Hi,

This is Kevin, the host here at Labyrintia Guest House, with a garden update.

Although most gardens are about to be put to bed, the work here at Labyrinthia Gardens is year-round. Yesterday I picked kale and Swiss chard. I have been spotting grey squirrels and have seen one eating my chard. There are carrots, leeks, and lettuce still to harvest. Today may pick more of the Asian pears.

In spring, when preparing the raised beds in the backyard vegetable garden, three oak seedlings sprouted here. Not sure how the acorns got in the garden, but there they were. I moved one of these yesterday. The main taproot was about a foot deep, and there were two side roots jetting out about six inches long. This oak will grow fast if the deer do not find it and devour the terminal leader.

I also found a small box of four light-colored double-pedaled daffodils that were planted beside the Devil’s Walking Stick, Aralia (Aralia spinosa), near the Mulberry, and a tall Mint plant. Purchased this Aralis on eBay. Got 3 root cuttings. They all sprouted. Two are already over six feet tall in two growing seasons. They can be considered invasive, but likely not here in Ripley, Maine, zone 4a.

The trees in my garden fascinate me. Most were grown from seedlings discovered on the wayside, gifts from friends’ gardens, or online nurseries, eBay, and finally, local nurseries. I’m always shopping for plants. My eyes are on the keen for plants that I do not have, or just the sheer joy of seeing mature plants, the flowers, the fruit, and leaves.

Guests here at Labyrinthia Guest House can pick the flowers, fruits, berries, and fresh vegetables, with everything grown with strictly organic methods.