Putting the hops to bed

The hops have been cut down and harvested for brewing, so now the rhizomes are covered in a thick warm layer of compost.  The hop shoots will emerge before the weeds next spring and Alex will gently nudge them to grow, always clockwise, up the lines he'll run. 
The steam rising off the compost and that sweet earthy smell is comforting on this cool day.

David and Alex shoveling in unison.

David's dad Bill prunes back the massive bee balm plant.