November 20, 2024

Using LED Grow Lights for Plants in My Stable

There's always a new project being completed here at my Bedford, New York farm.

Last month, I stored all my tropical plants for the winter. Every year, they are put into temperature and humidity controlled greenhouses or hoop houses. A selection of tall potted plants is also kept in one area of my stable. To supplement the natural sunlight that comes through the giant stable-entry door windows, I decided to install Spider Farmer LED Dimmable Grow Lights above the plants. These lights are compact, easy-to-assemble, high energy efficient units that offer full-spectrum light needs and even coverage. My plants are sure to get all the light they need during the coming cold season.

Here are some photos.

November 19, 2024

My Summer House Garden Through the Seasons

Looking back over the seasons of a garden is both beautiful and useful.

On this blog, I share many photos of my gardens through the year - when the plants come to life in spring, when the flowers are in full bloom in summer, when the colors of autumn peak, and when snow covers the landscape in winter white. Documenting a garden's seasonal transformations helps me see what is growing well, or not, and where more plants may be needed, but more so - it's interesting to watch the same area evolve over time, and to take note of its many wonderful changes.

Enjoy these photos of my sunken Summer House Garden.

 

November 18, 2024

Time with My Peafowl

Whenever guests are here at the farm, they always take time to visit with the animals - my dogs, kittens, horses, donkeys, chickens, geese, and my peafowl.

Peafowl are very curious and social birds - they usually travel in groups, enjoy foraging, and often play together. They live in a very safe and comfortable pen near my stable, where they get lots of attention. Occasionally, I let them out of their enclosure for a short while to roam the area and explore. Fortunately, they are also very loyal and tend to stay close to where they are well-fed and well-protected from predators.

Enjoy these recent photos.