New year new plan

We've taken this month to evaluate what's working, needs work or can go. Three major things that made the list is the Orchard Guard Tower, pomegranate orchard and the old pear trees. We've had many conversation about where and how we would be build another cabin on the property. We love hosting and could see some potential of one additional cabin on property.

Orchard Guard Tower

The problem is where in the garden/vineyard could we place it. An ongoing discussion but the needs work is the pomegranate orchard.

We originally planted 800 pomegranate trees, three varieties Hicaznar, Davedishe, and Wonderful, in 2021. Two of the three varieties are doing well despite two years of some heavy frost and locust damage. But the Hicaznar aren't thriving. We have about sixty to seventy trees that are not growing and the fruits that we do get are not great quality wise. We've had several that get tossed from fungi growth. So how do we fix this? Plant new fig trees in their stead. Art has grafted what we call honey figs to a wild fig tree in the garden and it's one of the first to ripen in the season plus it tastes amazing. It may take a few years but eventually we'll replace the middle section of the orchard with new fig trees.

Art has continued the massive undertaking of trimming the trees and vines. He's even removed the old grafted pear tree. It died off last year, so it was time. He's planted a fig in it's place. This stage of the homestead always feel a bit naked.

But the spring buds are already popping from the cornelius cherry blossoms and plum buds. And the hazelnuts already have a little early spring show.

And speaking of buds. We have a few loquats that held on despite some frigid nights and even some snow flurries.

Loquats

The winter garden garlic and onions are in a desperate need of weeding but overall doing well. The spinach and parsley beds are sad but still alive.

We've also been monitoring our young roosters. The aggressive behavior of a few has got them culled first. I believe we are down to about forty hens and 10 roosters. Still only Rough estimate always as there is one or ten on the far end of the garden when we attempt to count. We did cull our previous alphas, Captain Jack and Biggie. They were great roosters but even better in the pot. Meet Coco short for Coconut, the alpha tree rooster, and Little Shadow, the alpha hoop coop rooster.

We experienced a few too many losses here in the community this month. I am always reminded of the level of care and compassion of Albanian's during moments like these. The entire community will come and show their respects to the grieving family. The traditions are unique in each region of Albania and lengthy at time but it's part of the culture that admire and cherish. Our little community has beautiful people and surroundings.

Our feathery familiars came to visit despite more rain than sunshine.