Two years ago I was putting the dog to bed when an old spruce tree fell on the section of house we were in. We’re talking a 60 foot/20m tall tree. Scared the hell out of us and the dog wouldn’t sleep in the room that night. It wasn’t until I went outside that I realized how close we had come. Luckily our house was made by dwarves or something (the low ceilings suddenly made sense) and aside from needing to replace roofing and some solar panels there was no damage.

It’s roughly fifteen minutes to the grocery in town, but thirty to the one with twice the size and selection. Certain items we prefer to pick up in bulk at a store that’s forty minutes away, but that trip happens maybe twice a month

Where’s the Starship Troopers “would you like to know more” meme where I just keep hitting “YES” over and over

I will say - I was very happy with the viburnums we received from FedCo (but I’m still holding out hope that I’ll see germination on the seeds we sowed last year). I’d also say maybe look into Amelanchier as well, there are a few that have a natural shrub growth pattern and they’re gorgeous (and tasty!)

And you’re very welcome, it was my pleasure! I know I don’t have to tell you but just pay it forward when you get your own seed this year 💕

Most of our stuff is perennial as well, but there’s always something so nice about cut-and-come-again salad greens and fresh herbs that I’ll gently encourage you to explore. Your space looked gorgeous the last time you shared photos, so I’m excited to hear and/or see what you decide to do!

That’s so much earlier than we get to plant outside, ohmygosh! Just because I chose to live this far north doesn’t mean I can’t be jealous of you folks further south…

I’m glad to hear about your trees too. Ours up here are just budding and our persimmons have a few more years before I expect fruit. You’re always welcome to talk about whatever garden bounty is exciting and growing!

Yummmmm (not together though)

Great work, that’s awesome! My greenhouse envy continues unabated 😁

Last week I solicited a donation for our town’s seed library, which is hosted by the town library. They’ve never had so many seeds to give out or use for the community garden, which donates all the produce to the local schools and food bank. Here’s what ours looks like (imgur) for anyone interested in helping their local library set something like this up.

Yesterday, we played And Out Come the Wolves for Juniper and she seemed to really like it, she even started singing along with me (singing is doing a lot of lifting here, she’s not really doing words yet)

They certainly can be in certain climates and areas of wildfire risk. In those circumstances a good biochar session might be advisable as a way to put this type of woody debris towards supporting wildlife, since healthier soils will grow healthier plants which will support the fauna you’re aiming to help.

Aw, thank you! Can’t wait to see you outdo me!

boil em, mash em, stick em in a stew

I’m glad to hear everything survived! Here’s to a good season!

Diligence pays off! 💪

I jiggled the pot a little so they all waved back

That’s an appropriate amount of checks per day, for a slacker.

I kid, I kid. It’s just so exciting when they finally sprout, it’s like the ultimate payoff

Ours is still half covered by snow, but that hasn’t stopped me from walking the yard and encouraging the bushes to keep pushing buds

Won’t lie, I’m a little jealous of your high tunnel! I’d be interested to hear why you’re against using culled invasive species for the anaerobic composting. Granted, I try to get them before they’re well developed, but as long as the plants aren’t in seed I’m comfortable decomposing them either in turned compost or in water.

What’s in the rotation this year?

Very nice! Fingers crossed for no ridiculously cold periods, I can’t wait to see how they all do for you

Awesome! What varieties are you growing this year?

It’s coming, slowly but surely (mud season, that is). And thanks! We wanted to name her after something that is beautiful, ecologically important, and native to Maine.