Tree Planting Work Party October 2021
The day for our second ever work party was set, and then the wind began howling day after day. That’s the trouble with doing things outside; the weather will have its own plans. But as if in special recognition of our efforts to take care of our rather massive mound of earth, the day was calm and started out mild.
Five serviceberries, three blaze maples, two aspens, two lilacs, one mountain ash, and an undetermined number of junipers needed planting. We began by settling the serviceberries into newly dug and watered holes. Then, thanks to newsletter subscriber Jinny, we conquered and divided planting maples, lilacs, and daffodil, tulip, and crocus bulbs! I had dreams of ripping out a flower bed that had been flowerless long before we arrived at the ranch five years ago. It seemed popular with the dogs as an excellent pit to lay in.
Extra dirt from the serviceberry holes filled the bed right up, and Jinny suggested we plant bulbs. I just so happened to have boxed bulbs ready to plant. Jinny and her daughter Reiko tucked the bulbs away, and now we can look forward to the surprise of early spring flowers!
Next, we worked to plant the aspen trees. At this point, the wind picked up but the temperature really dropped. Luckily we still had holes to dig, t-posts to pound, and wire fencing to wrangle around said trees which could keep us warm. We also went on a baby juniper tree harvesting expedition, digging up the smallest junipers in locations that weren’t ideal for them. So out came tiny junipers too close to the driveway, in the pastures, or too close to other trees.
Then, just as our deeds were done and the wind was taking its toll, Nathaniel’s mom and incredibly supportive newsletter subscriber, Lori, rolled up with a hot dinner! Both our eyes and our tummies feasted on the bounty of hot chili, warm cornbread, and vibrant salad!
And now it was time for us to come together, elbow to elbow, at our long table that Nathaniel made for my brother’s wedding in Big Rock back in 2017. Yet another unique celebration held under the Big Rock. This one is well-earned.
We look forward to future work parties! We have two more winter work parties to plan for the New Year. One will be creating the framework of a trail system in the native 15-acres of Big Rock for visitors and us to enjoy. The other is limbing trees to improve our pastures for livestock safety.
We hope to see you at our future work parties.
Thank you Newsletter community!