The crisp morning air at Forest Girl Farm carried a scent of damp earth and woodsmoke. November in Aptos was always a dance between the lingering warmth of fall and the cool whispers of winter. Sabrina stood on the deck of her redwood-covered house, sipping her tea, surveying the gardens that sprawled out before her. Though many plants had finished their cycles, the farm was still alive with activity and possibility.
Sabrina pulled on her boots and overalls, tied her hair back, and set out to tend to the November tasks that marked the rhythm of the farm. The rose garden, her pride and joy, needed attention. Though most of the blooms had faded, their beauty resting for the season, Sabrina carefully pruned the spent flowers and trimmed the canes. This would help the roses conserve energy and prepare for the growth to come in spring. Her “Princess Alexandra of Kent” rose had one stubborn bloom left—a little pink reminder of summer’s sweetness.
Next, she headed to the vegetable garden. November in USDA Zone 9b was a season of transition, and the beds reflected that. Rows of kale and Swiss chard stood vibrant and green, thriving in the cool weather. Sabrina crouched to harvest a few leaves, thinking of the hearty soup she’d make for dinner. Nearby, garlic and onions were just beginning to poke through the soil. She smiled, knowing these alliums would overwinter and burst to life in the spring.
In one corner of the garden, the kids’ planter box project stood proudly. Pierson and Zane had crafted the boxes from redwood scraps, filling them with cool-season crops like lettuce, radishes, and carrots. Sabrina knelt beside a box, thinning the carrot seedlings and marveling at how eager her kids were to learn about the cycles of life in the soil.
As the sun climbed higher, Sabrina moved to her newest endeavor: a small patch of lavender. November was perfect for planting in Aptos, as the mild weather and winter rains helped establish the roots. With a spade in hand, she carefully positioned each lavender plant in the soil, spacing them just right for their future growth. The thought of the fragrant purple blooms filling the air next summer made her smile.
By afternoon, the farm was buzzing with life. The chickens clucked happily as they scratched at the ground, searching for worms and grubs. Kelby and Zane were collecting eggs, their laughter echoing through the trees. Boone, Toky’s faithful dog, lay sprawled on the warm earth, watching the activity with a lazy eye.
As the day waned, Sabrina gathered the harvest in her woven basket and headed back to the house. Her hands were dirty, her boots scuffed, but her heart was full. November on Forest Girl Farm was about preparation, nurturing, and finding beauty in the quieter moments of the season.
Standing on the deck again, Sabrina looked out over the farm, the sun setting behind the redwoods. Forest Girl Farm wasn’t just a place; it was a living, breathing dream. And even in November, it was a reminder that every season brought its own kind of magic.
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