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www.thelandonline.com — “Where Farm and Family Meet”
THE LAND — APRIL 29/MAY 6, 2022
The disappearance of MWP becomes a new MWP Forty years ago this month of April, my years many had come down during farmer and I moved to our farm home. It storms. It was time to bite the bullet as was our third move since we had much as we dreaded doing it. The few exchanged matrimonial vows less than a remaining trees needed to be removed. year prior. We had also planted a windbreak This farm acreage was a beautiful wellaround two sides of the farm. They were kept farm. A large lawn with a few trees a fast-growing tree which did exactly surrounded the old farmhouse which had what we wanted. They blocked the north been built in 1935. The small grove of and west winds very well. We were FROM MY mature trees was more interesting than thankful to have it. FARMHOUSE most — with a slope that added interest KITCHEN This windbreak was becoming more of and character. problem. As it aged, branches and twigs By Renae B. A very tiny creek (actually the word would litter the ground after any wind. Vander Schaaf creek is almost too generous to describe The youngest children coined it the MWP the trickle of water) occasionally runs through the trees — Make Work Project. They were not happy farm stead. There is a little larger one that goes with this chore they deemed unnecessary. through the pasture. Well, they grew up and left. Just as the dairy cows Normally in a snowy year, the melting snow often were sold when the youngest child left, so makes the tiny creek a point of interest. The meltthese trees had to be removed when it was just my ing snow can cause a turbulent mini waterfall with farmer and me to do the cleanup. quite a bit of power as it flows through the narrow gorge. Sometimes the rushing water disappeared under a remaining snow bank before it emptied into a swampy area. By summer, there is little trace of this stream which earlier announced spring had arrived. Yes, this acreage was and still is my ‘dream’ farm. The grove was a favorite place for me to be. There were trees to climb. Who cares if I was supposed to be mature married woman? The shady canopy was a favorite destination for a Sunday afternoon walk. The birds would fly from tree to tree singing their songs. Patches of violets grew naturally in open areas. Once the dastardly deed of taking trees was done, Chokecherries and elderberries would spring up the farm has a new look. Surprisingly in a way we in the most surprising places. Mulberry trees grew liked it. This isn’t a level piece of land so the natualong the east edge. It was a paradise. ral hills and valleys on this eleven acres have Did you notice the verb “was?” When we moved always suggested beauty. It is a bit easier to imaghere, the trees were already mature. Through the ine a treeless prairie. The wind of this winter reminded us why the early settlers soon planted trees upon their arrival. Also, with the disappearance of windbreak, the woodpeckers packed up and left. Not a single one appeared at the suet feeder this winter. Only a handful or two of the original trees remain Send your letters to: on this place. Three pines are at least 90 years old. I know because the man we purchased the farm from Editor, The Land said he had to water those trees when he was a 418 South Second St. young boy. If he were alive, he would be over 100 years old. Mankato, MN 56001 He and his wife planted four maples around the e-mail: editor@thelandonline.com house. One green ash remains in the grove. Then All letters must be signed and accompanied there is this landmark maple tree that is huge by a phone number (not for publication) along our road. It is a majestic looking tree. The to verify authenticity.
Letters to the editor are always welcome.
kind that inspires one to plant a tree in hopes it too will grow into a tree that says ‘This is my home, and I like it here.’ Thankfully we have been planting trees over the past 40 years — wherever we could find an open spot. The lawn was and remains an obstacle course for the person who does the mowing. Fruit trees, such as apple, cherries, plums, and pear trees do well. I still keep trying to have good apricots. We like different varieties of trees, so have planted Burr oaks, butternuts, green ashes, maples and more evergreen trees, a black cherry, elm, walnut, sycamore and of course, a cottonwood. I’m realizing now that butternut trees needed more room than was allowed. There is definitely more to this project than purchasing a couple of trees, digging a hole and carrying buckets of water. Not every tree we have planted has survived for one reason or another. In one location the trees were doing well until several real wet years occurred. The normally dry land remained wet too long. Apparently the soggy soil didn’t let enough oxygen reach the roots. This cold, snowless, windy winter has taken its toll on many of the pine trees. They desperately need water and less wind. Other trees haven’t made it because of rodent and deer problems. In years past voles especially have made tracks under the snow to chew on the bark. Deer have marked this place as the hobos once did. Somewhere they have posted a sign which says “Young tender trees just right for nibbling or rubbing antlers against.” As my MWP of picking up sticks disappears, a new MWP of choosing and planting more trees and shrubs begins. This really seems more fun of a project. But also a bit scary. One almost feels like an artist with an almost blank canvas to begin the process of planting trees. When I drive through the countryside, there are many farm homes I have admired for their trees, shrubbery and landscaping. Sometimes I wish signs were posted by an unusual tree or shrub to let me know what the plant is. My farmer and I are thankful this place has had many wonderful trees for all these years. Now it’s up to us to make this place beautiful once again. It will be a never-ending MWP. It sounds absolutely delightful because this is our home, and we like it here. Renae B. Vander Schaaf is an independent writer, author and speaker. Contact her at (605) 530-0017 or agripen@live.com. v .
