By Jill Williams
“How sad would be November if we had no knowledge of the spring. “—Edwin Way Teale
In dark November it always cheers me up to see that the bulbs that will bloom in spring are already growing as winter closes in.
I saw this up close recently when I planted garlic the week after Thanksgiving. Last fall I planted a row of red tulips for cutting along the side of the garlic bed. Bulbs that I plant in the vegetable garden can usually be left undisturbed for years. This year, however, somebody(probably a chipmunk or red squirrel) managed to excavate some of the tulips. Since I couldn’t remember where the excavated bulbs were I ended up digging up and dividing the whole row. This wasn’t nearly as discouraging as it sounds. The remaining bulbs had done well and increased so I was able to replant the whole row without adding any new bulbs. I was definitely able to make lemonade out of that one. And I’m looking forward to seeing those red tulips in the spring.
Next to to the newly planted garlic is the asparagus bed which has been there for a couple of decades. I planted it when I was a lot younger and didn’t really know what I was doing. But I must have had some instinct that it was a good idea. It needs only some weeding and added compost every few years so I’m glad now that I planted it all those years ago.
Who doesn’t appreciate a vegetable that produces reliably every spring and doesn’t require a lot of effort?
I’m still surprised that the ice storm and drought didn’t really affect the big old apple trees. Many poplars fell and made a big mess but the apple trees barely lost a branch. And they still produced apples.
The beautiful little nature planted crab apple beside the garage is covered in apples. I have to admit that it’s even more dramatic without its leaves.
The only tree or shrub that appeared to be damaged by the drought was the burning bush. I ended up cutting off about two thirds of it. It is, of course, now considered to be an invasive species. It was not planted by me and for now it stays where it is.
There are still some poplars east of house that didn’t fall in the ice storm. The remaining trees lost a lot of branches but they’re still alive. I will probably have a battle ahead of me with the fallen trees trying to recreate themselves in the lawn. But I won’t worry about that until next spring. Cutting off the poplar sprouts in the lawn was definitely this past summer’s most tedious job.
Has anyone else noticed that the usual fall cluster fly invasion hasn’t happened yet this year? These are usually a problem every spring and fall. But I have seen very few cluster flies this fall. I’m guessing that this has something to do with the drought since part of their life cycle is outside in the soil. Whatever the cause, it’s a blessing to be without them.
A friend pointed out to me recently that we have also been without the fall ladybug swarming. This usually happens on the last few warm days of the fall. I have seen the south and westsides of the house completely covered with them. But this year I have seen very few even when we had warm days at the end of October. Is it too much ask for a winter without a house full of ladybugs? I really hope not.
Finally, I have tried not to dwell too much on this past season’s drought and heat and fire risk. I’m trying to keep the bulbs out there already getting ready for spring in mind. As always, the gardener’s refrain is next year will be better.