Apricots, pears and grapes…I pick grapes!!!

Several years ago, we planted apricot and pear trees west of our house, protected by the northwest trees and in full exposure to the sun.  We should soon be picking fruit that is generally not native to such northern climes.  We will have to wait a couple more years for those treasures.  Also, we will soon be enjoying grapes which are protected from harsh, cold winds by the 100 year old granary and in a sunny, southern place. I picked some small, purple grapes the other day and in a few years we will have grapes to harvest for juice.  All this needs tending to and nurturing from invasive weeds, Mother Nature can do the rest.  Last night my Mom and I unearthed irises from their rootbound, quack grass state and planted them in rows in our old vegetable garden.  We planted NINETY of them and there are probably another fifty to plant.  I have many other gardens to tear into insisting that the quack and other weeds MUST surrender and release the perennials from that snarly stronghold of weeds.  My Dad started to rototill our new garden west of the shop.  Much to do to prepare for the long winter siege, fortunately there is still time as fall is approaching.  Happy Labor Day!