Dear Friends of CBLD ,
With the true onset of winter temperatures this week of Thanksgiving, once again we need to thank Mother Nature for all that she provides us: good and bad.
The 2024 Season was quite productive here at CBLD with few rain days and predominantly moderate temperatures throughout spring and fall. This allowed us to do the work we were contracted for, given building contractors and municipalities processed their work in timely ways. We are thankful for all the folks that allow this work to be completed and continued on for years to come!
A mild fall allowed for most of our holiday lighting of trees to be done with warm nimble fingers this year, sometimes completed without gloves or a jacket. I was so happy to leave our myrtle standard collection out in the gardens to Thanksgiving week; quite unusual but a great way to reduce traveling pests in the over wintering houses when too cold to fast in the fall that typically causes hatching of scale and other insects. We are thankful for less pests in the greenhouses for such conditions. Spring flowering bulbs are getting a well-rooted start to the dormancy of winter. We are thankful for all the artful eyes projecting beautiful spring displays.
Interestingly, we have had a hard time finishing up our typical late fall tasks of antidesiccant spraying and covering of grafter rose shrubs because the soil is just not cold enough and the sun is just too harsh with moderate temperatures for proper protective spraying for desiccation prevention. We are thankful for not having to rush the yearend tasks, rather getting them done the way we want and not just attempting to deliver.
We even had quite a long fall foliage display to greet us after a mid October/November visit out west. The Japanese Maples were rich rubies and oranges upon our return. We are thankful for the fact that we live in such a great changing of seasonal climate to appreciate the passing of time. With the change of seasons comes the migration of many of our cherished birds. The design team had the opportunity to see a flock of Sandhill Cranes gliding through the sky today at 900 slowly making their way south for the winter. We were reminded of the peaceful moments Mother Nature gives us when we can stop and admire her beauty, we thank her for this moment.
May nature be good to us this winter. I’m just returning from a post-Milton triage trip to eastern Florida where remnants of her fury were more than evident. May the strength, stature, and durability of the mighty live oak tree of the south, and our native oaks as well, help remind you too of the miraculous world of nature we aspire to thrive in. We are thankful of sharing time and place with each of you.
Happy Thanksgiving to All!
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Sincerely,
Craig Bergmann and Company
