press fresh apple cider. This year the harvest will be small due to our cold wet summer, but I will press at least one batch of cider at the amish cider press in Lottsville, Pa.

I guess what I like best about the season is you never know exactly what the leaves will look like and each day the same scenery has a new look. For an artist I find this amazing. A bucket left by the barn becomes an instant art piece alive with color.

As the fall colors fade outdoors and are replaced by grays, brown and the occasional splash of color I remember the summer and the spring that will arrive none too soon.

I plan to photograph as much as possible this weekend. We have the promise of three days of nice weather (hopefully with a little clouds to help enhance the color for the leaves.) These fall images will take the chill off winter and hopefully lead to a few pieces of artwork.

Below are a few links for fall crafts and saving leaves.

Autumn Craft Projects

Autumn Leaf crafts

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Living by a large creek and swamp and being only a few miles away from The Roger Tory Peterson Nature Center my thoughts wander back to the food supply and safe living areas for birds.

The birds feed heavily in the Shoemack trees, blackberry and raspberry bushes. They also feast on wild rosebushes and cherry trees.

The deer and squirrels are happy collecting and eating the oak and hickory nuts that lay heavily down by the Creek side. Every morning as the fog rises off the creek you have a ring side seat to the deer. They also clean up apples under the small apple orchard we have. So far they have not damaged the branches and twigs on the apple trees.

We also have otters, beavers, and many varieties of duck and geese on the creek and in the swamp.

The land is rich with wild food so the wildlife flourishes. I occasionally feed the birds, more for entertainment.

Living close to the Roger Tory Peterson Nature center and a large swamp has taught me the importance of nature. To appreciate the land and wildlife.

Many people think swamps are a nuisance and nothing more. The creek and swamp behind the property is beautiful and the wildlife is amazing. I see plants in the fields, outer swamp and creek bank that I do not see other places.

The Blue Herons have a large grouping of nests on the very far corner of the property and swamp. They fly down the creek to make their landing and they are just awesome to watch.
photo credit: hart_curt

The RTP Center in NW New York offers many classes and has beautiful paths for walking and studying nature. It adds to my community and helps remind me of the value of nature.

And as Spring sets in and another summer season heads my way its nice to see life start fresh and new in the outdoors.

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photo credit: PburghStever

But here in NW PA., the Conewango Creek predicts spring. I realize I am taking on both furry ground hogs with this declaration but the creek has never been wrong.

The Conewango creek flows from NY State and runs behind my house before it enters the Allegheny River. As is passes through NY and Pa it wanders though several small towns and the Ackley swamp, a nature swamp well known for its rare plants and wildlife. The creek measures close to 100 feet wide behind my house and is over 35 feet deep. It is home to many waterfowl and animals.

As I watch winter wind down and loose its hold on this area I know that winter is not over until the Canadian Geese leave the Ackley Swamp. Four days ago I saw the Canadian Geese on the creek and two other duck species. The prediction is also based on far in the swamp they return in the evening. So far the geese are close to the edge of the creek.

As the geese have returned to the banks spring is here. We may have those teasing snowflakes but it’s time to think about serious gardening and yard work.

In the past the farmers looked to mother nature to help them predict storms, seasons and much more. I learned a t a young age that when leaves turn upside down it will rain. How close a ring is around the moon is also a sign of rain. Have you heard any garden lore from the past? If so please share it.

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photo credit: Svadilfari

Ways to use The Christmas Tree after the Holidays are over

• If you have a big yard put the tree out and add bird food to it for the birds to find shelter from the cold winds and extra food in severe weather. Small animals will also find comfort under its branches.
• Cut the branches off and let the needle drop off. This will make nice ground cover or compost (high in acid) that can be used in certain areas. I use needle compost under trees and in my one rock garden.
• You can have the tree ground up for mulch or turn it into an organization that does it for you. Many local conservation groups will pick up trees or have drop off areas. The mulch will be used for trails and conservation uses.
• You can also buy a small rooted pine tree and use as your christmas tree. Later plant it in the spring. I have one friend who has done this for years and its fun to walk among the trees and hear the stories of Christmas and memories of the holiday that have been captured by a living tree.

Real pine trees just remind me of my childhood and going out on those days to pick out the perfect tree. We would bring it home, trim out any bad places, set it up and the decorating party would begin. Memories….. the best part of the holidays.

Whether you have a real tree or a boxed tree, happy holidays! Denise

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photo credit: G & A Sattler

How to make a natural Pine Wreath

I decided to make a pine wreath this year and just went out and trimmed off some branches from my pine trees that probably needed pruned anyways. I chose, Norway pine, Blue Spruce, White pine and another pine I am not sure of the name. By selecting several different kinds of pine I add texture and color changes to the wreath.

If you do not have your own trees, a neighbor may need his trees pruned (ask first!) or go to a place that is selling trees. They trim them and have piles of pine branches they will toss away.

I have saved some old wire clothes hangers and just bent one into a circle and left the top hook so that it could be hung on the wall or a door.

I gather the different pine into small groups, about 8 pieces in each group and secure with wire. Then this group is wired onto the wire frame. It took me about 32 groups to cover the wire frame. I packed them in closely so the wreath is full. This took me about 25 minutes to do.

For final touches I have pine cones in the back yard, which I will dry in the oven (to dry and make sure there are no bugs in the cones) then tie onto the wreath. I will also add a red bow and possible a few Christmas ornaments and its done!

After the holiday season is done I plan on cleaning the wreath off of any ornaments and bows and tying the wreath outdoors. I will add homemade seed feeders to the wreath and let the birds enjoy a new place to rest and eat.

In the spring the pine needles will be added to my ground cover pile and my wreath will have served several purposes without hurting the environment.

Happy Holidays to all! Denise

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photo credit: ilovemypit

Rhubarb has many uses, both as an edible fruit and herbal uses. The root can even be used to naturally lighten your hair and cover gray. It also looks nice in perennial gardens offering lush green leaves and bright red stems.

I put in a rhubarb patch around eight years ago. If you prepare your patch properly rhubarb is easy to grow.

Rhubarb needs fertile soil that will drain well. I prepared my patch by adding compost and some sand (I have rocky and clay in my soil).  I dug the soil about 10 inches deep and added the compost. I later added sand. After planting rhubarb crowns that had been given to me I watered them well and ignored the patch. To keep the weeds down I applied a thick layer of straw. This patch has supplied a steady source of rhubarb for friends and family.

Rhubarb does better if it is divided every four or five years. I divided my patch three years ago and doubled my plants easily. This year I again divided the plants and gave many plants away to friends. You divide the roots of the plants and set back in the ground with the rhubarb crown even with the soil. Fall is the best time to divide the plants.

Rhubarb is a cool weather plant so its does well if you plant is near a side of a building for shade in the warmer months. Also, if you keep it picked and do not allow a seed head to grow you can harvest rhubarb all summer long.
photo credit: dconlon

Rhubarb and be canned or frozen. If you’re not familiar with rhubarb you use the stem. The leaves can be toxic. Rhubarb can be canned or frozen. It makes great cobbler or jam. Cooked rhubarb that has been cooled is  one of our favorite treats on those  warm  fall nights.

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My garden tools are all cleaned and hung up, except for three, which I am still using. It’s important to get the dirt off your tools and to oil the handles. Cleaning the dirt off prevents rust and oiling the handle keeps it smooth and prevents wood slivers and cracks.

Most of my shrubs are mulched and one garden needs a final mulch cover, which I hope to do Monday. I do tie two of my shrubs with twine to prevent the heavy snows from breaking limbs. You may want to tie evergreen shrubs or use burlap or a wooden frame around them. It is also a wise idea for newly planted shrubs.

I started mulching my gardens with straw and leaves about four years ago. It keeps the soils moist and soft and makes digging the new garden easier. Usually I just work the mulch into the ground in early spring with a “Garden Claw” and I can easily plant peas and early crops.  My soil has improved and it’s made for easier gardening.

I finished my last mowing of the yard for this year, a 13-hour task. I like the grass mowed as late as possible. It prevents snow mold and makes mowing for the first time in the spring easier.

All that’s left to do it work in the last perennial garden, winterize the porches and rake the last leaves, which I will add to the compost pile them cover for the season. Now I am prepared for another gardening season!

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