Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Autumn in summer


Finally raked all the leaves that have fallen off the sycamores over the past six weeks — as big a pile as I'd expect in mid-October. Sycamores, like many other trees, shed leaves to conserve moisture. I mulched them into a fine powder and made a small pile in the back corner.

Meanwhile, the "shroud" (partially visible at left in the photo) continues to protect the vines from birds. I've seen numerous pigeons and cardinals land on the covered vines. They seem to be able to identify the deep blue maturing fruit behind the see-through fabric. But they can't figure out how to penetrate it, so they fly away.

I checked the brix twice this week — only 15. Still a ways to go. I also check daily to be sure that the grapes are not falling off the vine, which St.Vincent grapes will do.

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