our maine home – zone 5b
I’m sorry to have to say this, but we eliminated the gooseberry bush. It was so overgrown and intertwined with grass and it barely produced any berries. We enjoyed the neighboring blackberries so much that we decided to create more space for them to spread into the corner.
The raised beds may eventually be eliminated (or expanded? joined?) but not sure yet.
We actually don’t eat many concord grapes, so a lot of the production of this row of grapevines goes to waste. I’m still trying to figure out how to use the vines for projects like basketry. I use an occasional leaf or two to cover up a ferment. The leaves contain tannin and are supposed to help keep fermented pickles crisp.
A few weeks ago I was exploring the vine jungle and found this nest, with a cluster of grapes resting in it. I just left them there, not thinking too much about it.
Today I was cutting back and cleaning up the tangle of grapevines and found the nest again. This time with a handful of raisins in it.
I don’t know what it is, but it is growing quite conspicuously on a cedar tree along the driveway. The surface is plush and moist. I’d like to improve my mushroom identification skills.
The shrubbery is planted. I’m addition to the witch hazel from Fedco Trees, we planted three more seedlings today. After being undecided for a long time about the elderberry, I finally opted to put it in the lawn with the others.
Going down to Perley’s on a walk. I can see the mountains of Acadia far in the distance. Not sure which mountain this is. I’d like to get to know my area well enough that I can name all the mountains from any angle I’m looking. I’ve often thought there should be an app for that, and maybe there is.
We got 24 bales of mulch hay from Millard. Most beautiful setting for a hayfield.
Stacked it up on pallets in the yard for garden blanketing as fall progresses.
It really is so beautiful. It’s hard to resist photographing even though every year and for every viewer, it’s always beautiful. Kind of a cliché.
These are from my walking route. Maples and a cinnamon fern.
I don’t know what these mushrooms are, but the colors are stunning. And a red maple leaf thrown into the mix.
Work has slowed down to a crawl at camp. Other chores are taking precedence. But the bathroom tiling is complete. Floor including two saddles, and shower stall.
And we received a nice rug as a gift from Jerry, which is currently spread out in the loft.
We spent some time today just cleaning up. Mostly moving things out of the bedroom, which is designated as a place to store incoming furniture. The main area is being kept clear so the kitchen work can proceed without worrying about sawdust marring the furnishings.
I feel hopeful that next year, we’ll be able to spend more time at camp in a functional dwelling.
I staked out a claim to part of the lawn today for a shrubbery. Actually, this witch hazel went into the hole where the smoke bush didn’t make it. Hopefully, this beautiful little plant will have better luck. It’s one of our purchases from Wild Seed Plants. Three more to plant here, and one at camp.
