I have been enjoying the herd of black sheep roaming the field at the Norton Farm on the Edgartown Road. In fact, I am a big fan of running farm animals across a spent vegetable garden in the fall. For years I used pigs to root around in my garden. They dig holes, fertilize and eat any overlooked vegetables. Chickens are great for eating bugs and weeds. I lock them back into their yard as soon as planting starts since those little pitchfork fee can be a problem for baby plants.

Other fall work in the vegetable garden, if you do not have animals, is the seeding of winter rye. I admit, the weather has been so nice that I am still planting it. It takes about a week to germinate so do not lose hope. It will start growing again after winter in early spring and can be turned into the soil to improve both the fertility and the structure.

I planted a small area with field peas. They are also a green manure crop with the added benefit of producing some yummy peashoots. Once the ground freezes, I continue planting them in the greenhouse every few weeks. It’s great to have fresh greens in winter. I then toss the spent flats into the chicken yard. The hens like a nice salad also. Now is the time to bring in that rosemary plant. Only very occasionally have I had one live through the winter. They can survive in an unheated greenhouse or cold frame but not totally in the elements.

I usually spend time at the properties cutting back and dead-heading hydrangeas. I think I’ll put off that task until spring. They still look fantastic and I can’t bear to cut them. They actually look better than they have all summer.

I started the digging of dahlias. Most places have experienced a freeze. I pack them into grain bags with damp peat moss. Ideally, they would store nicely in a root cellar. How I wish I had one. I’ve used friends unheated basements, the back room with no heat at my house, and a garage. None have been the best. It’s important to have some humidity, temperatures around 45, and serious mouse protection.

I wish I could report that I label them as to color, height and bloom size, but I am trying to be more real. It does make for some surprises come mid-summer.

I started many of the dahlias from seed years ago. They have grown into impressive clumps. I could divide them if I find the time. They start easily from seed and will bloom the first year. It is great as they can be $12 a plant at the nurseries or $4 for a single tuber from a seed company.

What can I possibly add to the discussion of the election? A Pittsburgh Press columnist summed it up: “Liberals took Trump literally but not seriously. His supporters took him seriously but not literally.”

There you have it!

Trump is right, the system is rigged. As of Nov. 14 at 2:30 p.m., Hillary leads the popular vote by 784,748. Wonder how his supporters would react if the tables were turned?

The best news was out of New Hampshire on Oct. 28. Steve Bannon — Mr. alt-right, Breitbart News, Trump Campaign CEO — was loading a speech into the teleprompter when a hot light set his pants on fire. You can’t make that up.