10/25/2024
The frost is setting in now on the colder microclimate areas on the farm. Some of the more tender-leafed plants have been looking a little droopy for the past week, and I have honestly been checked out of the garden for longer than that.
Just a few more outdoor projects left before I can really pretend the gardens don't exist.
🪷 Plant peony rootstock that was delivered last week
🌧 Water in some of the newer shrubs we planted
📒 Take notes and schedule reminders for next year's garden plan
🌾 Pull seedheads for plants I don't want to get too ambitious next year
🌻 Scatter seed for some native plants I hope will pop up in the spring
The only other task I might add is moving some leaves from the driveway to the annual beds, and layering rabbit/turkey manure in there. There is no last-minute weeding or "tidying up" around here. And I'm so glad, because this list already feels too long.
The insects have been hunkering down in the long grasses and stems. The falling leaves will insulate them even more. 🦋🪱🪲🐞🐝
Give yourself a break this fall. I promise your garden isn't ugly if there are uneven stems and leaves and dried flowers. It's texture and life and wild, good things. Nature isn't meant to be straight lines and geometric shapes, and I think that style of landscaping does something to our brain to disconnect us from the peace the outdoors should bring us. This is your permission to rest, and let yourself go a little wild.