Walk in the woods

 One of my favorite things to do each day, is to take a little time to walk around the pastures and woods and see what new surprises they hold.  All sorts of flowers and critters are coming to life this time of year.  Areas that looked dead just a few weeks ago, are now filled with sprouts and flowers.

These are Trillium.  The two common varieties found in central New York are the Red Trillium and the White Trillium.  On the protected species list, it is a delight to find these thriving in our wood.

 

Aren't they beautiful?

Another surprise was when I was startled by a very loud buzzing that suddenly bounced off me and dropped to my feet.  I first thought that a small hummingbird had bumbled its way into me only to discover that this large critter was actually a queen bumblebee looking for a place to dig her nest.

Do you see her?  She's right in the middle.  She's about the size of my thumb (almost a third larger than most bumblebees I've seen).  Think of all those bumblebees you see during the summer.  Most of them barely last the season with only the queens to hibernate the winter.  These queens emerge come Spring going out to find a new place to make their burrow or start their hive.  I left her alone to do her little bee business, delighted in my discovery.  So keep your eyes open and ready to welcome the little surprises that may come your way!

Do you see her now?

Spring Chores, continued

You recall last year I told you to embrace your children and let them share in helping out in the garden.  Of course I was referring to the assistance that was provided by Wee Chick and the puppy.  As he has grown so has his exuberance for helping.

Like any child, one needs to help focus the enthusiasm or in this case, dig where necessary and not just randomly make holes.  Today we transplanted roses.  He happily dug a nice deep hole.  We happily put the rose into the hole.

Even the girls pitched in.  Buckets of weeds and tufts of grass were removed from around trees and from the planting areas.  These were brought to the girls for yummy salads and good snacks.

Update from Chickenland: We candled the eggs again this last week and found that  so far 17 out of the 26 eggs are showing signs of life. Five of the eggs are far enough along that the little peanut inside was seen to be wiggling about (as if to say, "turn out the light!  We're trying to sleep in here!").  It's hard to embrace the old adage to not count one's chickens before they hatch, but previous experiences have taught us now to be patient.

Out in the yard, some of the girls are gaily dressed in their little aprons.  These are called Chicken Saddles and are used to protect the hen while her feathers grow back after rough housing with the boys.  One of the local smartypants suggested that I give all the girls red capes with their initials emblazoned upon them (big "G" for Goldie, "LM" for Little Miss, etc).  Personally, I think they're much happier with what they have. 

chicken saddle

The chicken saddle was pretty easy to make.  It's about the size of a potholder.  Elastic bands snap in place underneath the hen's wings for a snug, yet comfortable fit.  I originally heard about these from a poultry rancher.  He had some champion birds that he kept special for shows and going to the fair.  In order to keep his girls nice and pretty, he used these little aprons.  When I noticed that our girls were looking a little rough around the edges, I looked up the pattern online and put these together.  Like any kid in a new outfit, there was a certain amount of tugging and pulling, but when they realized that it was on to stay until Mom took it off them, they settled right down.

Of course I suspect the ones that didn't get an apron are now wanting to know why they don't have one.

 

Spring chores

A small dent was made in the list of Spring To Do's.  When the rain isn't coming down is sheets and buckets, it's rather nice to get outside and take care of business.

The daffodils are springing up every where the soil is rich and moist.  Last year we found some growing along the Northwoods drainage ditch.  Although we left most of them to enjoy the next year, we did dig up a few large bulbs to replant along side our front walkway.  The walkway bulbs will probably be blooming around the time those in the woods start to fade.

The garden continues to expand.  We're doing our best to keep it from getting too large and unmanageable, remembering first that we other things that need our attention besides the garden.  Throughout the winter, we set aside the chicken leavings to mellow and compost.  This was periodically turned over until, finally, the day came that we could use it on our gardens.  Big fleshy worms tumbled out by the shovelfuls as we carted and dumped wheelbarrow after wheelbarrow out where the tomatoes and green beans will call home.  Composting may not be romantic but it is certainly gratifying to know that one's soil amendments are so rich and healthy.

 Side note:  when composting, if the pile has been turned regularly, and given enough water and air, it should not smell sour or stinky but rather loamy or like wet dirt.  According the Farmer's Almanac, It takes between 45 and 60 days for chicken manure to compost, depending on conditions and it's always a good idea to blend it with other amendments such as plant material and top soils.