Fall is my favorite time of year. A few weeks ago I walked around the yard and snapped a few picture of the flowers before their beautiful blossoms will be killed by the coming frost.
The seeds from the black-eyed susan's are a favorite of the many birds that visit my yard during the winter.
The pumpkins are turning bright orange and will make wonderful pies and roasted pumpkins seeds for a healthy winter snack.
I have left enough pole beans to dry on the fence for next years seed. When they are crispy dry, I gather them in a basket and dry a few additional days indoors before I remove the seeds. Using an old pillow case, I put the beans in it and then walk over the case crushing the shells, releasing the seeds. Shaking the pillow case will cause the seeds to drop to the bottom of the case. A small hole is cut in the corner of the pillow case and the beans drop out leaving the shells in the pillow case. Add the shells to your compost pile or directly to the garden. The seeds are then allowed to air dry a few more days and then stored in glass jars in the dark cool pantry.
Green tomatoes are picked and placed in cardboard boxes in a single layer. I put them in the garage and check every few days for those ripening enough to eat. Or, I pull the entire plant and hang them in the shed to ripen the tomatoes on the vine. Click here for information.
Yes, fall is my favorite time of year. I am content when the crops are harvested, the storage shelves are full, the winters wood is stacked ready to warm the house, and I am ready for a much needed rest. As the wind howls and the snow swirls, I sit by the warm fire, knitting socks and hats, reading a good classic book, painting, and dream of spring when I can start the process all over again!
