Hello everyone,
Happy October! It's already the last blitz before winter. There's a lot going on at the nursery, to put it mildly! The somewhat late release of the newsletter just goes to show the depth of the action! We can't wait for October 21 - more details later in the newsletter ;). On the newsletter menu : Planting trees in autumn? We'll tell you all about it; news from the chicken coop and events you won't want to miss.
When is the right time to plant trees? When there's a lot of sun? Just after it rains? Actually, it's more a question of season and plants' growth cycles. When it comes to planting a tree, the most important element is rooting. And trees have their own preferred times for taking root. This preference is not due to their personality, but rather to an energetic strategy. In fact, in spring, when the soil is warmed by the sun but the air is still cool, root growth is favorable. The sun is not yet at its strongest, and the late frosts have not yet passed. So it's best to concentrate on the roots! A similar window opens in autumn, when the air cools faster than the soil. In short, when trees have their leaves, it's best not to disturb them. So spring and autumn are the best times to plant trees. Which brings us to remind you that a fall sale is ongoing on our website ;)
News from the chicken coop! The nursery's most ambitious project (apart from the nursery itself) has come to completion: the wheeled hen house has been made official with its first birds. A short while ago, this construction went on the road (a small path to the side of our field) to take up residence in the orchard. Armed with an electric fence, this bastion serves as a refuge for the Réfriche's laying hens. For the time being, only a limited number of birds enjoy this palace on wheels. But it's only a matter of time before a population more representative of the henhouse's size settles in. La Réfriche would like to host Chantecler hens, a local breed, in its henhouse. In doing so, the nursery remains committed to protecting the genetic heritage of both native trees and local animal breeds.
We were at the Marché du Vieux Hull on October 5 in Hull's Parc Moussette, and at the Place du Marché cooperative's pumpkin ball on Friday, October 7 and Saturday, October 8 in Ripon. It's always a pleasure to meet you and chat. For those who didn't get a chance to come and meet us, we'll be at the Main Farmer's Market at 210 Main Street in Ottawa on October 14 and 28. We'll also be at the Place du Marché Cooperative Christmas Market in Ripon on November 18 and 19.
Finally, if you haven't already heard, October 21 is a very special Saturday. It's the Nursery Open House! We're up to our ears in preparations, but the work is more than made up for by our desire to see you and the excitement of such an event. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., come along for the ride! Farm tours, stall holders, a BBQ ($10), activities for the little ones, all this and much more is planned for that day! To make sure you don't miss out, check out our event on Facebook and stay tuned for future posts!
This concludes the October newsletter. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact us! Until November, be well!
La Réfriche Nursery team