“The retreat brings people together, builds community in the forest, gets participants outside and off their screens, and uses nature sustainably to heal and inspire minds and souls,” stated Great Mountain Forest Executive Director Michael Zafros. Retreat registration closes on July 30.
Plants painted with prickly frost crystals sparkled, lit by morning’s first sunbeams. Every sparkle flashed rainbow colors. Each uniquely rimed leaf invited a close-up look.
Many vegetables become sweeter with cooler temperatures. So do some gardeners, like our author, in hopes that someone will keep him warm during the winter.
Usually, leeks and the cabbage family survive uncovered until the end of November and beyond. Parsnips left in the ground through winter are prized as a spring treat after the ground thaws.
The garden has thrown off its snow blanket and frost-hardy vegetables are growing despite occasional nighttime temperatures in the 20’s when the top layer of earth freezes solid.
The anti-oxidants in leeks are associated with reducing cholesterol production in the liver cells. They also appear to impart anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal activities.
