Sisyphus Acres

Been a while...

Good afternoon, wow, been a while since I’ve sat behind the screen here and talk to all of you ~ sorry~ I have been weaning myself of computer time, trying to re-focus on the important things, God, family, health.

Tonight is the last of my classes at the extension office, this one is one tree planting ~ we get our 30 seedlings Next Weds., 10 each of blue spruce, sugar maple, and red oak.  Next year we plan on Black Walnut, and maybe some more spruce if needed.  This class will also help when we pick up a few more fruit trees this spring.

The last two weeks have been very informative ~ talking about seed starting (we even got some new seeds to try: submarine cukes and cheddar cauliflower; and some rare sunflowers to grow), transplanting, plastic mulches, cover crops ~ lots of interesting and helpful things.  We picked up a bag of onion sets from the class too, three different types, and enough for a family sized crop (not over wintering numbers, but a lot nonetheless) ~ and both my dad and me went, so we have double the numbers.

Also for work had to attend the Garden Club (did I mention I love my job?), and a local herbalist was presenting there about winter detoxification, some daily recommendations for herbs to keep things balanced in our bodies, and also information on energy building herbs.  All great info as I am laying in the beginnings of the herb garden this year in hopes of not only seasoning foods, but making delicious and healthful teas and such.  Have a few additions I will need to make to my original plan though…

Her list of daily essentials (meaning an absolute base to start with) were: Alfalfa leaf, Barley Grass, Nettles leaf, cayenne pepper, garlic, parsley leaf & root, red clover blossoms, Dandelion Leaf, Root & Tops, Red Raspberry leaves, Rosemary leaves, peppermint leaves, plantain, Chaste Tree Berry, Turmeric, Rose Hips.

This weekend I went into the perennial garden and cultivated between the plants, readying everything for the approaching season, raked out the junk ~ looks ready to sprout ~ and some of the hardier types are already climbing up to the sun…which is early for our area.

We got the last apple tree today, a Cortland and also a plum ~ we will pick up the cherries at the local nursery.

Planted hanging strawberries, will see how that all works out, but the roots seem to be taking.

Hannah’s archery is going great, she really likes it, and she’s good at it.  Belly dancing is over for the season, might start Pilates soon, there’s going to be a free class near us ~ at least that’s what I’ve heard, so maybe.

Except for the seeds that need to be direct sown later this spring, I’ve got my flats all finished ~ this weekend planted lettuce, cantaloupe, cukes, some more broccoli.  The pumpkins and squashes are all doing well, as are the peas (of course), brussels and cabbage are ok. Catmint is sprouting.  Garden has been tilled once, will till once more to add peat before setting up the planting row beds.