photo: compliments of The Farmers Almanac

 

 

Today is the Autumnal equinox, when day and night hours are nearly equal.  Astronomically, it is when the Sun is directly above the equator.  Astrologically, it is when the Sun enters the sign of Libra.  In the Northern hemisphere, we will begin to see more hours of darkness than light, until the Winter Solstice in December.  

 

According to the Farmers Almanac, Autumn officially begins at 9:31 a.m. EDT, September 22, 2020.

 

 

I read in the Carolina Country newsletter that now is the perfect time to plan your spring garden, and buy your spring flowering bulbs.  You can get them in garden centers, and catalogs that specialize in bulbs.  My favorite is http://www.brentandbeckysbulbs.com  and Jim and Roxanne shop at  http://www.brecks.com  You can't go wrong copying Jim and Roxanne.  They have the best garden around.

 

We are talking about crocus, daffodils, hyacinths, iris, lilies, tulips;  and don't forget onions and garlic.  They all get planted in the late fall.  You can get onion sets and garlic bulbs at the garden center too, or from http://www.sowtrueseed.com  You get better selection from catalogs, even if you don't always get better prices.  Depends on your preferences.  

 

The selection is best at the beginning of fall.  But it is TOO EARLY to plant them now. The soil needs to be cooler to keep the bulbs from starting to sprout.  Late October into November is the best time for planting in our area.  

 

So BUY your bulbs now, and keep them cool and dry until you plant them in October into November.

 

HAPPY GARDENING!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

We are members of Farm Bureau, and every month we get a newsletter/magazine.  It always has good stories, tips, and general information about North Carolina.  So I read it every month.  This month I read a short article on roadway safety that I'd like to pass along.  

 

Agricultural vehicles are on the roads now, delivering food and necessities, or just getting from one field to another.  And they are very slow-moving.  They can only travel at 20-25 mph, but need to use the same highways we use traveling 55 mph.  When you see them, SLOW DOWN, for their safety, and yours.

 

I thought it was an excellent reminder that we're not in the big city, and we ALL need to slow down.  That's why most of us are here anyway, isn't it?

 

HAPPY TRAVELS!!!

 

I know that fall is almost here when the Black gum trees start showing color.  They are some of the first to change.  This one is on Crabapple Lane, just across from our front door.  So I see it every day.

 

I've written about Black gum before, but it is such a prominent tree in our woods, I'd like to share some of its qualities again.  

 

Nyssa sylvatica, a botanical name I remember from 1975.  I can't help it;  there is a beautiful specimen tree in the Norfolk Botanical Garden that taught me about itself, especially when it did this in September!!!  This native, deciduous tree turns scarlet, leaf by leaf, until, by the middle of October it is on fire!!!!  

 

It is also called Sour gum, Black tupelo, and Pepperidge, and grows 40-60 feet tall.  The female trees bear clusters of blue-black berries in October, and are relished by birds.  Apparently turkeys and black bears love them too, according to my Peterson Field Guide.  Maybe you've heard of Tupelo honey;  bees use the nectar of the flowers in May and June to make honey.  Very tasty.

 

I have a friend who is a Naturalist, and she makes jelly, syrup and glazes for cakes using the juice of Black gum berries.  It requires a lot of work, but I'll share her recipes if you like.  Not me, though, I stay away from everything that uses that much sugar!!!

 

Be sure to notice the Black gum trees in your travels, remember: scarlet leaves against shiny green ones.  

 

HAPPY GARDENING!!!

 

 

 

It's time to bring in your houseplants that have been "at camp" on the porch all summer.  Even though the days are still warm, the nighttime temperatures are getting ready to drop into the 50's.  Most tropical plants can't take temperatures below 55 degrees.  Trust me;  do it soon!!!

 

I won't try to save the pot of marigolds, (they are annuals, and will be planted again in the spring) but the spider plant, amaryllis, and Benjamin fig will come inside for the winter.  Before you move your plants inside, be sure to check the leaves (above and below) for bugs, and clusters of insect eggs.  Don't want to overwinter them!!!

 

Some people also divide and pot up herbs from the garden, like chives, oregano, parsley, thyme, and grow them in a sunny windowsill.  We don't go to that trouble. We harvest our herbs and hang them in the window to dry for winter use.  Whatever works for you...

 

HAPPY GARDENING!!!

 

 

 

I saw this picture on the Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds website, and copied it to show you.  It is so cheerful!!!

 

The story with it was about a farmer who planted this field in sunflowers just to cheer people up this year.  That's why WE plant sunflowers every year:  they cheer up everybody who sees them.  They are also great for the pollinators.  When they are in bloom, the birds and bees and butterflies love them.

 

Sunflowers are so easy to grow.  You can buy a package of seeds in the spring, just about anywhere.  Then all you have to do is find a sunny spot and poke the seeds into the ground in April or May.  Then, get ready to be amazed.  

 

We have some sunflowers in the garden that are 10 feet tall.  And the birds love pecking out the seeds.  We leave them until they are almost empty, then save some seeds to plant next year.  But I do like to get a fresh pack of seeds every few years, and maybe try a different variety.

 

They are so much fun in the garden.  Try it and see for yourself.

 

HAPPY GARDENING!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

I love this picture.  

 

This is my friend, Sheri.  She has a friend, Sandy who has a sheep farm outside Charlotte.  They have a Great Pyrenees, and cows too.  Sounds like a fun friend to go visit in the spring, or anytime when the lambs are born.  

 

Sandy's Sheep, Sheri's baby.  I think you should raise sheep, Sheri.  You look like a natural lamb momma.

 

HAPPY TIMES!!!

 

Have you been to Hughes Outdoor Sporting Goods lately?  It is in Blairsville on 19/129, just before you turn onto the hospital road.  Look over to the right behind the gas station.  You might have to pull into the parking area to get a good look.  

 

They have the most gorgeous hanging baskets.  They are huge!!  They are filled with sweet potato vines, dichondra, and begonias, and still growing.  I see some spider plants in there too.  Ralph has to water them twice a day, 2 gallons each time.  Go see them, they are incredible.

 

HAPPY GARDENING!!!

 

I thought you might like to see what a butternut squash harvest at our house looks like.  These all grew in our garden this year.   We harvested 30!!!   Some of them I planted, and some planted themselves.  I love that!!!  Except sometimes they plant themselves right in the walkway.  Oh well.  We just walk around them.  

 

I will add two recipes: butternut squash soup and butternut with green beans.  Check in the recipe section; it's under neighbors sharing, down at the bottom.  

 

I just went there and added the green bean one, and saw that the soup one was already there.  Hope you enjoy our recipes.

 

HAPPY GARDENING!!!

 

 

 

 

 

Here is the same Beautyberry bush that I wrote about on August 4th, 2020.  It was blooming then, showing only green berries.  It is still not all the way into its glory, but starting to show color.  I'll get another picture when it's fully colored.  I know you'll agree that it is fabulous.

 

HAPPY GARDENING!!!!