The Gardener’s Rake

As winter tries to creep in there are still a few gardening chores that need to be done. If you haven’t planted the last of your perennials and shrubs you need to get that done this week. At least you do in NW PA.

It’s also important to cover garden areas and around plants and shrubs to protect the ground. If the frost gets into the ground too deeply around newly planted plants, shrubs and trees the frost will either damage the roots or raise the plant out of the ground. A ground cover will also keep the soil moist and soft and help with earlier plantings for the next garden season.

Compost, straw, and mulch are some of the best ground covers for the winter. I use compost around plants that need a boost of nutrients, straw around established plants, shrubs and trees. Mulch is used more for older trees and problem areas in the yard.

Here are a few ideas for getting ground covers for free or very cheap. Continue Reading »

When I grew up in Warren County there were barns at almost every house on a dirt road and quite a few still standing in the center of the smaller towns.

The barn we had at the house were I grew up had three floors. The top floor had a smooth inlaid oak tongue and groove floor. Back in the 1920’s  and 30’s when community parties were held every weekend, this barn was known in three states for having the best square dancing parties.

By the time my parents bought the house and the barn had suffered from neglect in the depression era and the third floor had lost some of its elegance but it still had an air of importance and mystery. I remember looking out the huge third floor windows across the hills and valleys during those hot summer days enjoying the lush hills and quiet of the country.

One of the most amazing things to my brothers and I was the hay chute from the third floor to the first floor. It was as smooth as ice from hay polishing the wood and it made the best slide! The architecture of the barn also intrigued me. I guess this is where my love of barns comes from. The barn fell down many years ago and I still remember that day vividly.

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Fall has a way of reaching out with its bright colors and speaking to your soul. I find this time of year inspiring and so fleeting.

I try to capture the colors with my camera and incorporate this into my artwork. That way I take a part of this wonderful time with me throughout the year.

This U Tube video catches fall with the scenery and the music.

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