Tucking In

On Sunday I did the last bit of gardening or rather I tucked it in for winter.

 

I had already tucked the patio furniture in under a large green tarp and pulled the pots in under the balcony to protect them.

 

A couple of weeks ago I removed the gooseberry bush which stood in front of the composts and made them hard to reach. This is the clematis that covered the bush and also covers the compost bins. I cut it all off now and in spring it will grow back. Will sow new grass in front where there is now just dirt.

 

Bonus was on hand to supervise.

 

I’ve raked the lawn already but the apple tree is late dropping it’s leaves so I had to rake some more.

 

Now what’s left is to figure out where to put Christmas lights back here this year. Last year there was no deck and there was a large rose bush on the left hand side which I wrapped in lights. This year I’m thinking either in the apple tree or a wreath of some sort on the fence. We’ll see.

Comments

[Claire/Just a little less]

Love your outdoor shots, Benita. Look forward to seeing the C lights xo

[Zosia]

I like your neighbourhood. Question re: white square pots - will you wrap them or put them in the basement / shed for winter? Won't they crack if left outside?

[Carlos]

I won't wrap them this year. Am hoping that keeping them under the balcony will be enough to keep them safe. From what I understand pots crack when water inside them expands when it freezes and since these are fairly dry now and water can't really get in much they should be ok. Last year I wrapped the pots in hessian bags but then I was unlucky with the plats getting sun burnt when I removed the covers. This way I figure they stay out in what little sun there is and will be used to it when spring arrives. Lets call it an experiment. At worst I'll have to get new pots come spring :)

[Elisabeth]

I like your neighborhood too and would love to see more photos of it. Do you think perhaps come Spring you could give us a little tour?

[Katharina]

Uuuh, a true November post. Now I need to put on some loud and cheerful music ;-)

I raked leaves too, yesterday. Still some leaves to come,though

[Valerie]

I love this time of year, and the feeling the old Thanksgiving hymn we have here gives....."all is safely gathered in, ere the winter storms begin"! Can't wait for you to start decorating for Christmas, too! I peronally will wait until we have celebrated Thanksgiving next week, or maybe until December. I know you will celebrate Advent. I love love love learning your traditions, and would also love a tour of your neighborhood sometime. Thanks for all your posts...you give me such pleasure reading them, getting inspiration and learning new things.

[Carlos]

Absolutely, now that Ihave my new camera I'm itching to, but I will probably wait until spring for that tour because it's all a bit dull looking now.

[Marie Holmes]

Can you run an extension cord out to your apple tree? It would look so nice with little fairy twinkle lights draped on it....

[Carlos]

That's the idea, but it might be a bit too far. Will have to measure!

[Debbie from Chicago]

I think you should do both, a wreath on the fence and lights on the apple tree would look fantastic!

I was able to do all my yard work last weekend. The warm temp of 68 degrees sure helped.

[M.E.]

I vote for the apple tree! and a wreath on the fence, too. what the hell! christmas lights are best in abundance!

[Sage]

I'd do both - the tree for sure and the fence.

[foo @ foobella designs]

I love the view of your lawn from the last picture, Benita. I wish I could get my grass looking so lush.

And definitely need lights on that apple tree. White, of course. =)

[Nancy]

I agree too!

[Peggy]

Comparing this year's shots to last years--you've done so much and it looks so lovely! You will accomplish a lot this winter, I know. But to look back and see what you've done with your home's exterior this past year--well, it's just amazing! Thank you for letting us all in for the show!

[-Michelle]

Don't forget to put some lights on the balcony rail!

Benita, do they sell those square tarp covers for your furniture or did you take a flat one and remake it to fit?

[Carlos]

I might do that too!

The tarp is just a flat one that I tucked in around the table and chairs. The table is leaning against the wall and the legs stick out with the chairs in between.

[Vanessa (The VMCA)]

Even with your garden "tucked in" for winter - it still looks fabulously symmetrical and awesome. I love the perfectly fitting tarp etc.

[christine e-e]

I was wondering if you might put lights around the windows. Your place is so bright & cheery that fairy lights on the back window(s) or lining the edge of the patio might be fun. Have you thought of putting a small tree at the edge of your patio & putting lights on that? perhaps placing it near the railing that goes down to the bottom floor. Something different & it wouldn't require running lights clear out to the apple tree.

[Carlos]

I have considered that but I'd probably place it by the fence because that's the portion of the outside that I see all the time, from my desk, from the kitchen window, from the sofa and from the dining table :)

[jja]

I have similiar tarp and it flutters on the wind, means all the time, day and night and we can not sleep because of it (cats and humasn inclusive).

[Carlos]

Mine's quite big and properly tucked under. I did the same last year and had no problems.