Yes, folks,that's snow!

I must admit that I was not ready to see snow on the ground when I woke up this morning! Most of it is melted by now,but it's still cold out there. I am making spiced apple butter today ,otherwise,doing nothing but watching bad movies. This is the disadvantage of not planting some fall veggies nearer the house: I have to walk out in the cold to check on their progress. BURRR!
Here are some photos of the last of the  garden's flowers  Enjoy!

What is this,winter already?

So today I was planning to get started on the row covers,when I looked out the window to see miserable weather. In the car on the way to the store for some winter pansies (half off at a big box store), it began to sleet.Then snow. Then sleet. And blowing wind. The grass is frozen already, and I got the row covers on while shivering in the sleeting wind. We will see if  the cover rescues the fall crops. Yipes! Tell me again why I live in New Jersey? 

Apples and such

Cool weather is definitely upon us here in south jersey, and so are the early sunsets. But there is still lots to do in the garden,including getting ready for next spring. But I couldn't resist a trip to buy some apples (you pick it farms having shut down for the season). I took a lovely drive, got lost, and finally found the place. Got some delicious Macoun apples I will be turning into pie filling, applesauce,and juice tomorrow. What a delicious variety! Having perused the pickyourown web site, I read through the list of stands to find one that had a large variety of apples for sale by the case. Not knowing many of the varieties, I bought one of each and got to tasting! The cashier , who must have been the owners' daughter, looked at me like I was crazy (an accurate diagnosis). Anyhow, the day was fun from start to finish.
Today I happened upon a yard sale, and picked up a book for a dollar. I am going to give you the entire  information so you can keep a lookout for one. After a quick read,I am finding it very helpful! It is not exactly an organic guide,but if you ignore any chemicalishness (I made that word up) the rest is very good:
"Month-by month Gardening in New Jersey", copyright by author, Pegi Ballister-Howells, 2005. Cool Spring Press, Nashville Tenn.,publishers. You can find it on line for about 14.00.                  

Fall gardening

So Mother Earth News Magazine (I get NOTHING for mentioning it) is a dangerous publication! Why? Because every issue gives me more bright ideas for the garden! As you all know, I am no where near an expert gardener. I usually give up on the garden in August, when the infamous New Jersey humidity gets to be a bit much. My fall gardening usually consists of putting everything to rights for the spring. This year, I am trying a very small fall garden,(thanks to MENM) planting garlic, lettuce,and kale. And I am researching ways to build a free or nearly free shelter to winter over my small herb garden. Here's to a warm fall!

Fall projects galore!

I decided at last to get some help with the long list of fall garden projects. Last week, a crew of two teens , plus my son James and his girl Kristen came over and assisted. We chopped weeds,removed the old fencing,and weeded the garden.Phew! Today,  James returned to finish work on my new compost bin. It looks so good! And all based on a small , angled photo in Mother's Earth magazine (thanks!). He is so handy.


I finally took a photo of the mystery fruit,which I am going to send on to "You Bet Your Garden" to see if it can be identified. Stay tuned! And here also are some photos of all the work.