It's been a while, but I wanted to stop by, say "hello" and show you the beautiful fall/winter colors in the garden and orchard. Green is absolutely my favorite color, but the peach trees' golden leaves are a close second. We are ready for this change in seasons, and it is too lovely not to share.
In late December the temperatures finally drop and the daylight hours decrease. This begins the new cycle of rest or the dormant season for the peach trees.
The orchard floor is covered with beautiful amber leaves, each variety a slightly different shade. The peach trees are starting to show their branching structure and growth. This is perfect; it makes it easy to stand back and take a look at where, and how much, will need to be pruned from each tree in a few short weeks.
Below is a photo of the orchard as we receive flood irrigation. Years ago our property was part of a commercial citrus grove that stretched for miles south of Camelback Mountain. The water from the Salt River was diverted to our area through a system of canals to deep water the citrus trees. We are lucky enough that it is still in place. It gives our peach trees at least ten to twelve inches of water twice a month.
 |
Peach leaves aren't the only gold on our little urban farm.
In early November we harvested our third batch of honey. We are still amazed every time we pull the heavy honey laden frames from the hives. We love our bees!
There are other colors in the garden too!
 |
| Layer after layer of petals weigh this Evelyn rose down, causing the flower to droop from her canes. You can't help but smell the magnificent fragrance as you walk by. |
Golden Celebration, also a David Austin Rose with a beautiful buttery shade of yellow!
In late October we planed our winter vegetables. We cover them with tulle to keep the birds and other critters from laying eggs on the seedlings. 
 |
| This is our new garden dog, Scout. She's already watching over the chickens. The goats can't decide if she is one of them or not!  |
I love the faces of the little violas (Johnny Jump Ups) and try to get as many varieties as possible at the local nurseries. 
In October we picked lots of Kiefer Pears. We peeled, chopped and cooked them down to pear sauce. We usually jar it and put it in the freezer. The goats wait for the cores and peelings, a favorite treat! We have lots of little helping hands to help with the harvest!
This is Pippa, our Mini Nubian born last Spring. She is has grown into a beautiful doe.
nicely. I'm anxious to see how these turn out this Spring. Below, the nasturtiums are taking off too. Keeping fingers crossed that they will not freeze through the winter.
We even have our own label!
It will soon be time to start pruning fruit trees and rose bushes and we will try to organize a few classes to show you how we do that. Keep in touch through facebook . That is the quickest and easiest way for me to post information.
And, most importantly, we would like to wish all of our community of family and friends a very Merry Christmas and wonderful Holiday Season! May all of your wishes come true!
Jill Green
Keep a-goin' ...
No comments:
Post a Comment