First Snow

We had the first snowfall overnight last night. Granted it was nothing much to speak of, but there was a dusting on the cars this morning and the ground was lightly covered. So technically, we have broken the seal on winter weather. As far as winterizing the landscape goes, I spent the weekend catching up on that. Still trying to get the mulch pile down -- probably have two or three yards left. As long as I get it moved before it freezes solid I will be okay.

I spent most of the time trimming down the wildflower/naturalized areas (which comprise just over an acre in total I would estimate). I am using my Echo brushcutter for this (basically a straight shaft trimmer with a solid blade that looks like a saw blade). It will cut through some decent sized brush (up to 3/4" at least). I basically move along in a sweeping motion, as if I using a scythe. It takes awhile (the brush is four to five-feet high), but I make good progress. I do it in chunks to avoid fatigue. This sort of task I can do even after the weather freezes up further, but it takes awhile so I needed to get started.

I also picked up some plumbing insulation wrap over the weekend. The Savio filter manual (for the pond filter) recommends wrapping the key joints and valves along the hose line with insulated plumpers tape. This I will get to before the big freezed sets in.