Getting Fall Chores Done Around the Farm
Now that the days are getting colder, and all the trees are dropping their leaves, my outdoor grounds crew is busy with fall cleanup.
To stay organized during seasonal transitions at my Bedford, New York farm, we follow a schedule of tasks from one year to the next. Over the last few weeks, we've been blowing leaves, covering air-conditioner pits and greenhouse vents, cleaning equipment, collecting door mats and hoses, planting bulbs, and so much more. It's a race to get it all done - cold, wet weather is on its way.
Enjoy these photos.
-
- It is so beautiful this time of year when all the deciduous trees show their stunning autumn colors before dropping their leaves. Here at my farm, leaf blowing is now in full swing. This is one side of my great Pin Oak Allée. When we planted these trees, they were just a few feet tall – they have flourished over the years and continue to be a favorite stop on tours of my farm.
-
- As colder weather approaches and sunlight decreases, the trees seal the spots where the leaves are attached – this process is what causes them to change color and fall to the ground. Rather than expend energy to protect these fragile organs, trees shed leaves to conserve resources for the next year.
-
- Leaves can change their color from as early as mid-September all the way through early November. These trees line the carriage road to my London planetree and Cotinus Allée and then to the hayfields and woodlands beyond.
-
- Here, Domi and Pasang are blowing leaves into one area. They’re using our trusted STIHL backpack blowers. We’ve been using STIHL’s blowers for years here at my farm. These blowers are powerful and fuel-efficient. The gasoline-powered engines provide enough rugged power to tackle heavy debris while delivering much lower emissions.
-
- Leaf blowers are noisy, but they are the most effective for gathering the bulk of leaves into large piles.
-
- This area looks so different once the leaves are removed.
-
- Once the leaves are blown into a manageable pile, they directed to the opening of this vacuum tube connected to our dump truck. The leaves are then taken to the compost area, where they will decompose and get used again as mulch next year.
-
- Here are my feathery bald cypress trees. This stand of bald cypress is across the long and winding pergola and near my Stewartia garden. These bald cypress trees are changing so beautifully. Although many conifers are evergreen, bald cypress trees are deciduous conifers that shed their needle-like leaves in the fall. Their autumn colors include tan, cinnamon, and fiery orange.
-
- Oftentimes, the feathery brown foliage from the bald cypress trees is bagged and used as mulch – I always try to reuse and repurpose whenever possible.
-
- Fall is such a gorgeous time of year. This is one of my allées. Lindens are planted here on both sides along the paddock fence from my corn crib to the chicken coops. Most of the leaves have fallen off the lindens.
-
- The leaves of our potted saplings have also fallen.
-
- The crew is also in a rush to complete other fall chores. Here’s Chhiring working on the air conditioner pits. I keep all my air conditioners in large pits, where they are well hidden behind each house. These air conditioner pits are covered with industrial strength plastic and plywood to protect them from the winter elements.
-
- Then, we cover the entire length of the pit and plywood with a layer of burlap – it looks more finished and tidy.
-
- Chhiring uses a staple gun to secure the burlap to the plastic and the plywood.
-
- This air conditioner pit is now all set for the winter. Covering these pits also makes it easier to maintain. Any snow or debris that falls can be brushed to the side before accessing the units below.
-
- The vents of the vegetable greenhouse are also covered. This greenhouse is equipped with several heavy-duty aluminum vent systems that automatically open and close when needed to allow hot air to escape while simultaneously allowing fresh air into the space. Before winter, both the inside and the outside of these units are covered to help insulate the structure.
-
- All the tropical plants are safely stored in their designated hoop houses.
-
- And bales of hay are stacked around the structures for added insulation. This is older hay my horses won’t eat, but they still come in very handy.
-
- All the doormats are collected, cleaned and stored away until next year. For years, I’ve gotten my mats from Cape Cod Doormats in Hyannis, Massachusetts. These mats are extremely durable, attractive, and come in both standard and custom-fit sizes – plus, they’re American made.
-
- And the “burlapping” has begun. This is when the crew wraps all the valuable outdoor urns with plastic and fabric to protect the vessels from the elements. For a few weeks, the back of the Polaris vehicles will carry rolls of burlap and twine as the crew completes the annual project.
-
- Meanwhile, our annual bulb planting project continues. Have you planted all your spring-blooming bulbs yet? These bulbs are from Brent and Becky’s, a source I’ve used for many years.
-
- This fall has been so beautiful here in Westchester, New York. The colors have been amazing – red and gold look so pretty against the bold green. This is the entrance to my Japanese Woodland Grove, named after my dear late sister, Laura. I hope you’re getting all your fall chores done. Here in the Northeast, we’re expecting some wintery wet weather today.
Martha Pins
Martha Tweets
