Dear Gardeners,
The frost has set in for real and the winds have been quite cold. Some hardy kale and brussel sprouts keep producing and get sweeter for the cold temperatures. We have a lot of moles and other rodents so cleaning up your plot will be very important. Don't leave piles of sticks or plants in the gardens to provide them homes. Cleaning up now means that the rodents won't be nearly so bad in the spring.
We have some two-legged varmits causing some problems as well. There have been several reports of some older boys (maybe around 12) ripping out posts, harassing the wildlife and running through plots and fruit trees causing damage. If you have any information on these children, would you please email me so that we can discuss the situation with their parents and stop the destructive activities? We welcome children into the gardens and enjoy their working in their own plots or using the sandboxes, paths and picnic areas, but we need to protect the crops and wildlife and do some education.
We will have a workday this Sunday, Nov. 9,  from 9 am to noon at Eagle Heights. We have several chores to install our sign, move chips for mulch and prepare some of the flowering perennials for winter. Please email me if you would like to work this opportunity. We are getting to the end of workday weather and the obligation needs to be met by Dec. 1 by working or paying the "no workday" fee. We can use a large workcrew if you want to volunteer this time.
The geese are actively flocking up overhead although the cranes have been around (and helping with the rodents). The little arctic ducks are appearing on the lake with the last wind blowing them down from the north. The garden committee is  actively planning for the Opening Day and Seed Fair for next year and looking forward to the next season as I hope you are.
Collect some seeds from the plants as you clear and you will have them for flowers and vegetables next year!
Gretel, Garden Registrar