Only 10 Days Later...an update on the terrarium

It didn't take long for the tiny seeds to emerge from the damp soil...only 10 days. The planting took place on November 19th (see blog posting "A Moment of Sunlight") and so far this project has been completely maintenance free requiring no additional watering (notice the condensation on the walls of the clear container). The reused pretzel container has proven to be quite cozy for this variety of plant life and surprisingly the elderly seed has seemed to flourish in the enclosed habitat.

Although the mixed flower seed was more of a convenience (the only seed readily available on hand) and not the ideal, I can hardly wait for the fantastic blooms to add a touch of color to our kitchen during the white of winter! It is always so exciting to watch in anticipation the growth of the gardens in the spring, now the rewards have been brought indoors.
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What Pond?

After several days of rainy weather (with yesterdays exception of sunshine in the evening) it was a relief to wake up to the promise of sunshine and warmth. This morning when I took Moonie (our rescue dog) outside, I went ahead and threw on my boots and walked to the back of our 2 acre farm to see how high the water had risen in our pond...well, we call it a pond. Actually, some 20-30 years ago it was a watering hole for the sheep raised on our property (which has since been divided and is now known as our 2 acre farm). At some point after the original owners sold off sections of their property, along with the sheep, they knocked down part of the dam. Despite the attempt, over the years the small natural spring which fed the watering hole has continually replenished, keeping the area highly saturated during dry spells and becoming a source of fresh water for the deer after heavy rains.

The pond is just one of our many projects planned for this coming spring. Eager to get started, Nathan has already spent several days clearing some of the underbrush and scrappy trees (which will soon become fence posts) that had taken over the remains of the previous dam. We will still need to backhoe some of the dirt and rebuild the dam but as long as the natural spring remains cooperative the rain should take care of the rest. The pond will undoubtedly provide us with a great watering source, endless hours of fishing, and since it will be hard to get away with a new baby, the perfect view for camping!

Right now the outside wireless weather station reads 61 degrees, a concept hard to imagine at the end of November in the Midwest, and I am itching to migrate outside and get something accomplished. Keep your eyes peeled for updates on our little pond and the 2 acre farm!

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