Each tree has a mind of its own. We have a pear tree whose leaves stay green all winter, and don’t fall off until the new leaves come out in the spring. This year we trimmed it way back, and its leaves are turning bright yellow and falling.

In the garden, the garlic shoots are appearing. They whiz past the tender mustard greens. The nice thing about greens this time of year is that they grow slowly. Each day you can walk the rows and see the subtle changes from day to day.

The stellar jays and pileated woodpeckers have made their mark on the apples. How many pecks can an apple take before it falls to the ground?

Plant a few kale plants, and you are guaranteed greens all winter long. The colder it gets, the sweeter they become.