Winter, it appears has arrived in one cold, blustery, whoosh and autumn's warm yellows and reds have been suddenly stripped from before my eyes. The now skeletal trees seem to be shivering in the cold and dripping wet -- their garments laid like carpet on the ground around their feet. How can it happen so quickly? I've not even had a day to walk the railroad trail filled with its golden autumn light.
Fortunately, however, I did manage to spend one warm afternoon last week clipping back the garden and beginning the preparation for winter. Hostas were trimmed, shrubs pruned, and I took cuttings from my geraniums as well few other plants. I hope to root and cultivate them for next spring.
I also harvested the last of my chard and some beets. We also had quite a crop of cucumbers and eggplants, some of which I pickled. I also stole a few stalks of rhubarb for jam even though I had been told to leave it for one year after planting before harvesting. I just couldn't resist those long red stalks. The flavor was incredible.
Like many in the north east, our tomatoes this year were not such a great success; so much rain in the early growing season caused them to succumb to a bad blight. Still, it was a great first year: In addition to the eggplant, chard, cucumber and beets, the beans, peas, spinach and arugula, though fleeting were divine and I've learnt lots for next year.
So, out comes the crock pot for soup and stew to warm my chilly bones. Yesterday began with parsnips, potato, chicken and onion, with thyme, paprika and tarragon - it was incredible and a perfect start to the winter.
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