Sunday, November 15, 2009

All the leaves are brown...And I have to pick them up.

This is the view of my original garden as it looked yesterday. We only have one oak on our property but the rest are all very close so they share their leaves with us. I'm so happy that we are getting them up before winter. It's much more difficult in the spring when they are wet and compacted and the irises really don't like being covered at all.



Mom and I brought the riding mower, leaf blower, a few rakes and we got going. I raked while she rode over the leaves mulching and bagging them. It makes much shorter work out of the process. Normally we just rake them up and load them into the truck but that takes about seven trips. This will only take two.

We are a little over half way done now after about two hours of work. All that blank ground you see is where the irises are. Their leaves died prematurely because of all the leaf cover. The rhizomes are fine but they definitely lost some nutrients due of that.

In the far back where the trees are is my shade gardens. They stretch from the left branch tips of the white pine and all the way to the right of the picture. I think this yard is getting shadier every year. My goal is to move everything from here to my new gardens that I started this past summer. It's much sunnier and has way fewer leaves. Plus, they are all maple trees which I like much better.



We always take our leaves down to our little cabin and dump them in the woods. Usually filling in holes or dips in the ground.



The cabin is also where I keep my stash of old windows. I have around 100 as you can see.



I hope to use them for greenhouses, cold frames, decor, etc... We usually have them covered with plastic. I will be getting them covered back up before I go back to NC. They are all set up on 2x4's to keep them off the ground.



This is the two seater outhouse original to the cabin.



You must sign in to become a "Charter Member". Notice those dates?

11 comments:

Chloe m said...

Well, I never expected to see such lovely handwriting in a john. Usually it's "for a good time call..." Nice to have a log to sign in. LOL
You have a TON Of windows, lady!
And leaves.
Rosey

Robin's Nesting Place said...

Thank you for the nice comment you left today!

That is a lot of leaves! I love old windows too! I've seen them used inside the house propped on a buffet or dresser with a wreath hanging on the window. I'm actually looking for a really old window to do that very thing.

donna said...

You're the first person I've heard of who collects windows. Is it in your life plan to move back to MI? Sounds like you have a lot going on there. I look forward to seeing all the irises in the spring and also your shade garden. The outhouse is too cute. I see a lamp in there. Does that mean it has electricity? I had to enlarge the sign-in sheet to see the dates. 1958 sounds like a long time ago to most people, but not me. I was already 10 years old then.

joey said...

Looks like you're keeping yourself busy! Enjoy your MI stay ... I've ordered this Indian Summer to continue until your mother's wedding :)

Laura Gardens in Desert said...

Wonderful collection of windows. You are rich my friend!

Beegirl said...

LOVE your window stash!!

Thomas said...

I am very envious of your windows! I hope you put them to good use!

Gail said...

I envy you the old windows~~they will make nice greenhouses and cold frames...and the leaves are brown gold...I just wish we had someone to help me with clean up! gail ps Love the two seater!

Joanne said...

Gosh what a lot of work. I was amused to see the john's and the writing.

You sound like it is all good fun but much hard work building greenhouses out of window frames.

Kris said...

Oh thank goodness it's not just me who collects windows and screens. Whenever I upgrade my house windows I save the old ones. When I see someone throwing out a sash or screen, I scarf them up. And while I've not used the windows for anything yet, I find that used/washed window screens are excellent for drying herbs, onions, garlics, etc.

Maybe you need to install screens on the outhouse for those hot summer days when you want to have the door open. LOL

Concord Carpenter said...

Oh man you could make a ton of cold frames.... get going girl!!!