Preparing the farm for the dead of winter
As you may know, I am a firm believer in protecting my hedges with a burlap covering during the cold of winter. Winter can be very damaging to evergreen shrubs and I feel it essential to wrap them and keep them safe from the elements. The burlap does a great job of keeping off heavy snow and ice, which is notorious for breaking branches. But it also serves as a protective barrier against windburn. In addition to all of this, a burlap covering will deter deer and other hungry critters. On my farm, burlapping is always a big project and I feel that Shaun and his crew are doing a fine job. Please enjoy these photos.
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- I decided that the terrace knot garden needed a burlap covering this year.
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- This was a rather complex project that required a lot of cutting and fastening.
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- The joints were carefully tied with twine.
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- Did I say complex?
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- They even used screws to hold part of the frame together.
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- Once the framework was complete, it was time to cover it with burlap. Here is a boxwood hedge getting its winter protection.
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- Chhewang is using a large needle to sew the burlap onto the frame.
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- Sewing….
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- and knotting
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- Back at the knot garden, Shaun and his crew are busy with their needles. As you can see, snow has already fallen.
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- One section complete.
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- I admit, It’s a bit odd looking, but I think it will do the trick.
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- I think the guys are great with their needles!
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- A staple gun is also used for this project.
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- As are these hedges.
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- The peony hedge is neatly covered.
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- And now for the allée of boxwood down near the stables.
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- Chhewang is using a heavy metal spike to make holes in the ground.
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- The holes need to be quite deep so that the burlap-covered bamboo frame will withstand heavy winds.
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- The bamboo pole is secured in the hole.
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- A crosspiece of bamboo is attached to the tops of the ‘teepees.’
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- Jute twine is used to tie the poles together.
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- The tree peony garden is surrounded with a burlap windscreen.
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- The ground is covered with a thick layer of mulch to protect the soil from heaving.
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- This is the bamboo framework over the boxwoods surrounding the peony bed.
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- The excess is taken to the compost area.
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- Any excess is removed with a hand saw.
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