This weekend and Columbus Day will probably be close to the leaf peak season in Warren County for fall foliage. I like the changing of the leaves when there are still a few green foliage trees that enhance the vibrant colors of the trees that have already changed.
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

Technorati Tags: conewango creek, country living, fall foliage, fall in Warren County, Kinzua Dam

Our area is know for the Famous ground hog “Punxsutawney Phil”, from the state of Pennsylvania and Dunkirk Dave, resident of our northern bordering state, New York, going head to head predicting the arrival of spring. This holiday tradition happens on Ground Hogs day, February 2nd of each year. When you live in between the two big rivals, Ground Hogs Day takes on a new meaning.
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.

Technorati Tags: country living

Rhubarb has been a staple on many farms for generations. There was a time when all farms had a large plot designated just for this crop. As farms have died down and the garden plots have disappeared, rhubarb is harder to buy.
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.

Technorati Tags: country living, gardening tips