Santa (a.k.a. The World's Sweetest Fiance) was good to me this year and brought me my first pair of Felco pruners. I have been drooling over these for awhile now. Unfortunately, I won't be able to test out their world famous, smooth, tight action, or awesome cutting power and precision just yet. Well, I suppose I could whittle some marshmallow-roasting sticks. But, I think I can contain myself until spring. I love that they will last forever with a little bit of care. You can order replacement parts should you ever need them, they are easy to repair, and they can be sharpened without taking them apart. Just in case you would like to check them out for yourself, here is the website: http://www.felcostore.com/index.jsp
We are plant-sitting an AeroGarden for Blake's sister, Ren. I had heard about these 
before, but had never seen one, and certainly never bothered to research them. Ren had visited a store which was going out of business and had them for sale at half price. I would be highly tempted if I were to find such a deal. They are not cheap. This indoor garden is extremely easy to use, and you can grow anything from herbs and flowers to tomatoes, peppers, and lettuce greens. The AeroGarden is computerized, and tells you when to add water or nutrients, and it automatically turns the light on/off. How much simpler could it possibly be? It also gets bonus points for looking really cute sitting on top of my counter.
7:37 AM
6:17 AM
I found this giant toadstool in the woods behind our house. It looks like a good place to rest... (if you were a toad). This is the last of my fall-like photos. Winter is definitely upon us here in Vermont. We got our first snowstorm yesterday - the end of the storm that even made its way to Louisiana. I'd say we got about 8" of snow at our place. After work yesterday I was really looking forward to coming home and taking the dog for a walk. She goes nuts in the snow... she jumps into snowbanks, bounces around, and sticks her whole head in the snow if she smells something curious. It is really quite amusing to watch her having so much fun.
This is my last weekend of class. Yipeeeeeee!! This past semester I was taking Anatomy and Physiology II and English Composition. It was an enjoyable semester, although very time consuming, as you can see with my lack of posts for the past month or so. I will be taking my last test tomorrow. It is always a little strange for the first week or so after classes end. I find myself with all of this time on my hands and not really quite sure what to do about it. But, I am looking forward to doing the things that I have been missing. This winter I would like to do some knitting, and I would really like to learn to quilt. The quilting will include learning to sew, because I am pretty much clueless when it comes to operating a sewing machine. I could probably find the "on" button, but that's about it. In addition, my pastels are collecting dust in the spare bedroom. Oh yeah, and I have been itching to go spend an entire day wandering around Barnes and Noble reading books and sipping a fancy coffee...
7:10 AM
Gathering Leaves...
by Robert Frost
Spades take up leaves
No better than spoons,
And bags full of leaves
Are light as balloons. I make a great noise
Of rustling all day
Like rabbit and deer
Running away. But the mountains I raise
Elude my embrace,
Flowing over my arms
And into my face. I may load and unload
Again and again
Till I fill the whole shed,
And what have I then? Next to nothing for weight,
And since they grew duller
From contact with earth,
Next to nothing for color. Next to nothing for use.
But a crop is a crop,
And who's to say where
The harvest shall stop?
7:53 AM
When it comes to gardening, one of the things I love the most is that there is always something new and exciting to be learned or discovered. Despite the cold temperatures (currently it is 15 degrees) and snowy landscape, I am dreaming of a few additions I will be making in the garden come spring. This Ensete Maurelii - Red Abyssinian Banana grows to 10' tall in temperate climates, and the leaves can grow to 10' long. I love the red that appears on new growth as well as underneath the leaves.
Canna 'Panache' is a bit different from other cannas. It's delicate rosy-apricot blooms are orchid-like and great at attracting hummingbirds. Visit the Gardener's Journal for some great information on overwintering both bananas and cannas. It's pretty easy to do, and worthwhile if you want to add some tropicals to your garden, but are lacking the tropical climate. I am also anticipating the arrival of two other additions: my English Rose 'Evelyn,' which bears giant, apricot-colored flowers of a shallow, saucer-like shape, with numerous small petals inter-twined within. And last, but not least, Hypericum moseranum 'Albury Purple,' with the colorful orange-yellow blooms and purple-tinted foliage. I have found the zoning information on this one to be a bit confusing, but I am determined to give it a try.
'Evelyn'
Hypericum moseranum 'Albury Purple'
Hypericum moseranum 'Albury Purple'
8:03 PM
Just when I thought I had planted the last of my bulbs, I found a few others that I decided I couldn't possibly live without. It began with an order to McClure and Zimmerman for 3 varieties of allium (schubertii, purple sensation, and atropupureum), 2 varieties of tulips (black parrot and the fringed blue heron), and 3 foxtail lilies (eremerus bungei). Then, I was reading about the art of potting bulbs, as well as forcing bulbs. Elizabeth at Gardening While Intoxicated has some great information on planting, potting, and forcing bulbs. She also makes it sound really easy, I might add. : ) So, as I was reading and learning, I thought "Hey, I can do that!" However, I would definitely need to order some more bulbs!! Another visit to McClure and Zimmerman and Old House Gardens, as well as one or two visits to The Lily Garden, and I have become crazed by the desire for more bulbs. Here are a few of the goodies I found:
'Schoonoord', early, double-white tulip
'Sulfur Queen' Hymenocallis
'Conca d' Or' Orienpet hybrid lily
'Elise' Aurelian hybrid lily
Just one week after planting my tulips, some critter has already discovered the darn things! I found the mangled remains of a tulip bulb sitting on top of the dirt not far from where it was planted. Those crushed shells in the bulb fertilizer seem sort of useless!! Ah, well, hopefully the little bugger doesn't come back for more!!
11:54 AM
I must admit... I am a complete sucker for a man with a banjo... er... um... I mean fiddle... oh man... no wait... um... I am a sucker for a man who knows just what to do with his... cello. Let's just say, I am a complete sucker for some incredible banjo pickin' mixed with some silky, sultry vocals, as well as one of the best fiddlers I have ever seen, topped off with a cellist that can do things with a cello that I have never seen before in my life. This would be the makings for a group called Abigail Washburn and The Sparrow Quartet. My wonderful fiance got us tickets to this show at the Flynn Center for the Performing Arts in Burlington, VT, and it proved to be the most delightful, wonderful, and entertaining evening!! I would have to describe this music as 'eclectic bluegrass'. You can hear a sampling of their music at their website, which also includes a list of tour dates. Did I mention that Bela Fleck is touring with this group?? Abigail Washburn and The Sparrow Quartet features:
Abigail Washburn: vocals, banjo
Ben Sollee: cello, vocals
Bela Fleck: banjo, and a bit of a comedian, I might add
Casey Driessen: fiddle
If you have the opportunity, please check them out!! I have also included a link to each artists' website, which are definitely worth a visit.
8:33 PM
Thanks so much to Robin at Life in Robin's Nest for my first ever blog award!! It was very thoughtful, and is very much appreciated!!
6:23 PM
I spent a little time walking through my gardens today, admiring the last of the dahlias, which I will be digging up this coming weekend. Then there are the cosmos and zinnias... I hate to see them go so soon, but they will be dug up as well. It seems that every summer passes by more quickly than the last. As I turn the page on this year's garden, I find myself dreaming about next year. The new additions I'd like to make, and the anticipation of spring blooms. Many of the perennial plants in my garden were newly planted this year, so I am really looking forward to next year, when I can enjoy them once they've gotten a bit of their "oomph!"
Please visit Carol at May Dreams Gardens, where you can link to your post about what's blooming in your own garden getaway on the 15th of every month.
This purple beautyberry is one of my most favorite new additions to the garden.
Thankfully the Rudbeckia 'Herbstonne' did not reach a height of 7 ft. this year, or I wouldn't have been able to get this photo without a ladder, or perhaps stilts.
Bees like to take naps, too. This one lingered here for quite some time.
I was hoping this dahlia would get a chance to bloom before a hard frost. So far, we have managed to avoid any frost at all. We must be tucked into the surrounding woods just right. Several mornings last week as I drove down our hill, the landscape below was covered.
Another favorite addition is this variegated Sweet Flag.
9:11 AM
Over the holiday weekend we had family in town visiting, so of course we spent some time walking and driving around Vermont to appreciate some of this beauty that surrounds us. This past week was the time for peak foliage, and the colors were absolutely beautiful!! The leaf peepers were out in full force, taking advantage of the infinite photo opportunities as well as the temperatures, which were right around 70 degrees. In addition, the Canadian holiday meant even more visitors who came to enjoy this time in Vermont.
11:04 AM
In the woods behind our house, there is an old logging road which is quickly becoming carpeted with the colors of fall. The trees are dressed in rich reds, browns, oranges, and yellows. On my way to work, I drive by what must be the cutest farm on the planet. Behind it, you can see miles and miles of colorful trees covering the rolling hills - it is truly breathtaking and makes one feel happy to be alive.
Walking along the old logging road, there are all kinds of interesting mushrooms, as well as a tree or two I thought worthy of a photo. One tree is growing on top of a rock, and the other looks as though it might start walking with me at any moment.
In my garden, there were a few little patches of orange peel mushrooms, which I initially left in place because I was intrigued by their bright orange color. Now, they seem to be taking over the place, so I guess it's time to get out the shovel and start digging them up. Apparently, you can eat them, but I think I'll pass.
2:20 PM
Yesterday I attended a class called "Putting Your Garden To Bed" which was offered at Gardener's Supply Company in Burlington. Two things I learned:
1.) A cover crop such as winter rye helps to put nutrients back into the soil. In the spring, you can turn over the grass which will add some organic matter. Cover crops also help to prevent soil compaction and erosion. Dirt which has been the home of heavy feeders such as corn, cabbage, lettuce, onions, potatoes, and tomatoes will also benefit from the addition of compost.
2.) I learned about a product called Wilt Pruf, which will help protect evergreens such as rhodies, azaleas, cypress, junipers, and boxwoods from windburn and winter kill. It helps by
keeping moisture in the leaves. Best of all, it is totally organic and biodegradable. It is best to apply this product after the first hard frost, when moisture has retreated to the plant's root system. Otherwise, you could have some seriously unhappy plants.
I collected the last of the Corola potatoes today. These were super delicious, easy to grow, and probably Blake's most favorite vegetable to grow. There are a few peppers and tomatoes left on the plants, but they are done for the most part. I have tried several varieties of tomatoes, and still like the Green Zebras the best. Unfortunately, our vegetable garden was feeling a bit neglected this year due to my focus on the front mixed gardens. 
But, even with a fair amount of neglect, we still did quite well. Now that everything has been cleaned out, the empty dirt makes me feel a little sad. I love the times when you're cooking dinner and can run outside for a fresh pepper or tomato. On the other hand, the empty dirt makes me think about next year: the improvements I'll make and the asparagus bed that will be ready for it's first harvest.
5:34 AM
I can't resist the fiery reds, oranges, and yellows of the beautiful red-hot poker. And, I must admit that some of my fascination lies in the fact that they're just not supposed to grow here in my zone 4 garden. After seeing these beauties in The Well-Tended Perennial Garden, I decided that I must have some. Following some extensive online shopping and research, I discovered that most varieties are listed as being hardy in zones 6 through 9. Bummer!! But, I did find a few varieties that are listed as being zone 5 hardy. I decided to purchase one plant, Bee's Sunset, and watch and wait. Confession: I visit this plant almost every day, just to make sure it looks happy. I would probably sing to it, too, if only I knew what kind of music it likes. I planted it in one of the most protected areas that I could find, and I've read that it helps to tie the leaves togeth
er and mulch it with pine needles for the winter. If all goes well, I will definitely be purchasing some more. I visited the website for Seneca Hill Perennials, which is located in upstate New York. They have had great success in growing these South African plants, and I can only hope that I do, too.
La-da-dee-da-dah......
8:45 PM
This time of year, it's pretty much impossible not to notice the overwhelming amount of information about tomatoes. Yeah, they're in season... nothing beats a garden fresh tomato... how to can... how to store... how to ripen... the best heirloom variety... what to do with the insane amount of tomatoes you have sitting inside your refrigerator... blah, blah, blah. Everyone is talking about them, blogging about them, and reading about them. ENOUGH with the tomatoes!!
Back in May of 2007, I took a tofu-making class through Champlain Valley Union High School Access program. (If you're not aware of this program, you should check it out. They offer a little bit of everything.) Well, after an exhaustive search trying to find Nigari (a thickening agent used to make tofu), I pretty much came to the conclusion that it is unavailable in Vermont. I even tried to special order it through several local stores, which either never called me back to inform me whether they could get it, or if they did get it, I never heard about it. ANYWAY, I ordered it online, and finally got around to making a batch of my own. It turned out to be totally delicious. If you have never had homemade or artisan tofu, there is nothing that could compare. You absolutely must try it. It is even delicious raw. Yes, raw. While I love Soy Boy, I don't see myself pulling out a raw block of it and gnawing on it. In fact, the thought of it is kind of nauseating. But, the homemade... mmmmm!! So, move over tomatoes... the tofu may just start taking over the fridge.
11:26 AM
As many of the perennials in my garden are winding down for the season, I have found pleasure in choosing my spring bulbs, and planning on just where to plant them. This year I chose: three varieties of allium (schubertii, atropurpureum, and purple sensation), two varieties of tulips (black parrot, and the fringed blue heron), and a flaming yellow foxtail lily. I am so looking forward to seeing them in the spring. One aspect of gardening that I have a very difficult time with: patience. If anyone has some extra, please send it my way.
In my bulb-planting research, I have found that it is beneficial at the time of planting to add some bulb-booster (fertilizer) which also contains some crushed shells which will help (hopefully!) in protecting them from hungry critters. This is my first spring-bulb planting experience, so we'll see how it goes. If anyone has any tips, I would be happy to hear of them.
Other than bulbs, there are a few other to-do's for this month:
- For your perennials and shrubs, give them one more application of fertilizer and give them a good drink of water - this will help them through the winter months.
- Dig up any tender bulbs such as cannas, gladiolus, and dahlias so that they can be stored for the winter.
- Allow hips to form on your rose bushes.
- Leaving seed heads on the rudbeckia and echinacea provides food for the birds. Also, waiting until spring to cut back some of those perennials and ornamental grasses provides some shelter for those feathered friends. This can also help achieve some winter interest in your garden.
- Perennials that you are cutting back for winter should be cut down after several killing frosts. And, plants should be cut back to within 2-3 inches of the ground.
- This is also a great time to divide and move perennials.
- Bring houseplants back indoors.
- Plant trees and shrubs.
- Watch out for frost, and cover those tender plants if necessary.
- Give that compost bin one last turn.
6:27 AM
If you have somehow managed to miss out on Island Ice Cream, you are truly missing out on one of life's great pleasures. This ice cream is homemade right here in Grand Isle, Vermont. It is super creamy and delicious. My favorite flavors (so far) are the maple walnut and cake 
batter. Island Ice Cream will have a scoop cart at the Applefest celebration in South Hero, VT on October 11th and 12th. If you would like to check out their website, which also contains a complete list of where you can purchase their ice cream, please visit http://www.islandhomemadeicecream.com/
Caution: may induce drooling.
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