Golden Hour

It is that time of year when the light turns to gold. The sugar maples filter the sun and we are bathed in the soft light of autumn. The backyard is a tapestry of yellow, gold, and still some green. I was afraid we would lose a lot of color after a rainy and windy few days, but the leaves are still on the branches and there is still much green on the hillsides. Maybe one more week. We usually lose our fall colors by halloween.

The garden has been put to bed. Brian and I spent three Saturdays in a row putting horse manure on garden beds. We wore out before we got to all the beds so we will finish up in spring. I found it sad that when I planted and weeded I came across no worms. I’m hoping the addition of manure and wood shavings will bring the soil back to life and create better growing conditions for the plants that I’ve planted. In spring I will add larger plants. This year I planted plugs and bareroot small plants and they did not survive the winter and the critters. And as I am getting older I want to see a full, robust garden sooner rather than later.

We saw a bobcat last week with a squirrel. Our bird feeder, which we are still trying to make squirrel proof, brings them to the property along with the acorns and whatever else squirrels eat. I planted tomatoes and hot peppers on our elevated deck and the squirrels helped themselves to that food as well. The bobcat looked healthy and was doing its part in keeping the forest ecosystem healthy. A large, healthy hawk, had to be at least 2-3 feet tall, sitting on the ground looking at a black squirrel flattened against a tree trunk. Both stayed still for a few minutes then the hawk must have gotten bored, or impatient, and flew off. The squirrel stayed where it was for another minute then climbed down the tree and scampered into the woods. I hear a hawk overhead during the day and a barred owl and coyotes at night. Predators are about. As a gardener, I wouldn’t mind a few more.

I brought herbs that I was growing outside in. Rosemary, tarragon, sage, thyme, parsley, and oregano are growing in the kitchen. We shall see how long I can keep them alive. I love fresh herbs, especially in winter. I froze rosemary, chives, and basil (blended with olive oil). I dried mint and made mint tea.

We still have not gotten a frost. Living close to Lake Michigan keeps the temps a bit milder than inland. We often get snow before we get a frost. September and October are a magical time here in the Northwoods. The temperatures are temperate. Lake Michigan is at it warmest. The trees offer their last bit of glory before winter hibernation. In November we are often hit with gales that prepare all that live here for winter. The grey skies and biting wind. I will be sure to take advantage of these last golden hours of the year.