This Area Is Next...

This is the regenerated honeysuckle that used to reside next to the staircase on the old wooden porch. I moved it next to our big pole barn/garage right before the old porch demolition, and prayed that it would survive the move. It looked more than a little rough last year, but this year it's back like gangbusters!

This area was mulched a couple years ago, and has pretty much gone renegade since. It's the next area I/we'll tackle. Handsome loves that dang weed wacker, but the problem with that is it doesn't leave much to grab onto to pull weeds/grass. I'm going to be getting down on my (ouch) knees to get the leverage to clean this all up. I'll train the honeysuckle onto the fence rails while I'm at it. It's worth it. The fragrance for this bush is heavenly! I may do some research on propagating this, too. I'd love to have it growing along the front of the house, too. Once this is all weeded and tamed, we'll put dark mulch here, too.

These galvanized tubs and livestock sink all have history. Andy found the double, curved front sink for me after we first moved here. I usually plant tomatoes in it, but this year I did onion sets, lemon grass, and lemon balm (for jelly). 

I found the square sink - filled with auto parts - in Dad's garage. I knew it would be coming to the farmhouse. I brought it home, scrubbed the sink, and left the stand as is. I'll probably give it a clear coat or even clean up and paint the base with Rustoleum in the same creamy color. I have thyme, rosemary, and I forget-what-else growing in it. 

The two round-bottom tubs were just purchased at an estate sale. The person running the sale actually lives with her husband in our first farmhouse/home. It's the place where Handsome and I were married and started our lives together. I still love the place, and I'm so glad she loves it as much as I do. They've lived there about thirty years now. 

The watering can was also a gift from Shelly. I planted it with flowers and hung it from a hook one year, but I'm using it for water now. 

This whole length of planting bed along the building needs to be weeded and remulched. I have plans for this whole area, too. Handsome and I actually talked about it yesterday. I'm going to be taking some measurements and drawing up some plans to see what works best. Then we'll either build cedar raised beds, or purchase galvanized stock tanks to implement the plan. 

Don't fret, though. Whatever we decide, I'll bring you along on the process. If you don't yet follow me on Instagram yet, you might consider it. I think when we start working on this, I'll be doing short videos (reels) to share on that platform. You can find me @brynwoodneedleworks, or search "Donna Liljegren".

It's the weekend, and I'm looking forward to more time outdoors. It supposed to be in the mid-70s all day today, with lovely sunshine. Wishing you beautiful weather, and you doing something you love. See you tomorrow!

A Perfect Autumn Day...

Brynwood Needleworks - Autumn Colors At The Farmhouse

Our Sunday couldn't have been more perfect. The sun was shining, the temperatures reached into the high 50s, and the trees were dressed in their Autumn best.

Handsome and I decided the weather was perfect for working in the yard. We moved most of the mulch that was still waiting to be placed, and then raked it into the beds. I even put some around the house side of our new rock wall, so it will be waiting for the flowers or bushes we want to put there in the spring. Then, we mowed the lawn, perhaps for the last time this season. I'm hoping so, because the yard tractor I drive really needs to have the mower blades checked, sharpened or replaced.

Brynwood Needleworks - A Late Season Surprise

 

When we finally limped (old age creeping up on us, you know) back to the house, I passed the honeysuckle vine that I'd transplanted before the porch demo and rebuild. I watered it, religiously, after it was planted, and hoped it would be happy in its new location.

Imagine my surprise - in light of some very chilly nights - to find a new blossom on the vine! It appears that my little honeysuckle is happy after all. I snapped a few photographs, and then we proceeded into the house. 

We let Bella and Tag out and fed them, first. I caught a nice, hot shower, and then we made a tasty vegetable beef soup (using some of our own canned tomatoes) and warm, homemade bread. With everyone's tummies full, I sat down in my favorite chair, turned a heating pad on my back, put my feet up, and promptly took a "power nap". I woke up just in time to watch the Packers/Chiefs football game. It was a great day and evening.

Today will be busy. We've got workmen here this morning. (I'll tell you all about that on Wednesday.) One of our sons will be here for a while, and I'm going to be working in the studio. Better get the coffee going. I think I'll be needing it today! Tag will be back tomorrow. We're working on his and Bella's Halloween costumes, so he'll be telling you all about it! Have a great day, friends.

 

Farm Jewels...

Trumpet Honeysuckle

Just when I think we've seen all the gifts the farm has to offer, Mother Nature gifts us with more. Yesterday was a gorgeous day. It was sunny and breezy. Everything is greening up and growing. I couldn't resist just sitting on our porch steps with Tag and soaking in a little sunshine.

Next to me, growing on the stair rails (one on each side), were these vines. I looked them up online, and I'm quite sure they're trumpet honeysuckle vines.

Trumpet Honeysuckle

As you can see, their blossoms aren't yet open. Like a cat who couldn't resist a warm sunny spot, I leaned back against one of the pillars and closed my eyes. I found myself contemplating whether or not we might get hummingbird visitors on the farm.

After a few minutes, I sat up and opened my eyes. Right in front of me was a hummingbird! I'm not kidding. I held my breath and sat still until it zipped away.
 

A Bonus For The Hummers

Before the end of the day, Handsome and I went out and ran a few errands. As we were heading home, I asked if he'd mind stopping for a hummingbird feeder. Of course, we stopped, and came home with a simple feeder.
 

Hummingbird Feeder

 

I looked up a nectar recipe from the Smithsonian Institute's website and made up a batch of simple syrup as a nectar for the hummingbirds I hope will stop to visit our Hickory Hill Farm. In case, you're interested, this is the recipe I used:

Hummingbird Nectar Recipe (Link HERE) 

courtesy of the Smithsonian Institute's National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute

Directions for making safe hummingbird food:

1. Mix 1 part sugar with 4 parts water and bring to a boil to kill any bacteria or mold present.
2. Cool and fill feeder.
3. Extra sugar water may be stored in a refrigerator.
4. Red dye should not be added

I made up a batch according to the recipe and then let it cool before filling the feeder. I hope the hummers find it in the morning!

It's so wonderful to know that the farm has offered up another gift this summer. Here's hoping we have little flying jewels buzzing around all season.