barb - Page 5 - Barb's Back Yard

Ice <span class="amp">&</span> trees don’t mix

Ice & trees don’t mix

January 28, 2009January 31, 2017 by barbNo Comments

Today the beautiful pear tree in my front yard cracked into three pieces. Very sad -it provided many hours of pleasure & shade. So far, in the backyard, one pear tree limb cracked off, but the rest of the tree looks okay. We will cut the branches as best we can today, wait until a thaw to remove the stump and most likely save the branches for firewood. When the branches cracked under the weight, the sound was incredible. I thought there had been a major collision in front of my home! But no, it was the tree splintering. It was, to say the least, and impressive amount of noise. But the second and third time I knew what it meant, and it saddened me to hear the tree dying from the storm. Here are some pictures of the tree throughout the day: (more…)...

Ice storm

January 27, 2009January 31, 2017 by barbNo Comments

Today means snow, ice & sleet. Ice storms coat the branches of trees and look very much like crystal. Beautiful, but often hard on the plants. The weight of the ice can break branches. Still, beautiful to look at. From inside a warm house. : ) This storm had snow first. Then sleet and rain which froze. Now we anticipate more snow. Like a winter sandwich of sorts. The snow protects the plants a bit - it actually has to be a little warmer to snow. And the snow is rich in nitrogen, meaning healthier soil for the spring thaw. So for now, I plan my garden for next year....

Green gardening: some organic basics

January 21, 2009 by barbNo Comments

For years, I've practiced organic gardening whenever possible. Compatible plantings, beneficial insect introductions and most of all, healthy soil, can prevent many of the common garden problems and bring you a bountiful harvest. (more…)...

Snow: good for a garden’s nutrients

January 20, 2009January 31, 2017 by barbNo Comments

Did you know that snow provides vital nitrogen to your soil? My cousin Mike tells me this is common wisdom among farmers. Not only does the snow protect the ground, provides water for birds and animals, it carries nutrients for the soil to repair itself and prepare for spring....

Fall: 7 top tasks for a healthy & fabulous spring

November 12, 2008November 14, 2008 by barbNo Comments

To gardeners in zones with winter frosts and freezes, fall means lots of work and preparation for a healthy and spectacular spring garden. The drier days and cooler nights give the ideal combination for your yards and gardens to rest up for growth in the spring. (Gardeners in more moderate climates prepare as well.) Here are the top tasks for my backyard: (more…)...

Berry Sauce for Toasted Marshmallows

November 9, 2008November 14, 2008 by barb2 Comments

Bringing the family and friends together on a crisp autumn eve has a memory making potential few experiences can beat. My good friend (and garden guru), Carter, developed this recipe for an autumn evening around the backyard fire-pit. So, fire up the fire-pit and gather round to toast marshmallows with an unbelievable berry sauce. An added touch - if you have the pleasure of growing blackberry or raspberry vines in your backyard - add a couple of the pruned vines to the fire. They add a sparkle to the blaze that's added beauty. (more…)...