Prepping the farm for winter: lavender, dahlias, and a final harvest!

[@jentbarnes7328]

“Yesterday I was a different person” is the most relatable gardener’s lament! Love your detailed videos because I’ve got clay soil and a cold climate too. Thank you!

[@piersfenwick]

Hi from the wet UK - I’m a professional gardener and have found your videos informative and inspiring- great Ethos for regenerative and ecological flower production

[@Blossomandbranch]

So nice of you to tell me that, thank you for taking the time! Hope you dry out a bit for a stretch!!

[@magsj2387]

You are such a great Mamma. Your sheep are so cute and happy it warms my heart to see them. Thanks for your video. It’s a good reminder of what needs done before frost so I better get to it 😊

[@Blossomandbranch]

They are sweeties, and also naughty-just like children haha! But at least they mow the lawn 😂❤️

[@melissaoleary8196]

I feel you! Watching you run around today was exactly what I was doing today! Never fails - the last day before the freeze is chaos on the farm! Hurry hurry, hurry! 😊

[@Blossomandbranch]

Ahhhhh my brain has trouble on these days keeping up-start one thing and then on to the next before finishing, hope you got it all done!!

[@kdala2693]

❤️Learning so much from your videos! Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and being REAL!💐 The shocking fence part, painful and funny 🤪😂been there!

[@Blossomandbranch]

Haha didn’t realize I shook the phone so much! It’s just me doing all the farming, filming and editing, no team like the bigger channels and it’s a lot of work son in really appreciate you saying that!

[@alex_morgan9048]

We always used pliers or a metal screwdriver to test electric fences. Touch the metal end of the tool to the line and it should spark if it's hot. The insulated handles keep you from being hit by the shock. There's no need to shock yourself!

[@NewDimension7]

Yeay it's very informative and nice garden plant sharing . Thanks You

[@Blossomandbranch]

Most welcome!

[@toneliseostboe6909]

Im watching from Norway. Looks like we have more or less the same climate. I like your presentation :)

[@Blossomandbranch]

Thank you! My family is Norwegian (selstad is the family name), I’d love to get there one day soon! Glad you’re here!

[@mistygeller3193]

I’m a binge watcher of your videos since finding you! And constantly refer back when I am focusing on something specific in my gardens, that I have only just started in my new home. I am learning so, soooo very much from you and I cannot thank you enough! ☺️ I’m planting and planning for new things because of what I’m learning as well!

[@Blossomandbranch]

Thank you so much, that means a lot to me!!

[@judyriddell]

Love seeing the flowers, your process, and all the updates. And of course the sheep!

[@Blossomandbranch]

Thank you so much! 😊

[@apriloestman8304]

As always, I love and appreciate your videos. This was no different. Thank you for sharing your wealth of knowledge.

[@Blossomandbranch]

So nice of you, thank you so much!

[@nikkistump3480]

You are so much fun to watch Bree! Love your videos!

[@Blossomandbranch]

Thanks so much!

[@karenb2262]

Entertaining and informative. I’ll be watching more videos after I mulch my lavender and cut my hyssop down to bug hotel length.

[@juliehorney995]

Thank you for the inspiration and reality of managing a garden space. Godspeed m'lady, :J

[@ntur117]

Wonderful thank you for all the tips and tour

[@Blossomandbranch]

Thanks for watching! ❤️

[@mimlauj6869]

Great video! My weather forecast just changed too! Light freeze to hard freeze in just a day! I'll be scrambling myself later today 😅

[@Blossomandbranch]

Eek!! Bundle up, hope you get it done!! I’ll send Roosevelt to help 😂

[@VickiesGardenEvolution]

I'm so happy to have found your channel. I love your informative style, and so excited to hear you can keep dahlias successfully over winter in zone 5. I'm in 5b, going to have to give it a try ❤ because I'm way too lazy to dig them up!

[@candersoh1208]

flower farmer from boulder co thanks you for this great video!

[@Blossomandbranch]

Our pleasure!

[@candersoh1208]

where are u guys located?

[@joshlynevillano2827]

Getting so much inspiration for my own garden at our new (to us) farmhouse!

[@britt518]

Thank you for sharing more about how you use and care for the sheep!

[@Blossomandbranch]

You bet! Trying to compile a vid on it!!

[@deniseb2571]

I didn't expect that beautiful bouquet at this time of year. So pretty. 🍁

[@Blossomandbranch]

Yes, the roses really bloomed with a vengeance these last couple of weeks! Surprised me, too! 😍

[@threetreesfarm]

Hello from central VA, zone 7b. Happy to know I can overwinter dahlias bc they are NOT CHEAP! We have started prepping to add cut flowers to our operation next spring and I am learning so much from you!

[@Blossomandbranch]

Exactly!! They are an investment, and leaving them in the ground is actually a very reliable storage method I’ve found! Hope you have luck!!

[@cynthiadotson7135]

I’m learning so much from you. Thank you.

[@DalhiaSun]

You are a much stronger woman than I. I certainly hope you get a rest over the winter!

[@Blossomandbranch]

You’re stronger than you think! Just need the threat of having to work in freezing cold temps and I get ya going! ❤️ and thank you, December is always rest month and I can’t wait!!

[@ashleyamelia08]

You've provided so much unpretentious education and wisdom!

[@Blossomandbranch]

Thank you so much 😊

[@trayvixk4642]

Pretty sure you can test an electric fence with a long blade a grass. Hold it at the base and then have the tip of the grass touch the fence. Then move your hand closer to the fence and eventually you'll feel a pulse on the grass.

[@selenanieto8152]

Thank you for the great video! You are very inspirational.

[@aliciadedman9300]

Love your channel!

[@Blossomandbranch]

Thank you so much!😊

[@bloomsbyamelie]

Just dug out my dahlias (just in the nick of time) we got our first dumping of snow this morning!

[@Blossomandbranch]

Phew, no muddy digging for you! 😂❤️

[@younglee3285]

Thanks for the video.

[@katebarrett1924]

Thanks for the info on the Anise Hyssop! Going to trim mine back today - the pollinators on those plants were amazing this summer! We enjoyed watching them so much!

[@Blossomandbranch]

They smell so good and make a delicious syrup too, save and dry the leaves for tea!

[@gingerfield1089]

Me too! I successfully grew from seed this year and they were a foundation in the veg garden. I was wondering what to do with seed heads?

[@laurenpalmer5966]

Thank you so much for sharing Bri. I watch and rewatch your videos all the time and really appreciate your focus on caring for the Earth and sharing your knowledge with others so we can all be responsible care givers and receivers. Would you mind sharing where you got your jute hatch roping for the dahlias? I know you've said before in another vid but I couldn't find it again.

[@Blossomandbranch]

You’re welcome!! The jute netting is from conscious gardeners :)

[@markdrake4570]

I was amazed when the dahlias I left in the ground last year came back. Now I know it wasn't that amazing!

[@Blossomandbranch]

Oh gosh compared to all the digging and storage work-whew!!

[@luannwilliams1464]

Thanks for all your great information. I have never mulched my lavender, but maybe I will this year. I'm in Salt Lake City, Utah. I'm thinking maybe that's why my lavender takes so long to come back in the spring!

[@Blossomandbranch]

Yes, we had horrible die back last winter with the extreme cold so I figure I’ll give it a shot!

[@mamaearth35]

You can use a blade of grass to test the electric fence! ;)

[@Blossomandbranch]

That’s never worked for me!! Maybe because it’s low voltage? My husband did inform me that you can use the back of your hand instead of the fingers haha 😂

[@mamaearth35]

We thought the electric line keeping in the cows was off because some got loose, so I grabbed onto the line with my full hand and was practically knocked down to the ground! I can relate - it does not feel good! I guess your fencing doesn't make that clicking noise when it's on, which is a helpful telltale sign! :)@@Blossomandbranch

[@juliepuhr9806]

Very enjoyable to watch….great explanations

[@Blossomandbranch]

Many thanks!

[@LisadeKramer]

I love your videos. You are so knowledgeable and have done a fabulous job with your little piece of heaven. My farrier suggested that I get a couple of hair sheep to work on my weeds. I told her if I did that I would have to milk them and make cheese. That may be next year's project.

[@Blossomandbranch]

Thanks so much!! Yes, milking sounds fun although my dad was a dairy farmer and the schedule was exhausting-no days off! But the sheep are very sweet and rewarding!

[@allisonsnz]

Great and timely information - thank you!

[@Blossomandbranch]

Glad it was helpful!

[@claudettestpierre487]

Brie thanks for this video.i too was scrambling yesterday to button up the garden and perennial beds for the snow. Here in Franktown we have about 6 inches so far today and it continues to come down hard!

[@Blossomandbranch]

It was a big storm for our first! Glad you got some things done too! ❤️

[@ahermitslife3684]

I know that you have probably answered this question 100x already but could you tell me what kind of sheep you have please?!

[@Blossomandbranch]

No problem!! They’re Southdown babydoll!

[@hodgsonhome4243]

Giiirl! You send me an address and I'll ship you a pocket fence tester! 😂 Grabbing that thing with your hand...😅. Plus, you should also be looking at the voltage it's hitting... if your ground isn't wet enough or deep enough, those little Bo Peeps might still get out. Love your beautiful work!

[@Blossomandbranch]

Thankfully they know to respect the fence but you’re right, should def test!!

[@debs-more-plants]

Very informative! Thanks!

[@kmsch986]

Ugh, this cold snap came too early. I just got my delivery of perennials from High Country a few weeks ago. Watered them heavy. Mulched and going to cover with plastic row covers and pray. 5 degrees in October 😂 predicted for tomorrow, I’m done already, lol

[@Blossomandbranch]

The natives should be ok!!

[@robingalloway3541]

I never use to think about covering my 3 4x4 raised beds,now I do straw for mulch and leaves, coffee grounds. Egg shells, crushed and azomite dust. Not sure I need that last one

[@lindaalbano6868]

My family lives in Colorado Springs and they got 14 to 18 inches of snow

[@Blossomandbranch]

It was a big one for the first snow!!!

[@suzannecerrone7110]

Hi Bri. Thank you for your videos! I wonder if you can tell me how you treat your roses for longer vase life? I tried flaming the stem just recently and my roses seemed to last a little longer. Thank you for advising!

[@Blossomandbranch]

Garden roses just have shorter vase life but in general, cut early in the morning (water the night before so they’re hydrated!), into warm water, let sit in a dark cool place for a few hours after cutting. I also like to cut when buds are much tighter than shown here-these won’t last long being this open!

[@suzannecerrone7110]

Thank you!@@Blossomandbranch

[@domisotto6716]

I went away for a weekend and came back to a foot of snow and hard freeze ever since. So my wonderful mulch is piled all over the yard under snow... not exactly winterized! 😅 waiting for a warm spell to chip away at it.

[@Blossomandbranch]

Ack, our weather always seems to be wrong so it’s so hard to plan! At least snow is a good insulator!! 😜❤️

[@domisotto6716]

@Blossomandbranch apparently, mulch and snow was enough to keep my fav begonia alive through a week of -20 C nights. I dug it up and took cuttings. Go mulch!

[@catreeves963]

You can buy a simple tool to test the fence! Just to save yourselves many shocks in your future

[@kelleyforeman]

We rushed around winterizing things this weekend. We got a lot done!

[@Blossomandbranch]

🙌🏻 now for apple cider reward!!

[@aimeesgardens]

Wow, I didn't know that powdery mildew can live in the soil. Does that mean once you have it, you will always have it? Is there anyway to get rid of it? 😭 Thanks for your content. I always learn something new watching your videos 😊

[@Blossomandbranch]

Well, some spores can live in the soil so if rain hits the soil it can splash up onto the plants and infect them-but I don’t worry too much about it, just remove what you can and if it was bad in any spot just plant something there that doesn’t get mildew (ie no pumpkin/squash/zinnia/bee balm!) for a year and then it should be fine!

[@nivekmic]

With my electric fence i have found the shock to be WAY worse if i am grounded (skin close to ground) then if i am simply standing with my tennis shoes on not touching anything else. You were kneeling so i would expect a much worse shock than if you were standing. Just a thought for next time 😊.

[@mitzi605]

Lots of things done!

[@Blossomandbranch]

Sometimes we need a deadline 🤣❤️

[@Daisy-Hey-Hello]

For checking the fence: next time use a piece of grass. Hold one end and put the other end onto the fence. Move closer until you feel a small shock. (usally 1 inch of grass, depends on how moist the grass is ). Or buy a device 😁 Edit: you already know this, but it doesn't work ... (probably to dry grass).

[@everafterflowerfarm]

I wonder if that would help my boxwoods? The get pummeled by the wind, but we don't really cut them back... maybe I should wrap them in burlap or something.

[@annacaucci7644]

I just saw this video with you saying that you keep your dahlias in the ground!! that would be amazing! I am surprised with you being in Colorado that you can do this, do you have any idea if I would be able to do this in Pennsylvania in 7A?

[@michellescountrygardens]

Snow predicted tonight in NW Iowa so I was running around trying to button things up today.

[@Blossomandbranch]

Same storm as us I think! Everyone’s headed for cold, stay warm!!

[@theresadyjach5406]

in what sate are you in ? Im in zone 6a, Your bee balm, is a beautiful purple color.

[@Blossomandbranch]

Colorado! Yes I love this variety, called lambada!

[@rebeccawaddell5114]

When you check if your fence is working, use the back of your hand. If it happens to have a higher current than you're expecting (for whatever reason), your muscles will contract and if you use the front of your hands there's a chance your fingers will grasp the fence and you won't be able to let go.

[@Blossomandbranch]

This is exactly what my husband said 😂

[@rebeccawaddell5114]

Got to watch out for the dogs when you're testing as well. Once I was checking the fences, thinking I was safe with my rubber soled shoes expecting a little tingle, and my dog came up behind me and put her wet nose on my calf and we both had a very bad time 😵‍💫

[@dellohaynes3543]

On the years that you do divide how do you treat them replant or store til next year?im a learning home gardener (71) and lovvvvvve what you teach me.

[@Blossomandbranch]

If I dig them I store them for winter! Usually in a cardboard box with pine shavings!

[@jwhite5396]

I’ve collected some zinnia seeds. I’m not sure if they will be viable. Could you show us what to look for when you sort your seeds? Thanks.

[@Blossomandbranch]

Check out last video, we do zinnia seeds in that one!

[@allthingsflowers]

What variety were the beautiful purple burgundy and green zinnias?

[@Blossomandbranch]

Queen red lime!

[@sydneeonthego]

Do you not get thrips or other insects and pests that overwinter along with your debris?

[@Blossomandbranch]

Nope! There is a balance of beneficials to balance everything. But we do remove any plants that had disease like powdery mildew, but we didn’t have much this year except the squash right at the end!

[@chuffman24]

I'm a new subscriber that is enjoying your content very much. I would respectfully suggest you try and even out your audio levels in edit. There is quite a bit of variability depending on how close you are to the camera.

[@Blossomandbranch]

Thank you! Appreciate the feedback and don’t disagree. I’m a one woman show and my strength is gardening not tech 😂 will do my best in the future!!

[@moniquemckenna6795]

I live in Alberta Canada zone 4a we suffer freeze thaw. Last year I covered my lavender rows with burlap, seemed to work, what do you think? I don’t have any leaves left.

[@Blossomandbranch]

Burlap is a great option!!

[@dellohaynes3543]

PS my lisianthus seeds just sprouted🥳

[@Blossomandbranch]

Success!!

[@megangilpin6743]

If you touch a piece of grass to the fence you'll still be able to feel if it's on without putting your hand directly on it. A lesson from my childhood. . . .

[@Blossomandbranch]

Now ya tell me 😉 no but really though, I’ve tried it and I think this fence doesn’t work well for the grass test because the wire wraps around instead of being continuous 🤔 if nothing else it woke me up!! 😂

[@jennifersharp6624]

Hi ! Should we be cutting back lavender for winter ?

[@Blossomandbranch]

No! One prune after flowering in mid summer-we have more info in our most recent lavender vid on when we prune!

[@jennifersharp6624]

@Blossomandbranch - great! What do I do if I didn't prune in July? I'm also a zone 5.

[@KK-FL]

The bees can fit in those tiny holes?

[@Blossomandbranch]

They can fit into pretty tight spaces, depending on the insect but it’s best to do a variety of sizes! They can also burrow it out a bit

[@bargain_mouse7746]

Buy you a fence tester😉

[@Blossomandbranch]

😂😂

[@novampires223]

They make fence testers.. hate getting shocked, it’s just plain rude..😅

[@tannenbaumgirl3100]

You need to buy a fence tester...$18 only.

[@Blossomandbranch]

Eh I’m too cheap. This keeps the old ticker goin’

[@jillianmartens9788]

Hey! Follower from Lakewood. Wondering if you’d be interested in sharing the person helping out on the support beam- trying to get work done on my kitchen and would way rather get someone that can be trusted and is local to area. I can give you my email if your contractor would be interested in work. Thanks!!!

[@Blossomandbranch]

Our builder is super busy but I can get the info of his sub who’s helping with the beam-send me an email Briana @ blossomandbranchfarm (dot)com and I’ll see if I can grab his name!

[@karenm5681]

What do you mean when you say you might not have roses next year? 🥀🥲 Don’t you need them as food for your soul?🌹💐😂(I know I do.)

[@annacaucci7644]

I just saw this video with you saying that you keep your dahlias in the ground!! that would be amazing! I am surprised with you being in Colorado that you can do this, do you have any idea if I would be able to do this in Pennsylvania in 7A?