The landscape prepares itself for a long winter’s nap as the temperatures drop. The leaves fall from the trees, the lawn stops growing, the flowers die back and stop producing, and the gardens fill with leaves, sticks, and dried-up flower stalks. Some may say that it begins to look a bit messy, however, those piled-up leaves and dried-up flower stalks provide shelter and homes for an assortment of living creatures. They offer a haven for frogs, bees, salamanders, and small rodents to stay safe while they, too, take a long winter’s nap.
Stewartia Tree in Autumn Color
Geri's Little Dog, Branson
Some birds migrate while others stay behind and withstand the long, cold, harsh winter. Winters can be brutal for our birds, bees, and wildlife. After all, food is scarce, and weather conditions are difficult with the freezing temperatures, the wind, and the snow. Offering a supplemental food source, whether it be seeds, nuts, or suet, for the birds can be most helpful. A layer of stored fat is essential for many birds to survive the winter months. It is recommended to provide them with a water source, such as a heated bird bath.
As a beekeeper, I winterize my hives to help my bees survive the long, cold winter months. The hives are insulated and wrapped to help keep the heat in and the wind out. The bees do a great job preparing themselves by sealing up all small crevices with propolis. It acts as their form of insulation. I leave them roughly 80 pounds of honey per hive. Although the food is available to them when they need it, it is still a chore to get to. Think about it. They have to chew through frozen wax to get to the frozen honey. It’s a great deal of work for them and uses a lot of energy. I will supplement their honey during the winter months with another form of food when the temperature allows me to open the hive for a short time to feed them. This food source is much easier to consume as it does not freeze quite so solid. The bees form a cluster, very much like a basketball, to keep warm. The queen stays in the center while the winter bees (they are winter bees because they live through the winter. Their life span is longer) circulate to ensure everyone can warm up. We should all be so good to each other.
As the daylight hours grow shorter and it becomes dark earlier, people seem to spend more time indoors staying warm. The holidays are approaching, and it offers the ideal time to reflect. Quiet reflection is essential to remind ourselves of what is truly important and to look back on the year as it draws to a close. As I do so, I am reminded of the hectic spring, dry summer, and our son’s beautiful wedding this past fall. Not only do I think of the moments but also the people. Churchill Gardens surrounds me with wonderful people. Wonderful people I work with daily and the wonderful people we serve. People who are so appreciative of our efforts to make their landscapes more beautiful. I would like to say “Thank You” to all those people. Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to be of service.
Still searching for the perfect sentimental gift for friends and family? There's plenty to do in the Berkshires this season that serve as great group outings, and some even offer gift certificates!
Enjoy the holidays and all those special moments with friends and family. Stay safe, warm, and well. Until next year!
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