Goliath

Taken from the front porch a few weeks ago, this photo shows most of the front briar patch. 

 Last year, it grew higher than the fence.

 Recent rain, cold, and damp days allowed safe burning.

 I began by placing damp, flattened cardboard boxes on top to bend the briar stems over, pouring on 4 big bins of leaves. 

 Leaves burn very hot igniting the cardboard.   

 And an oven-like incinerating tunnel formed under the cardboard.

 Which took out a large percentage of the dry and green brush. 

 Thankfully, there was a lot more dry than green.

 This patch originally measured about 60 feet long and maybe 15 feet wide at the largest portion.  For safety's sake, I worked in segments burning 4-5 boxes at a time.

After the section cooled a bit, I used clippers to remove remaining stem segments which got burned in a separate pile.  I've read that new briar patches will form if there is stem residue left over.

One more full day should see completion of this project, then I can put my greenhouse up.

 After that, the apple trees will finally be planted.

See how fast the peonies are shooting up.  Spring is coming!

Until then keep stitchin' . . .

Spring is "sprung-ing"

Despite yesterday's snow flurries and a low of 27 degrees

 My peonies declare that winter is ending.

 Along with the lilacs and hydrangea.

 Yard work has commenced with clearing of the north 40

and most of the west 40.  I still have to rake and burn the south west corner where the tall grass and volunteer pine trees now reside. 

As soon as weather permits, we'll burn the front briar patch.  You may recall I've been fighting this battle for several years.  It must be done before it turns warm.  Hopefully next week I'll be able to put the greenhouse up.

How are your spring plans coming along?  Would anyone in the USA like to exchange a few seeds?  I'm particularly interested in trying some new herbs and flowers.  There are cantaloupe and pepper seeds in my fridge to exchange.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .