In coming home I have discovered there is a serious “fall cleanup” culture here in the upper Midwest which is not so noticeable in more temperate parts of the country. It could also be called “preparation for winter” starting in early September and lasting thru mid-November when, after a final fishing trip or bike ride in the crisp fall air, we painfully realize our nice days are behind us for the year. Here at the lake boats start coming out of the water while docks and lifts make their way onto dry land for the winter. I am sure a version of this happens in town as well when summer play toys make their way into the garage for winter.
Once the last of the squash and pumpkins are gleaned our gardens are promptly cleared out, cleaned up and sometimes even tilled for good measure. Next, whether finished blooming or not, our annual flowers are tugged out of their pots and disposed of while our perennial flowers, bushes and shrubs are all given a serious haircut and mulched. If we remember, we even dig the flower bulbs out of our beds and store them away in a dark place for the winter. Lawn/porch furniture, yard decorations and empty flower pots are gathered up and stored in our garages and sheds while leaves are racked up and burned along with other garden refuse. Barrel burning was quite a shock to see and isn’t allowed out west where the threat of wild fires prevails. I have also noticed wood cutting by those who heat with wood or still have wood burning fireplaces. With dreary days upon us we are happy to have added colorful fall décor to our landscape which keeps our spirits up until the snow starts falling and we quickly turn our attention to the winter holidays. I enjoy the many rituals associated with seasonal changes which, based on where one lives, are either taken for granted or never experienced.
During this time, I also notice the whir of lawn mowers has finally died down. Our yards get aerated and fertilized to ensure a healthy spring turf. House foundations are sprayed with all manner of preventives while window screens are either taken off and/or storm windows are put on. I have heard about fall house cleaning but have yet to figure out what that entails. I have heard folks talk about rotating summer clothes out and winter clothes into their closets and drawers; again something that doesn’t happen in more temperate climates. It is also imperative to clean out our garages to ensure space for both winter storage and a maximum number of vehicles to avoid unnecessary ice and snow removal. We are usually gone before the real snow flies so have yet to get in on snow shoveling/plowing which I hear is some fun in this cold blizzard prone climate! I am sure this is accompanied by the use of all sorts of necessary outdoor tools and snow friendly recreational toys which I will write about if we ever settle in for a winter at the lake. Just so you know, I’m game but Paul won’t talk about it…yet!