Mulch and Mulching

Finally Mother Nature has given us a couple storms of fresh soft snow, something we always look forward to, for a couple of reasons. One is that as long as it is cold and officially winter, it is nice to have the snow for recreation and the absolute beauty of it. The other is that it insulates the ground and prevents or at least minimizes the amount of freeze thaw that takes place. As a nursery we depend on the snow to cover the plants we have stored outside in pots. Being in containers, the temperature fluctuations are much harder on the plants since their roots are near the sides of the pots. It can be deadly. The same plants in the ground however do not experience such drastic conditions. The roots are in the ground and are not subjected to such highs and lows. Any temperature change in the soil around the roots and crowns is apt to be more gradual. The snow gives us a little more peace of mind.

Spinning My Thoughts

Winter has finally arrived here in Maine. Temperatures have dropped, the ponds and lakes are slowly and surely icing over, and our landscape is now blanketed with a couple feet of snow. For some, the snow and cold and shorter days become burdensome but for me it brings with it a softer pace and an opportunity to find balance between the physical needs of my world and the relaxing.

So when we are not out shoveling snow or tending to animals or enjoying treks through the woods on snowshoes, I am finding time to spin or knit and indulge in the creative aspects of my life.