Transitions

Guardians of Highland House

There is no surer sign that winter is coming than the hares jumping into the shelter of the porch. I took these guys out of their slightly overgrown garden spots, cleaned them off, and benched them to thoroughly dry before taking their stations as guards of the fortress. I really do love these guys. Not cute, and a little somber if not threatening.

We got back from a short fall trip with the realization that we need to finish up the fall rituals. I harvested the last of the apples, and the raspberries are barely dribbling in. 

 

 

Last Gasp of raspberries

I had a jacket on while harvesting, and the constant hum of the bees is gone. At least it wasn't cold, only autumn-cool. The plants also look like they've had it with all of this fruit bearing nonsense. A little ragged, and waiting for the first real frost to release them from their tasks until next spring. A rest. As a gardener, I also like that part.

Very Tired Mother

 

 

 

 

The hydrangeas are putting on their last show of the season. I'll bring them all in tomorrow, arranged in some sort of unusual pot, and will likewise cut as many herbs as I can and keep them in water. They last a surprisingly long time in water, at room temperature. I think they're already hardened off from the cool nights, and are just waiting for that hard frost to knock them down. I accidentally discovered how lovely they were arranged in handmade mugs. . . a reminder, however brief, of the past warm season.

 

I put the sage in a butter lemon sauce last night. I will miss being able to step outside and bring it in. It's the hardiest of my herbs, though, so I'll likely have it for a few more weeks.

I always dream of having rosemary make it through the winter. You'd think that with over a foot of snow on top, she could do it, but even the hardiest plants don't seem to make it through our Maine winters. Note the lovage leave in the left corner. I cut it back to the ground a couple of weeks ago, and it is sprouting like crazy. It's a water and space hog, and not quite as useful as my other herbs, so I'll take it out of the herb box next spring. It ALWAYS makes it through the winter. . .

The basil and chives look a little beleaguered. The chives are just falling over, but the poor basil was not made for fall weather.

It has been dry here. Again. Most of Maine is in a serious drought (I forget the exact language used). After living in Idaho, the thought of fire is never far from my mind. Here's hoping for another good snow year, and maybe not quite so much cold.