October 10, 2025

Planting Hydrangeas in Fall

One of the best times to plant hydrangeas is in the fall - this gives time for the roots to get established before any harsh weather sets in.

My gardeners and outdoor grounds crew have been planting a lot of hydrangeas over the last week - outside my peafowl pen and horse paddock, and around my half-acre vegetable garden. Hydrangeas are popular ornamental plants grown for their large flower heads, which are excellent in cut arrangements and for drying. These flowering plants are from the First Editions and Endless Summer Collections by Bailey Nurseries. There is still time to get plants in the ground this weekend - happy gardening.

Enjoy these photos.

October 9, 2025

Protecting Mums

Fall is here and so are cooler temperatures. How are you protecting your cold-sensitive plants?

Chrysanthemums, also known as mums, are popular fall flowers. They come in a variety of bold colors and add gorgeous seasonal interest just as summer blooms begin to fade. Right now, I'm growing some beautiful heirloom mums from Bear Creek Farm in nearby Stanfordville, New York. They're due to bloom soon, but with the coming chance of frost in the area, I wanted to be sure they were well-protected. As a quick and temporary solution, I built a hoop house over the raised beds to shield the plants from wind and low temperatures, helping to extend the growing season.

Here are some photos, enjoy.

 

October 8, 2025

Tracking Vital Signs in Horses

When living with horses, grooming and monitoring basic vital signs are essential to their care and wellness.

I currently have 12 equine residents - six Friesians, a Fell pony, and five donkeys. Caring for them is a huge responsibility, but it brings me great joy to see that they are happy and in the best possible health. Temperature, pulse, and respiration are three basic physiological parameters that can be monitored and recorded on a regular basis. My stable manager, Helen Peparo, records each animal's vital signs once a month.

Here are some photos, enjoy.