Day: May 4, 2021

Hazelnut grove

CatherineLeave a comment

All five hazelnuts are planted. The easternmost holes had much more sandy soil, due to being on the edge of the septic fill. The westernmost two holes had dark loamy soil with some earthworms and a little clay. We only encountered one large rock, but lots of medium and small rocks and some rotting wood and roots.

Now we have a grove! I love the phrase “hazelnut grove.” We are happy with our new tree planting. Sam says the yard now has a “feature.”

Positioning bucket
Lifting sod
Two hazelnuts west of crabapple tree, and tree house with window
Three more hazelnuts east of tree in front of the rock pile

Tree and bush planting

CatherineLeave a comment

My order from Fedco Trees arrived. There is urgency to get these bare-root trees planted.

  • Ten raspberry canes – in the fruit yard
  • A New England aster, a witch hazel, and a spicebush – in pots for now
  • An American smokebush – in the yard in front of the rockpile
  • Five hazelnuts – in an arc with the crabapple in the center

Finished with the first three and one hazelnut. We still have four hazelnuts to plant. It’s taking some time. Scraping the hole with the tractor. Removing the rocks. Replacing the soil (very sandy fill) and supplementing with leaf mulch to ensure the hole is full. Topping off with pieces of sod upside down. Thoroughly watering in. It’s satisfying to see them in the ground.

Raspberry canes barely visible in front bed. Grapevines in background, chicken coop/tool shed at right.
New growth, Polana raspberry
Potted up. From left, witch hazel, spicebush, New England aster
Tractor really helps dig the hole. We learned the hole should be wider rather than deep.
Sam putting final touches on the American smokebush.
American hazelnut planted