It has been only been about two weeks that we have gone from a blanket of snow to being able to do a mucky walk-about. We were excited to see how the orchard made it through the long winter, crossing fingers it was without too much weather or wildlife damage.
Thankfully, there was very little damage seen. A bit of breakage here and there from ice and snow load, some nibbles on tips of branches from deer. Overall, though, the orchard and it's winter - weary owners are doing a happy dance with spring finally here.
We spent the weekend finally breathing life back in to the orchard via spring plantings of elderberry plants and flower seedlings. Wildwood, Adams and Marge varieties have found new homes in the rows. They look happy and a bit strange with their pretty green leaves next to their naked, stick - figure older family members.
All the elderberries were inspected and a healthy late pruning was had by most, where it was necessary, before the growing seasons begin.
Our favorote mulching system, coffee bags, which are repurposed beneath and around most of the plantings had worn thin and broken down with the time and winter weariness too. H. went about and relayered fresh burlap. That will keep moisture and nutrients in as the heat comes on, as well as keeps the grass from encroaching too far into the trees and bushes.
True to the time of year it has rained off and on for the last several days, but peering between the raindrops, it is great to see vibrant green again stark against the brown bags, and rapidly greening field.
Thankfully, there was very little damage seen. A bit of breakage here and there from ice and snow load, some nibbles on tips of branches from deer. Overall, though, the orchard and it's winter - weary owners are doing a happy dance with spring finally here.
We spent the weekend finally breathing life back in to the orchard via spring plantings of elderberry plants and flower seedlings. Wildwood, Adams and Marge varieties have found new homes in the rows. They look happy and a bit strange with their pretty green leaves next to their naked, stick - figure older family members.
All the elderberries were inspected and a healthy late pruning was had by most, where it was necessary, before the growing seasons begin.
Our favorote mulching system, coffee bags, which are repurposed beneath and around most of the plantings had worn thin and broken down with the time and winter weariness too. H. went about and relayered fresh burlap. That will keep moisture and nutrients in as the heat comes on, as well as keeps the grass from encroaching too far into the trees and bushes.
True to the time of year it has rained off and on for the last several days, but peering between the raindrops, it is great to see vibrant green again stark against the brown bags, and rapidly greening field.
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