Preparing for the Next Storm
While the calendar says spring, it still looks very much like winter here in the Northeast.
Yesterday, the region was hit with the fourth nor'easter in less than a month, bringing more heavy wet snow and high winds. At my farm, my outdoor grounds crew worked tirelessly to ensure everything was prepared - all windows and doors were secured, all the animals were safely tucked away in their shelters, and all the equipment was ready for any cleanup process once the storm ended. It's very important to be well-prepared for any big storm system - additional tips include: knowing where all the flashlights are kept and making sure they are equipped with fresh batteries, stocking the first aid kit, and checking that all vehicles are filled with gas - a full tank will keep the fuel line from freezing.
Enjoy these photos.
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- The skies over my Bedford farm remained heavily overcast yesterday. The forecast called for several more inches of snow to start falling by mid afternoon.
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- Although it is officially spring, all the boxwood shrubs are still safely enshrouded in burlap to protect them from the heavy snow.
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- The great Boxwood Allee is also still completely enveloped under protective covers.
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- And here are the covered boxwood shrubs on my terrace parterre.
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- All the bird feeders behind my carport were checked and filled. More than 125 species of birds visit my farm – it’s important to me that they have ample food to eat especially during this cold season.
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- The birds love keeping watch from my various trees and shrubs – this bird is perched on one of the apple trees in the espalier near the feeders.
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- Many birds also eat the seeds that fall to the ground below the feeders.
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- My outdoor grounds crew inspected all the equipment in case tree branches fell overnight.
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- We always make sure our no-spill gas jugs are filled, so we have extra fuel on hand.
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- The supply closet in our Equipment Barn was tidied up and all necessary items replenished if needed.
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- My Kohler stationary generators are very dependable, but we check the engine oil, and conduct test runs before every storm. The primary hazards to avoid when using alternate sources for electricity, heating or cooking are carbon monoxide poisoning, electric shock and fire. http://www.kohlerpower.com/
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- The inside panel on a stationary generator will flash alerts if any service is needed, so it’s important to regularly check for messages and adequate oil levels.
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- The peacocks are all checked and tucked away in their various enclosures.
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- My peacocks love being outdoors in all kinds of weather, but it is safer for them to be in their coops during any big storms.
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- And my two Pomeranian guard geese that keep watch over my flock help make sure all the chickens are in their coops before they retire to their own shelter. They are very protective.
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- I have four coops at my farm. All the chickens, roosters and turkeys are put indoors every night to protect them from predators and poor weather and then let out every morning in their large yard.
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- My darling Friesians were also kept indoors for the night. My horses love to stay outside in their paddock, but I feel better knowing they are safe in their stalls.
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- Recently, all the windows in the hay loft above the stable were also checked and cleaned.
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- Yesterday, Pete secured new stakes on young seedlings that could be knocked down by gusty winds.
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- After the last nor’easter blew through the area, my outdoor grounds crew also filled all the potholes on the carriage roads.
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- And continued to clean up branches and felled trees left over from the last storm.
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- My greenhouse cat, Blackie, was also kept inside for the duration of the storm. Blackie sleeps in the head house at night, where it is warm.
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- But still, signs of spring emerge – and even through some frost, there are patches of crocus in the garden beds. Soon, the farm will be full of the season’s blooms. Soon.
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