As scruff as it gets
hive-140635·@bigorna1·
0.000 HBDAs scruff as it gets
 February starts with a different energy. being a Saturday, already makes a difference. the endless rains subsided and the sun is back with comfy daily temperatures. the nights, even though still fresh, are generally overcast and hence the frosts are kept at bay. at least for the time being. In the above photo, a young Pecan is protected / insulated within a cork ring. keeping boars and rodents out (at least the ones on top of the soil) and providing wind protection. I have lost a few Pecans and a young Carob tree this season to underground rodents who just chew through the roots. Can´t be sure if they are the moles or some kind of a local Gofer variety. *** You can check out my previous #HiveGarden post here: https://ecency.com/hive-140635/@bigorna1/new-year-day-1 *** Serra de Estrela, the highest point on continental Portugal, finally got some snow on it. we were recently blessed with a two weeks plus system that brought copious amounts of rainfall that is so needed. everywhere you looked was floods and flowing water (none of the devastating kind luckily, just the normal kind).  Our drainage canal can flow for 6 straight months on a good year or as little as 2 weeks in a dry one. looks promising so far, I cherish the soothing sound of the flowing water in the background before falling asleep. Sleeping beauties. a dozen Pecan trees, planted this and last season, dormant, waiting for Sparing. this system is based on Agro-forestry principles with the main crop (Pecans) planted about 6m. apart. Old car tires protect the young seedlings mainly from boars and also serve as a marker for when in Spring the grass grows to about chest level in a very short time. In between the main crop trees, we planted sacrificial trees. Black Locusts (Robinia pseudoacacia) are fast growing leguminous trees that fix Nitrogen into the soil and are perfect for Pollarding for feeding the main crop. other plants are also planted on the lines. Wild Lavender (in the background) is one example. Fruit forming on our oldest Loquat tree. while the tree is appreciated by both us and the birds for its delicious, abundant fruit, this tree is especially important for the bees, as it flowers in late autumn, early winter when their food supply is limited. it is the first fruit in the season, maturing as early as late April or early May. A young Loquat, planted earlier this season. A Strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo) also planted earlier this season. it is a very local species and is as hardy as they come, it handles our harsh climate with ease. the fruit is locally used for the preparation of certain liquors. A young Olive cutting (in the background), planted near older, sick or none fruiting trees, while using the existing tree for certain protection. these cuttings are chosen locally from high yielding, healthy trees. The aftermath of this last season´s Olive pruning is waiting for the chipping machine. A pile of Olive leaves is a precious material used mainly for mulching, protection of cold sensitive root systems throughout the winter. The heavier part of the Olive pruning piled up to dry in our firewood shed to be used next season. about 90% of our firewood now comes from the Olives while the rest comes from occasional trees fallen in storms and the like (Eucaliptus, oak mainly). Water harvested from the roof of the firewood shed helps us go through our long dry season. The biggest challenge in winter are the frosts. this Aloe looks like that at the moment. it will spring back to life as soon as temperatures begin to rise. notice the mulch protecting its root system. Sugar cane is another plant who is not exactly thriving right now. leaves are all dried and frost bitten, but the main stem is alive and will recover as soon as the frosts diminish. Vetiver grass is very hardy once established and handles our climate well. it stops growing once temperatures drop below 10 degrees Celsius, but with a deep root system that can reach 3m. in depth, it is pretty much undisturbed. This Bambusa Oldhamii bamboo shows the damage done by the frosts. this damage accumulates and can be especially severe if frosty nights are consecutive. Closer examination shows that below the external exposed layer, the interior is better protected and is in better shape. *** I hope you enjoyed this short pick into our farm and wishing us all a great gardening season 🌱 #OCD #GEM #EcoTrain #HiveGarden #HomeEdders #ProofOfBrain #Electroculture #AbundanceTribe #SeedsCommunity #UnityTowardFreedom
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