Putting the Gardens to Bed : Part 1

I used to think when the first frost hit gardening was pretty much done for the year. As I have become a more seasoned gardener I have learned different. The work has just begun. The planning and "putting the gardens to bed" in the fall is as important as the work that is done in the spring when the ground thaws. It can be harder because the weather changes, the ground begins to freeze, and garden fatigue sets in. I just brew a strong cup of coffee, put on my earbuds with favorite music, grab garden tools , and do it!

Here is the Part 1 of my Fall Chore List for putting the gardens to bed:

Review the thousand photos taken during the growing season and and take notes on what worked and didn't work.

Figure out what plants need to be moved. Fall is the best time to move plants and shrubs. and it is often easier to find someone to help you do it!

Throw away any pots that are cracked or broken. They won't mend over the winter. Trust me on this!

Plant spring and summer bulbs and take notes or use markers to remember where you put them. It is a long time until spring!

Save the soil from all garden containers in garbage cans. Add compost to the soil, cover them, They will be ready in the spring to mix with new potting soil and fertilizer.

Compost all the annual flowers. 

Dig up the dahlias and check with Keri at Sunshine Flower Farm about storage if you can't find her directions. 

Move any bird feeders you won't be able to get to after it gets icy and snowy. Who wants to shovel a path to get to a bird feeder in Janurary? 

Rest, put up your feet, and pour yourself a favorite beverage. You deserve it. 

Stay tuned for Part 2.

The Journey to Elizabeth Park

 I have always been told that the road from the cemetery in Kellogg ends up in Elizabeth Park if you head east. I don't know why, but I have never gone further than the spot I take Riley for his run. As kids Mom and Dad probably thought we would have to climb a mountain pass and travel on a narrow road so we just drove there from the main road. 

For those of you not familiar with Shoshone County, Elizabeth Park is neighborhood out of the Kellogg city limits that has a mixture of houses and a park surrounded by a circle of houses. 

Today I decided to use my pioneer spirit and keep going on the dirt road and see how far it was to Elizabeth Park. 

The drive I have taken is always beautiful, but as I traveled further east today I was surrounded by trees and a rutty, muddy road. In about six minutes I saw house lights, vehicles , and a better road. There I was at Elizabeth Park.

Tomorrow I am going to start from Elizabeth Park and head west. Enjoy the photo journey on the dirt road today to Elizabeth Park. Here are a few more photos of our journey today.

The Tastes of Fall: Keepers from the Recipe Box

 Fall always reminds me of certain flavors, certain smells, and certain dishes I make every year.  I love homey desserts and crockpot soups when the days shorten and there is a chill in the air. 

Here are some of my favorite fall recipes:

Libby's Pumpkin Roll

I have been making this dessert for years. It took me a few tries to get the cake rolled up the right way, but finally I learned how to do it. I like the dessert also because it freezes well. https://www.verybestbaking.com/libbys/recipes/libby-s-pumpkin-roll/

Caramel Apple Skillet Cake

I prepared this cake a year ago and it was a big hit. I am going to add it to my fall dessert recipes again this year.  https://houseofyumm.com/caramel-apple-skillet-cake/

Zucchini Oatmeal Cake

This cake works for breakfast, snacks or a dessert. Just eat it all day!

Zucchini Oatmeal Cake

Bake this in a 10 or 12-cup Bundt cake pan or in a 9x13x2-inch pan.

Cook Time: 70 minutes

Total Time: 70 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup quick-cooking oats
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 1/2 sticks butter (6 ounces)
• 1 1/2 cups light brown sugar, packed
• 3 large eggs
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
• ½ teaspoon almond extract
• 3/4 cup sour cream
• 2 cups shredded zucchini
• 3/4 cup sliced almonds

Preparation:

Grease and flour a 10- to 12-cup bundt cake pan. Heat oven to 325°.

In a bowl, combine the flour, oats, baking powder, soda, salt, and spices; set aside. In a large mixing bowl with an electric mixer, cream butter and brown sugar until light. Beat in eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition; beat in the vanilla. Slowly beat in the dry ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk and ending with the dry ingredients. Stir in shredded zucchini and nuts. Spoon into the prepared baking pan.

Bake for 65 to 75 minutes, or until golden brown and a cake tester or toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool on a rack for 10 minutes; invert onto a serving plate to cool completely. Glaze or dust with powdered sugar or make a cream cheese glaze.

When the weather cools I love making soups. I also love making soups in the crock pots because the house if filled with the savory smells all day and when the day is over, dinner is ready. Here are two of my favorite crock pot soup recipes. 

Best Crockpot Minestrone

This is a favorite because you can improvise and toss in leftover vegetables or other ingredients.

https://www.familyfreshmeals.com/2014/11/the-best-crockpot-minestrone-soup.html

Crockpot Beef Barley Soup

This is a delicious soup to enjoy after a day out in the chilly weather. 

https://www.thechunkychef.com/slow-cooker-beef-barley-soup-recipe/

I hope you have a chance to try one of these recipes on a chilly day in front of the fire or around the table with family and friends. 

Update on Embracing Autumn

 I did a post titled "Embracing Autumn on September 13th. I created a list of things that help me embrace autumn. You can find that post here: 

https://gatheringaroundthetable.blogspot.com/2021/09/things-to-do-to-embrace-autumn.html

I revisited that post today to see how I was doing and to remind me of what elseI want to do to embrace autumn. 

I have taken photos at the cemetery, but not up the river yet.

I have captured photos of autumn sunsets.

I have eaten a caramel apple. Actually more than one! The best way for me to eat a caramel apple is with slices and caramel.

I have lit my favorite Sweater Weather candle numerous times.

I have made chili in the crockpot.

I have put mums on the porch and the window box.

I still have a few more items on the original list to enjoy, but there are many days of autumn left. Other things I have done to embrace autumn include building a fire in the fire pit outside, taking pictures of fallen leaves, and enjoying brisk walks with Riley. 

How are you embraced autumn?

Good-Bye Summer

Today is the last day of summer. It was a summer of hot temperatures, wild fires, and weird weather for gardening. It was my first summer without Everett, but creating his memory garden provided me comfort. It was a season of supportive friends, difficult times for some family members and friends, lots of quality time with Riley and the cats, and lots of fun Family Dinners. I created bouquets, filled the backyard with lights,and spent quality time with my siblings, Now,on to autumn. Here are some of my favorite images of the summer of 2021. Good-bye summer.

Sunflowers were late at blooming, but it was worth it.

I moved most of my containers to the deck during the heat wave.

summer bouquet

sibling outing

The lilies thrived in the heat.

outdoor lights

Everett's memory garden at the beginning.

Autumn Playlist, Part 1

I had so much fun sharing the quintessential songs of summer on two blog posts in July. It was a blast to get other songs titles from all of you, my readers. Today I was listening to a playlist entitled Best Songs for Fall.  This inspired me to create my own  Autumn Playlist, Part 1. 

1. "Harvest Moon"  Neil Young

2. "Autumn Leaves" performed on piano by Roger Williams, but tonight I discovered a lovely performance of the song by Eric Clapton

3." October Road" James Taylor

4. " Moondance" Van Morrison

5. "September Morn" Neil Diamond

6."Maggie May" Rod Stewart

7. "Shine on Harvest Moon" Remember the cartoons that had the lyrics on the screen and you sang with the bouncing ball? This is one I remember. Mom used to love to sing it to us. 

8. "Forever Autumn", Moody Blues

9. Sentimental Lady" Bob Welch. This song is not about autumn, but I remember when it came out the fall of 1977. I was back in my hometown starting my first teaching job and it was always playing on the radio. I still love the memories this song holds.

10. "September ", Earth, Wind, and Fire  In November of 1978 this song was released and we sang it in the car with the radio or with the jukebox in the bars. It still remains my favorite feel good song for September and any other month of  the year.  Enjoy!

What would be on your Autumn Playlist?

Embracing Autumn

I don't have bucket lists, but this year I decided to slow down and embrace my favorite season of the year. Some years December hits and realize I didn't even make a pumpkin pie! Here are the ways I am going to embrace autumn this year:

Drive to the cemetery, drive up the river, and walk the bike trail to take autumn leaf pictures.

Bake a pumpkin pie and serve it for Family Dinner.

Capture photos of autumn sunsets.

Eat a caramel apple.

Snuggle in a warm sweater while reading a book and sipping strong coffee in front of the fireplace.

Light my Sweater Weather candle. (my favorite fall scent from Bath and Body Works)

Build a fire in the fire pit, sit and warm up while drinking hot apple cider.

Mix up a pitcher of autumn sangria to share with friends.

Pick apples, then make autumn apple bread and cake.

Make chili in the slow cooker.

Put mums on the porch and the window box.

Feed the mourning doves.

Count my blessings.

This list is a start. What do you love to do in autumn?

Another Obsession: Autumn Leaves

 I don't know why, but ever since I was a little girl I have loved autumn leaves. I love watching them change on the tree, I also love walking on them and listening to them crunch. Most of all, I love photographing them. Here are a few photo captures from the last few years. I think I need to get a few of these printed and framed.  Enjoy!

“There is something incredibly nostalgic and significant about the annual cascade of Autumn leaves.”

— Joe. L. Wheeler