Posts Tagged: November

It's Not Just the Bird

As a gardener, November means many things to me. I count my blessings when I think of the hardships our forefathers endured, and feel so fortunate that my life is much easier than those pioneers had it in the beginning of their life in the 'New Frontier'. As I rake the leaves of my neighbor's trees, pull weeds, check for insect pests and pathogens that can overwinter, amend the soil in my raised beds, add protective mulch and plan for my next season's  garden, I realize that I have nothing to complain about.  

How lucky I am that I have the benefit of stores to purchase supplies to make this garden grow. All I need to do is decide what I want, do the research in books or on the Internet, drive to the store and purchase or order via catalog or a web site. Oh, sure, I do have to bend, stretch, reach and lift -- not to mention dig and water. But it is a labor of love not to mention the healthy exercise, vitamin D, and fresh air I am receiving.

So in this month when we think so much about Thanksgiving, I wish to declare my thankfulness to my ancestors who made all of this possible. In addition, I am grateful for my family, friends and world. May each of you reading this enjoy November in any way that makes you happy.   

begonia

Maybe Gardener

As I write this blog entry, November is four days away. At this time in a normal weather year, the summer vegetables would be done and gone. I would have removed the summer plants and tucked in the garden until next spring. We all know 2011 not been a normal weather year.

I have cleaned out the dried and broken corn stalks, the zucchini vines that shrived into spiny twine, and the tomato plants - except the one last tomato plant that still has two great tomatoes. I could not bring myself to rip it from the ground.

I know the plant looks ridiculous - especially since I pruned back most of the spent leafless branches and the rest of the bed is empty.

I know the last two tomatoes will probably not taste anything nearly as good as the sweet delicious globes we harvested in August.

I know the frost will be here faster than you can say “Under the Solano Sun” and the plant will be finished for sure.

But for some reason this year, holding on to one last bit of summer seems to be helping me ease into the short and dark days of fall and winter. I look out the kitchen window and see the bright red tomato ripening and it makes me smile. And the tomato plant is holding on to summer, too. There is cluster of new flowers opening on the other side of the plant.

 

I was told a compassionate gardener would let the plant go after a long season of producing tomatoes. Maybe I am being a selfish gardener by keeping the plant in the garden. Maybe I am being a compassionate gardener by allowing the plant to fulfill its productive destiny. Maybe I am an experimental gardener by growing beyond the normal season! Maybe if I get some plastic sheeting and grow lights… or, maybe not.

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