Free Plants at Raulston Arboretum

On Saturday, October 11 2008, we went to the Raulston Arboretum in Raleigh, which is affiliated with NC State, and participated in their plant distribution for members. This was a great time - they gave away 5,000 plants to those who supported the arboretum and we got about 28 - free! Susan had gone on-line, decided what we should go for, and then when we got there at about 8:15, we registered and lined up. There were maybe 200-300 others in line, and at 9:00 they blew the horn and we positioned ourselves near the plants we wanted. The plant varieties were numbered and in rows sequentially. Then we could get one plant of three different types so for the two of us that was 6 plants. Then we waited for the second horn and did it again and then the third horn. Now we had 18 plants. After that it was a free for all and we got about 10 more plants! It was very organized and we appreciate the volunteers at Raulston for making it a lot of fun. Plus we met some neat folks in line. We highly recommend this arboretum ... and their plant give-away.

Oh, the chickens are doing fine with their move - we measure success by the eggs they provide us and they still come 2-4 per day. Yesterday, one of the younger chickens got outside the fence and Susan and I herded him/her back under the fence. He/she seemed relieved to be at home inside the fence. Fortunately, neither of our cats (Tom and Jerry) nor our house dog Della saw what was happening.

We have changed the grain feeding bowls for the goats so they cannot put their feet in the bowls - moved the three bowls outside their stall and cut holes in the wooden fence around the stall. Then we wrapped it in wire so Daisy could not get to it. Still need to tinker a bit with it but seems to be working pretty well. There's always something like this to do in the barn. But it's a lot of fun to think through the solutions as the problems arise. Tonight we are getting a delivery of 8 bales of orchard grass from Jerry.

Susan has planted lots of fall vegetables and they are doing really well. we are eating the lettuce, swiss chard, and okra (not a fall vege but still hanging on). The weather looks like there will be no frost for a week or so which is good. We are nursing the last two-three peppers along and hope that they can make it. The beans are gone and the tomatoes are 98% gone.

And it is so beautiful outside!