Animal Spirits
Every once in a while, the higher spirit sends us a message. Several times in the past 5 years, that higher power has sent me messages through what many native americans call 'Animal Spirit Guides' or 'Animal Spirits'. The trouble with an animal spirit guide is you have to interpret what they are trying to tell you.
Just like when your dog gives you that look - you know the one - the look you get when you have just poured your heart out to your furry friend and their head tilts, their eyes get wide, their nose flares, and you wonder whether they just smell the neighbors grilling steak or if they really understood the importance of what you just told them. Animal spirit guides are a lot like that.
Not that long ago, a wolf spirit visited me. It was almost freightening and kind of scary until I thought about it. Wolves are intelligent pack animals with a heightened sense of surroundings. The females care deeply for their pack. When she visited me, I began to look deeply at what she might be trying to tell me. After much meditation and contemplation I figured it out.
Several years ago I had a guide visit that transformed from one animal into another. This guide was telling me to trust myself and that although some rain may fall, it wouldn't spoil our plans for the Produce Party.
This past week I have been visited by Moths. Two rather large moths actually. The first one showed up at the college - a large Cecropia moth and the other showed up the next day at the farm, a polyphemus moth. Both are large impressive, beautiful creatures. Both stayed put for hours before just disappearing. Both moths were not listed as being commonly sighted in our county according to the NDSU extension web site. Both were out of their natural territories. Both were trying to tell me something. Now it is up to me to determine their message. Was it that change, like the moths' transformation, is something we need to embrace. Was it their quiet stillness and beauty reminding me to slow down and enjoy the simple beauty life has to offer? I guess I'll have to do a little more thinking and until I figure it out, I guess I'll just marvel at G-d's little miracles and bless the heavens that I got to be a part of it.
Take Care
Holly
Monday, June 18, 2007
Friday, June 15, 2007
All things Considered...
Those of us with a few wrinkles and gray hair will remember this phrase, from our parents and maybe from Prairie Public Radio. It's not a phrase that gets used much anymore and certainly not by the next generations. It came to me last night as I was weeding.
Yesterday I decided to look for more plants to fill the bible garden. I received a wonderful donation last fall for the bible garden which I used to purchase a small garden ornament, a plaque with the requested inscription, and some daffodil bulbs but the garden still has some empty spots. I quickly printed off the internet a listing of plants from the bible and last night while weeding I went over the list. Mustard (Matt. 13:31-32; Mark 4:31-32; Luke 13:18-19), Grass (1 Kings 18:5; Job 4015; Ps. 104:14), Thistle, also mentioned but no reference given, and ash Isa 44:14. As I looked at the 'weeds' in the bible garden, I realized all of these were pieces that were already growing in the garden and that my spade was ready to pull out. I wondered how many times in life do we cull those things that have value without realizing it? How many times do we overlook the things we see everyday in favor of something new or splahy? Like the crow, are we always looking for the shiny piece of silver to feather our nest only to forget the practical? All things considered, I left the 'weeds' in the bible garden for now. I'm sure I'll fill in with more 'slash' later, but for now the ash seedlings, the mustard, thistle and grass are safe.
Those of us with a few wrinkles and gray hair will remember this phrase, from our parents and maybe from Prairie Public Radio. It's not a phrase that gets used much anymore and certainly not by the next generations. It came to me last night as I was weeding.
Yesterday I decided to look for more plants to fill the bible garden. I received a wonderful donation last fall for the bible garden which I used to purchase a small garden ornament, a plaque with the requested inscription, and some daffodil bulbs but the garden still has some empty spots. I quickly printed off the internet a listing of plants from the bible and last night while weeding I went over the list. Mustard (Matt. 13:31-32; Mark 4:31-32; Luke 13:18-19), Grass (1 Kings 18:5; Job 4015; Ps. 104:14), Thistle, also mentioned but no reference given, and ash Isa 44:14. As I looked at the 'weeds' in the bible garden, I realized all of these were pieces that were already growing in the garden and that my spade was ready to pull out. I wondered how many times in life do we cull those things that have value without realizing it? How many times do we overlook the things we see everyday in favor of something new or splahy? Like the crow, are we always looking for the shiny piece of silver to feather our nest only to forget the practical? All things considered, I left the 'weeds' in the bible garden for now. I'm sure I'll fill in with more 'slash' later, but for now the ash seedlings, the mustard, thistle and grass are safe.
Monday, June 04, 2007
Building an Ark and Lots to be Thankful for!
As many folks have noticed, we've got a little building project underway. With over 9 inches of rain in the last 4 weeks, we're telling them that we are building an ark. Really it is a multi-purpose building that will serve as classroom, harvest room, distillation room, extra sleeping quarters, storage,and more! That's a lot to pack into a little space, maybe we need the folks from Mission Organization on HGTV to come and help us out!
Thanks MUST go out to John and Daniel - the fine young men who helped us with rhubarb harvest - they were great workers. Also a BIG thanks to Uncle Jim Wilkie, Taylor, and Nephew Brian for their help in putting up rafters this weekend - without them the ark would not have a roof skeleton! Thanks everyone. We also need to thank our son Adam and his girlfriend Rin who came to help with Rhubarb harvest and although we had a nice time visiting, flying kites, having a campfire - I know that we worked those kids hard. We really appreciate their help.
We also need to say thanks to Connie and Louise Nelson for returning the dahlias and cannas again this year. They donated them to the Churchs Ferry garden several years ago and have been taking care of winter storage every year. I really am thankful for these wonderful women.
A big thanks goes out to Eric Woodard and Sheila Moser - both of who helped us out at an auction by watching out for items we wanted after we had to leave. Eric was able to get a wagon wheel for us for the Churchs Ferry garden and Sheila brought a book that Barry had his eye on. What wonderful people!
Lastly, the gardens. With all this rain the gardens are full of weeds. The theme gardens are starting to come into flower and look great from a distance but those of you that are gardeners will notice the almost knee high weeds if you get up close. It seems like planting is taking me forever this year as I still have things that need to go in the ground inclduing 20 high bush cranberry, some lemon verbena, the second succession of basil, the cilantro, dill, and others, a few tomatoes for personal use and some climbing vines. The rain has been great for transplanting, little or no shock to the plants, but it has meant the soil is so soaked that I just can't get on it very often. We're hoping for a little moderation in the rain department from here on out - or we'll have to convert the multi-purpose building to an ark for sure!
Have a great week.
Holly
As many folks have noticed, we've got a little building project underway. With over 9 inches of rain in the last 4 weeks, we're telling them that we are building an ark. Really it is a multi-purpose building that will serve as classroom, harvest room, distillation room, extra sleeping quarters, storage,and more! That's a lot to pack into a little space, maybe we need the folks from Mission Organization on HGTV to come and help us out!
Thanks MUST go out to John and Daniel - the fine young men who helped us with rhubarb harvest - they were great workers. Also a BIG thanks to Uncle Jim Wilkie, Taylor, and Nephew Brian for their help in putting up rafters this weekend - without them the ark would not have a roof skeleton! Thanks everyone. We also need to thank our son Adam and his girlfriend Rin who came to help with Rhubarb harvest and although we had a nice time visiting, flying kites, having a campfire - I know that we worked those kids hard. We really appreciate their help.
We also need to say thanks to Connie and Louise Nelson for returning the dahlias and cannas again this year. They donated them to the Churchs Ferry garden several years ago and have been taking care of winter storage every year. I really am thankful for these wonderful women.
A big thanks goes out to Eric Woodard and Sheila Moser - both of who helped us out at an auction by watching out for items we wanted after we had to leave. Eric was able to get a wagon wheel for us for the Churchs Ferry garden and Sheila brought a book that Barry had his eye on. What wonderful people!
Lastly, the gardens. With all this rain the gardens are full of weeds. The theme gardens are starting to come into flower and look great from a distance but those of you that are gardeners will notice the almost knee high weeds if you get up close. It seems like planting is taking me forever this year as I still have things that need to go in the ground inclduing 20 high bush cranberry, some lemon verbena, the second succession of basil, the cilantro, dill, and others, a few tomatoes for personal use and some climbing vines. The rain has been great for transplanting, little or no shock to the plants, but it has meant the soil is so soaked that I just can't get on it very often. We're hoping for a little moderation in the rain department from here on out - or we'll have to convert the multi-purpose building to an ark for sure!
Have a great week.
Holly
Friday, May 18, 2007
Busy time at the gardens!
It seems there are too many things to do and not enough time in the day lately.
Tonight I'm hoping to seed the rest of the herbs and plant a few plants out of the greenhouse. I'm fairly confident in the weather now so the tender stuff should get out of the greenhouse and into the ground. The asters are looking spectacular and the snapdragons too. The lemon verbena arrived in great form the other day and it is crying to get out. If the rain holds off tonight I should be able to get the lions share of all of this done.
The pond needs cleaning and now that we have a new pump that chore should be an easy one. The medieval garden needs revamping as the grass has taken over and we're building a brick entrance to the labyrinth.
Speaking of building, the concrete for the Harvest House is poured and set and the lumber was delivered yesterday. I expect at least preliminary building will start on that this weekend. It will be so nice to have a place to hold classes if the weather goes bad and a place to clean and package herbs inside. I can't wait until it is all finished. We're hoping it is up and looking good way before the Produce Party in September.
The perennials are up and looking good and I can't wait to see some color in the gardens again, we're only about 4 weeks away from that. By July we should look really good.
We're still waiting on the arrival of the still. The shippers tell us it should be here in 7 to 10 days. Not soon enough for Barry who is really anxious to check it out before the herbs are ready for distillation. This is another thing we hope to have all figured out and ready to showcase this fall at the Produce Party.
I hope all of you are out playing in the garden and having a blast. Take Care.
Holly
It seems there are too many things to do and not enough time in the day lately.
Tonight I'm hoping to seed the rest of the herbs and plant a few plants out of the greenhouse. I'm fairly confident in the weather now so the tender stuff should get out of the greenhouse and into the ground. The asters are looking spectacular and the snapdragons too. The lemon verbena arrived in great form the other day and it is crying to get out. If the rain holds off tonight I should be able to get the lions share of all of this done.
The pond needs cleaning and now that we have a new pump that chore should be an easy one. The medieval garden needs revamping as the grass has taken over and we're building a brick entrance to the labyrinth.
Speaking of building, the concrete for the Harvest House is poured and set and the lumber was delivered yesterday. I expect at least preliminary building will start on that this weekend. It will be so nice to have a place to hold classes if the weather goes bad and a place to clean and package herbs inside. I can't wait until it is all finished. We're hoping it is up and looking good way before the Produce Party in September.
The perennials are up and looking good and I can't wait to see some color in the gardens again, we're only about 4 weeks away from that. By July we should look really good.
We're still waiting on the arrival of the still. The shippers tell us it should be here in 7 to 10 days. Not soon enough for Barry who is really anxious to check it out before the herbs are ready for distillation. This is another thing we hope to have all figured out and ready to showcase this fall at the Produce Party.
I hope all of you are out playing in the garden and having a blast. Take Care.
Holly
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
Spring is definitely here!
The last couple weeks have been very busy for us. We've had a visit from Amity Moore of AAA Living magazine and Annette Schilling of the ND Division of Tourism. Amity will be writing a piece about ND Learning Based Vacations later this summer and was here to visit all of the wonderful places she'll be writing about. We had a great visit and even joined the pair for supper at the Ranch.
We also had a great time with Nancy Crowfoot and Phil her camera man from Iowa Public Television's series Market to Market. We'll be featured on Market to Market, which airs on Public Television at noon on Saturdays some time within the next month or so. We spent most of the day with them and found them to be truly delightful. Nancy and Phil also interviewed Paul Christensen, our mayor, for added commentary on rural development in Churchs Ferry.
The rains from this last weekend and the heat this week have the rhubarb growing like mad so we'll be on schedule for rhubarb harvest on Memorial Day weekend and the following week just like previous years. We are happy that our son, Adam, will be able to come home and help again. We really appreciate the time he takes off from work to come home and help us out. Besides, it really great to see him.
If the weather keeps up like this, I am hoping to get the seeding and some transplanting done this week. The lemon verbena was shipped from Ottaway yesterday, the hazelnuts should be on their way within a week or so and the seedlings in the greenhouse are screaming to get out. We've already had plenty of visitors, even though the flowers and herbs are not much to see at this time, and Barry is working hard to finish little projects that help to give us a more polished look.
Last night he finished a new highway sign that is visible for those traveling from the north and today he hopes to finish a new bench that will replace my poor example of a grass bench - that never grew - for the George Christianson memorial bench by the pond. He's been mowing like mad and trying desparately to finish plans for the harvest house which we will be building this spring. Concrete company problems and leveling have delayed this process. By now, we were hoping to have the concrete in place and ready for walls but sometimes things don't always go as planned.
To all of our friends - please be sure to plan your calendars around a stop to visit - we enjoy seeing all of you.
Happy Spring!
Holly
The last couple weeks have been very busy for us. We've had a visit from Amity Moore of AAA Living magazine and Annette Schilling of the ND Division of Tourism. Amity will be writing a piece about ND Learning Based Vacations later this summer and was here to visit all of the wonderful places she'll be writing about. We had a great visit and even joined the pair for supper at the Ranch.
We also had a great time with Nancy Crowfoot and Phil her camera man from Iowa Public Television's series Market to Market. We'll be featured on Market to Market, which airs on Public Television at noon on Saturdays some time within the next month or so. We spent most of the day with them and found them to be truly delightful. Nancy and Phil also interviewed Paul Christensen, our mayor, for added commentary on rural development in Churchs Ferry.
The rains from this last weekend and the heat this week have the rhubarb growing like mad so we'll be on schedule for rhubarb harvest on Memorial Day weekend and the following week just like previous years. We are happy that our son, Adam, will be able to come home and help again. We really appreciate the time he takes off from work to come home and help us out. Besides, it really great to see him.
If the weather keeps up like this, I am hoping to get the seeding and some transplanting done this week. The lemon verbena was shipped from Ottaway yesterday, the hazelnuts should be on their way within a week or so and the seedlings in the greenhouse are screaming to get out. We've already had plenty of visitors, even though the flowers and herbs are not much to see at this time, and Barry is working hard to finish little projects that help to give us a more polished look.
Last night he finished a new highway sign that is visible for those traveling from the north and today he hopes to finish a new bench that will replace my poor example of a grass bench - that never grew - for the George Christianson memorial bench by the pond. He's been mowing like mad and trying desparately to finish plans for the harvest house which we will be building this spring. Concrete company problems and leveling have delayed this process. By now, we were hoping to have the concrete in place and ready for walls but sometimes things don't always go as planned.
To all of our friends - please be sure to plan your calendars around a stop to visit - we enjoy seeing all of you.
Happy Spring!
Holly
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
So many people have asked us if we’re ready to get into the dirt, if we’ve already started to plant, and if we’ve started the seeds yet. What most people don’t realize is that at this time of year I’m busy finishing the marketing for the summer. There are many little details that need tending before I can even think about getting into the field.
We’re finishing the schedule for the Produce Party. That means we’ve lined up most of the demonstrators and started planning the posters, fliers, and advertisements. We’ve even started lining up the prizes for the contests.
We’ve been very busy booking tours and groups to visit the farm and will have an out of state guest hosted by the ND Tourism Division later this month in hopes of booking some additional bus tours. This visit means assembling a package of brochures and fliers with options for visitors.
Speaking of brochures, we’ve just received a shipment of 5000 new brochures that need folding. These brochures will be circulated to the Devils Run and Peace Officer convention participants in hopes of getting more visitors to the FARM.
We’re also very busy working on our contract customers, such as restaurants and this year even a Minot grocery store. The grocery store brings with it a whole new set of challenges – packaging and labeling. It took us a while to find a supplier for the right packages for herbs and now we need to settle the labels. We’ve wanted to design and have printed some custom labels that would include our logo and have a space for the name of the herb. The containers would also have stickers from the North Dakota Farmers Market and Growers Association that advertise our product as North Dakota grown. We’ve even considered a custom sticker for the back that would include a recipe but we’re not sure we can afford that. So far, the only custom label and sticker maker we’ve found is Frontier Label. If anyone has any other ideas, please drop me a note.
Barry has been working on spring clean up – branches and leaves and I’ve been tied to the computer finishing up these details. We do have some seeds started and I was able to get the temporary greenhouse up this weekend. As soon as we can get the temperature regulated we’ll start moving our little seedlings from the bath tub out into the real world.
So for now, it’s type, type, type – order, plan, design and return phone calls. I’ll see you all out in the dirt soon enough I hope. For now, take care and enjoy the sunshine.
We’re finishing the schedule for the Produce Party. That means we’ve lined up most of the demonstrators and started planning the posters, fliers, and advertisements. We’ve even started lining up the prizes for the contests.
We’ve been very busy booking tours and groups to visit the farm and will have an out of state guest hosted by the ND Tourism Division later this month in hopes of booking some additional bus tours. This visit means assembling a package of brochures and fliers with options for visitors.
Speaking of brochures, we’ve just received a shipment of 5000 new brochures that need folding. These brochures will be circulated to the Devils Run and Peace Officer convention participants in hopes of getting more visitors to the FARM.
We’re also very busy working on our contract customers, such as restaurants and this year even a Minot grocery store. The grocery store brings with it a whole new set of challenges – packaging and labeling. It took us a while to find a supplier for the right packages for herbs and now we need to settle the labels. We’ve wanted to design and have printed some custom labels that would include our logo and have a space for the name of the herb. The containers would also have stickers from the North Dakota Farmers Market and Growers Association that advertise our product as North Dakota grown. We’ve even considered a custom sticker for the back that would include a recipe but we’re not sure we can afford that. So far, the only custom label and sticker maker we’ve found is Frontier Label. If anyone has any other ideas, please drop me a note.
Barry has been working on spring clean up – branches and leaves and I’ve been tied to the computer finishing up these details. We do have some seeds started and I was able to get the temporary greenhouse up this weekend. As soon as we can get the temperature regulated we’ll start moving our little seedlings from the bath tub out into the real world.
So for now, it’s type, type, type – order, plan, design and return phone calls. I’ll see you all out in the dirt soon enough I hope. For now, take care and enjoy the sunshine.
Monday, March 19, 2007
Happy Spring?
Seems our Mother Nature is just out to tease us here in the North country. We have been vacillating between 45 degrees Fahrenheit above and 7 inches of snow and blowing wind for several weeks now. I'm ready for gardendwellers season.
We're already gearing up for Rhubarb harvest and my mouth is already watering thinking of rhubarb pie, strawberry rhubarb jam, rhubarb sauce over ice cream, rhubarb bread pudding, rhubarb cookies, and the list goes on. Last year at our Chef's appreciation day, where we treated our customer chef's to a nice lunch and tour, we featured a nice pork loin with rhubarb marinade. It was great. Being the first crop of the season to be harvested, rhubarb is always a signal of the beginning of the gardendwellers year to me.
The Rosemary, Lavender, Chamomile, and several other varieties of seedlings are sprouting in our makeshift greenhouse. Their little bits of green give hints of good things to come this summer. I've also seeded the Artemisia or Sweet Annie we'll use in the herbal wreath class. I love its spicy aroma that blends so well with the other herbs. Each weekend from now until April ends we have more seeds to start early and then as soon as we feel the last frost has come and gone we will begin seeding outdoors. Basil is always one of the last to be seeded as it HATES frost. Dill, Cilantro, the Parsleys - yes three kinds this year - and fennel will be the first ones to go in. Some of the perennial herbs like Winter Savory, Thyme, Lemon Balm, Chives, and Sage will start greening up as soon as the robins are back.
I'm terribly excited this year as we are trying a new herb - Lemon Verbena. We tested it last year and it grew very well so I went ahead and ordered 120 of them, or was it 240? Either way, I'm hoping to have plenty of this amazingly lemon plant to sell for culinary, aromatic, or decorative purposes.
Can't wait to see all of you! Think Spring Thoughts.
Holly Rose
Seems our Mother Nature is just out to tease us here in the North country. We have been vacillating between 45 degrees Fahrenheit above and 7 inches of snow and blowing wind for several weeks now. I'm ready for gardendwellers season.
We're already gearing up for Rhubarb harvest and my mouth is already watering thinking of rhubarb pie, strawberry rhubarb jam, rhubarb sauce over ice cream, rhubarb bread pudding, rhubarb cookies, and the list goes on. Last year at our Chef's appreciation day, where we treated our customer chef's to a nice lunch and tour, we featured a nice pork loin with rhubarb marinade. It was great. Being the first crop of the season to be harvested, rhubarb is always a signal of the beginning of the gardendwellers year to me.
The Rosemary, Lavender, Chamomile, and several other varieties of seedlings are sprouting in our makeshift greenhouse. Their little bits of green give hints of good things to come this summer. I've also seeded the Artemisia or Sweet Annie we'll use in the herbal wreath class. I love its spicy aroma that blends so well with the other herbs. Each weekend from now until April ends we have more seeds to start early and then as soon as we feel the last frost has come and gone we will begin seeding outdoors. Basil is always one of the last to be seeded as it HATES frost. Dill, Cilantro, the Parsleys - yes three kinds this year - and fennel will be the first ones to go in. Some of the perennial herbs like Winter Savory, Thyme, Lemon Balm, Chives, and Sage will start greening up as soon as the robins are back.
I'm terribly excited this year as we are trying a new herb - Lemon Verbena. We tested it last year and it grew very well so I went ahead and ordered 120 of them, or was it 240? Either way, I'm hoping to have plenty of this amazingly lemon plant to sell for culinary, aromatic, or decorative purposes.
Can't wait to see all of you! Think Spring Thoughts.
Holly Rose
Monday, February 26, 2007
Hello all of our gardening friends,
As some of you may have heard, we have just received an APUC (Agricultural Products Utilization Commission) grant for $9,000. This is for a research grant that we proposed in cooperation with Lake Region State College. The money will be used to purchase a stainless steel steam distillation unit, to pay student researchers and a head researcher at the college and pay their travel to and from the farm. We will work on finding the best conditions for distilling essential oils from the herbs that we grow. Hopefully this research will benefit many small companies across North Dakota that produce products using essential oils such as soap companies, health and beauty products companies and more. It also means a new demonstration at this years' Produce Party. Watch for more information on that as September draws closer.
It was fun to see the grant results in the paper. After our presentation Barry and I thought that we had blown it and there wasn't a snowballs chance in you know where that we would get the grant - and then WOW - There it was. Every season we throw away many many pounds of Basil, Spearmint, and other herbs that are either not restaurant quality or will not take a freeze in the fall. In this way we can utilize those herbs and turn them into a useful product for either gardendwellers Farm or for other small companies like Aromaprairie in Minot who makes the most delicious smelling body sprays.
In the middle of all of this excitement, we have been very busy dealing with health problems of our parents. My mother had a total knee replacement and Barry's father has had some heart and health problems that have landed him in a nursing home in Minnesota. It's nice that we are able to help but we wish we could do more. We're happy to report that both parents are on the road to recovery.
Spring is definitely close as we have also been very busy on the road with speaking engagements. All of the locals must be sick of hearing from us as this year most of our engagements have been farther away from home. We spoke in Aberdeen SD a few weeks ago and had a great time there. On Wednesday we will be speaking in Mandan at the Farm Credit Services Ag day and we are also booked later this month in New Rockford and LaMoure. Keep checking back to see where we'll be next.
Thanks to all who supported us through the grant process and through our busy times of late.
Holly
As some of you may have heard, we have just received an APUC (Agricultural Products Utilization Commission) grant for $9,000. This is for a research grant that we proposed in cooperation with Lake Region State College. The money will be used to purchase a stainless steel steam distillation unit, to pay student researchers and a head researcher at the college and pay their travel to and from the farm. We will work on finding the best conditions for distilling essential oils from the herbs that we grow. Hopefully this research will benefit many small companies across North Dakota that produce products using essential oils such as soap companies, health and beauty products companies and more. It also means a new demonstration at this years' Produce Party. Watch for more information on that as September draws closer.
It was fun to see the grant results in the paper. After our presentation Barry and I thought that we had blown it and there wasn't a snowballs chance in you know where that we would get the grant - and then WOW - There it was. Every season we throw away many many pounds of Basil, Spearmint, and other herbs that are either not restaurant quality or will not take a freeze in the fall. In this way we can utilize those herbs and turn them into a useful product for either gardendwellers Farm or for other small companies like Aromaprairie in Minot who makes the most delicious smelling body sprays.
In the middle of all of this excitement, we have been very busy dealing with health problems of our parents. My mother had a total knee replacement and Barry's father has had some heart and health problems that have landed him in a nursing home in Minnesota. It's nice that we are able to help but we wish we could do more. We're happy to report that both parents are on the road to recovery.
Spring is definitely close as we have also been very busy on the road with speaking engagements. All of the locals must be sick of hearing from us as this year most of our engagements have been farther away from home. We spoke in Aberdeen SD a few weeks ago and had a great time there. On Wednesday we will be speaking in Mandan at the Farm Credit Services Ag day and we are also booked later this month in New Rockford and LaMoure. Keep checking back to see where we'll be next.
Thanks to all who supported us through the grant process and through our busy times of late.
Holly
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
Happy New Year!
Surprise! We've moved our home to the farm. Boy are we looking forward to this summer. No 11:00 PM trips back to Devils Lake only to shower, have a bite to eat and go to bed. We now live directly across from the gardens. Barry is also excited (me too) because we will have air conditioning for the first time in our married lives. That will make the summer heat more bearable.
We moved into our new home on December 10th and closed on the sale of our Devils Lake house on December 15th. Sometimes that fate fairy just swoops down and dings you one the head with her magic wand and you just have to go with it. We had not intended on moving this winter. We did not even have our house for sale. Some things were just meant to be.
We are finding out just how 'small town' rural North Dakota can as we weren't even fully moved in yet and people were saying "well, you must be moved in, I saw the lights on when we drove by". It's nice to know someone is keeping an eye on us!
As usual in the winter, we are also trying to prepare for next year. My speaking engagements are starting to fill and already include a February trip to South Dakota to speak at the Northern Plains Sustainable Agriculture conference. I hope to have the summer class schedule completed and posted to the web site by the end of February and we are busy updating our customer lists. If you would like to be included on any mailings we may do in the future, please email me your address or email address and we'll add you to the list.
I'm also busy trying to plan the planting schedule. I was excited in November when I special ordered 200 Lemon Verbena. After last years' trial planting - which turned out great - I decided to go whole hog and do a couple rows. Not sure if we will sell it by the bunch or to an aroma therapy company that is interested in it, but either way I'm sure it will be a hit.
Hope this finds all of you in good health and looking forward to a properous new year. Know that we miss all of you over the winter and look forward to the spring when all of us, as little critters do, come out of our burrows and homes to mingle on the prairies.
The gardendwellers
Surprise! We've moved our home to the farm. Boy are we looking forward to this summer. No 11:00 PM trips back to Devils Lake only to shower, have a bite to eat and go to bed. We now live directly across from the gardens. Barry is also excited (me too) because we will have air conditioning for the first time in our married lives. That will make the summer heat more bearable.
We moved into our new home on December 10th and closed on the sale of our Devils Lake house on December 15th. Sometimes that fate fairy just swoops down and dings you one the head with her magic wand and you just have to go with it. We had not intended on moving this winter. We did not even have our house for sale. Some things were just meant to be.
We are finding out just how 'small town' rural North Dakota can as we weren't even fully moved in yet and people were saying "well, you must be moved in, I saw the lights on when we drove by". It's nice to know someone is keeping an eye on us!
As usual in the winter, we are also trying to prepare for next year. My speaking engagements are starting to fill and already include a February trip to South Dakota to speak at the Northern Plains Sustainable Agriculture conference. I hope to have the summer class schedule completed and posted to the web site by the end of February and we are busy updating our customer lists. If you would like to be included on any mailings we may do in the future, please email me your address or email address and we'll add you to the list.
I'm also busy trying to plan the planting schedule. I was excited in November when I special ordered 200 Lemon Verbena. After last years' trial planting - which turned out great - I decided to go whole hog and do a couple rows. Not sure if we will sell it by the bunch or to an aroma therapy company that is interested in it, but either way I'm sure it will be a hit.
Hope this finds all of you in good health and looking forward to a properous new year. Know that we miss all of you over the winter and look forward to the spring when all of us, as little critters do, come out of our burrows and homes to mingle on the prairies.
The gardendwellers
Thursday, November 02, 2006
You can tell it's fall and I'm winding down. It's been a while since I added to this blog. Not that it's an excuse but we have been really busy.
On October 20th they pulled our new home onto its new location in Churchs Ferry. The big question everyone asks is, "When are you moving in" - well, to all of you the answer is "when our house in Devils Lake sells." I really have no desire to heat two places throughout the winter and with a large group of hunters (in size and number) coming in two weeks for deer season - I think our big house in Devils Lake will do for now. I am very anxious to move out to the farm but if you know us at all you know we do things in baby steps, one little step at a time.
Speaking of baby steps - we have a new baby. A baby of the wet nose, long ears, four paws kind. We hope to be introducing you to her at the farm next year. She is a black Cocker Spaniel whose name is Ida. Ida has been a great little baby. She is good at night and sleeps all night long with a dry kennel in the moning - what a relief to us and house training is going extremely well. She is such a good puppy and Mae is SO glad to have another dog in the house. Mae looks and feels better everyday with a companion to look after.
Now some farm news - let's all welcome the "California Kids Farms to Barton ND. They have relocated here from California and will be growing all manner of vegetables and small fruits for sale at regional farmers markets. We wish them the best of luck and welcome another grower to our region.
Also - we are already looking ahead to next year. I'm hoping to plant about 120 lemon verbena next year. A select few of you got to sample the trial plants I had this year and if my wholesaler comes through we'll have plenty more in 07. Also new in 2007 will be the wonderful "self taught" machine! We need a better name for it but that is our vending machine that we will convert to dispense self guided tour sheets, Churchs Ferry history brochures, theme garden plant lists, and kids make and take projects. (You know what I'll be working on all winter) We are also working to write an APUC grant for a distiller. Our new clients in Minot and elsewhere around the state would really be happy if we would get the grant and be able to provide them with custom made essential oils for their bath and body products. We're hoping not to disappoint them. We're also hooking up with a college or two and hoping to find an intern so if you see a new face in a gardendwellers shirt next year don't be surprised.
One last thing I am anxious for - the printing and distribution of the 2007 Prairie Garden book. As a contributing author I have seen a preview of this issue (to be printed in December and released in January of 07). The theme this year is Edible Landscapes. There are great articles on all manner of fruits, veggies, mushrooms, nuts, and other delectible garden items. Be sure to contact me if you want to know how to get on their standing order list.
Enough for now - have lots of work to do. Enjoy!
On October 20th they pulled our new home onto its new location in Churchs Ferry. The big question everyone asks is, "When are you moving in" - well, to all of you the answer is "when our house in Devils Lake sells." I really have no desire to heat two places throughout the winter and with a large group of hunters (in size and number) coming in two weeks for deer season - I think our big house in Devils Lake will do for now. I am very anxious to move out to the farm but if you know us at all you know we do things in baby steps, one little step at a time.
Speaking of baby steps - we have a new baby. A baby of the wet nose, long ears, four paws kind. We hope to be introducing you to her at the farm next year. She is a black Cocker Spaniel whose name is Ida. Ida has been a great little baby. She is good at night and sleeps all night long with a dry kennel in the moning - what a relief to us and house training is going extremely well. She is such a good puppy and Mae is SO glad to have another dog in the house. Mae looks and feels better everyday with a companion to look after.
Now some farm news - let's all welcome the "California Kids Farms to Barton ND. They have relocated here from California and will be growing all manner of vegetables and small fruits for sale at regional farmers markets. We wish them the best of luck and welcome another grower to our region.
Also - we are already looking ahead to next year. I'm hoping to plant about 120 lemon verbena next year. A select few of you got to sample the trial plants I had this year and if my wholesaler comes through we'll have plenty more in 07. Also new in 2007 will be the wonderful "self taught" machine! We need a better name for it but that is our vending machine that we will convert to dispense self guided tour sheets, Churchs Ferry history brochures, theme garden plant lists, and kids make and take projects. (You know what I'll be working on all winter) We are also working to write an APUC grant for a distiller. Our new clients in Minot and elsewhere around the state would really be happy if we would get the grant and be able to provide them with custom made essential oils for their bath and body products. We're hoping not to disappoint them. We're also hooking up with a college or two and hoping to find an intern so if you see a new face in a gardendwellers shirt next year don't be surprised.
One last thing I am anxious for - the printing and distribution of the 2007 Prairie Garden book. As a contributing author I have seen a preview of this issue (to be printed in December and released in January of 07). The theme this year is Edible Landscapes. There are great articles on all manner of fruits, veggies, mushrooms, nuts, and other delectible garden items. Be sure to contact me if you want to know how to get on their standing order list.
Enough for now - have lots of work to do. Enjoy!
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Fall is definitely here. We've had our first frost and that touched up most of the basil. With the basil done, that means our days at the Grand Forks farmers market are also done.
Towards the end of the season we were surprised by one of our customers - Chef Holmes of Sanders Restaurant in Grand Forks - with a gift certificate to come and have dinner. Barry and I enjoyed that dinner recently and I have to tell you how wonderful it was! We enjoyed every little flavor and as an added touch Chef Holmes himself makes regular visits through the dining room to ensure you are having a good time. It's great to have such wonderful customers.
WANTED - A HOME FOR PUMPKINS
Lately I've been wondering what to do with the HUGE pumpkins that developed in the pumpkin patch. I grow them mostly to keep down the weeds and usually have no intention of selling them. Last year we were approached by the Mothers of Preschoolers program and we sold them the whole lot for a small price that fit their tight budet. They were truly shocked when we delivered them and they were much larger than they were expecting. This year the pumpkins are even bigger. If you know of any group, organization, or business looking for some extra large pumpkins at a great price, please email us. I'd love to see them go to a great home.
We're almost done with visitors to the farm for the year as well. We will have a group of young people from the Devils Lake Middle School coming for exploratory day on October 6th. We'll learn all about labyrinths and then do a labyrinth walk. I love having young people in the labyrinth, they fill it with energy. After this group I think we're done at the farm although that doesn't mean done for the year. I am booked to speak in Rugby in October at a Women's Agriculture day and I'm sure my other dates will start to book soon as well.
Fall is also the time some of us try to stock up for winter. This year at our house that has meant grape, black currant, and nanking cherry jelly, spaghetti sauce and salsa from the tomatoes and the yet to be created apple pies. I usually make up and freeze at least 12 pies to get us through the winter. This year I think I will make Barry run the peeler/slicer. Many hands make light work. It is very rewarding to make things you can enjoy for the whole winter from the 'fruits' of your labor.
So to go into fall, here's a piece by one of my favorite authors, stay warm, relax, and enjoy the ride:
“She had only to stand in the orchard, to put her hand on a little
crab tree and look up at the apples, to make you feel the
goodness of planting and tending and harvesting at last.”
- Willa Cather
Towards the end of the season we were surprised by one of our customers - Chef Holmes of Sanders Restaurant in Grand Forks - with a gift certificate to come and have dinner. Barry and I enjoyed that dinner recently and I have to tell you how wonderful it was! We enjoyed every little flavor and as an added touch Chef Holmes himself makes regular visits through the dining room to ensure you are having a good time. It's great to have such wonderful customers.
WANTED - A HOME FOR PUMPKINS
Lately I've been wondering what to do with the HUGE pumpkins that developed in the pumpkin patch. I grow them mostly to keep down the weeds and usually have no intention of selling them. Last year we were approached by the Mothers of Preschoolers program and we sold them the whole lot for a small price that fit their tight budet. They were truly shocked when we delivered them and they were much larger than they were expecting. This year the pumpkins are even bigger. If you know of any group, organization, or business looking for some extra large pumpkins at a great price, please email us. I'd love to see them go to a great home.
We're almost done with visitors to the farm for the year as well. We will have a group of young people from the Devils Lake Middle School coming for exploratory day on October 6th. We'll learn all about labyrinths and then do a labyrinth walk. I love having young people in the labyrinth, they fill it with energy. After this group I think we're done at the farm although that doesn't mean done for the year. I am booked to speak in Rugby in October at a Women's Agriculture day and I'm sure my other dates will start to book soon as well.
Fall is also the time some of us try to stock up for winter. This year at our house that has meant grape, black currant, and nanking cherry jelly, spaghetti sauce and salsa from the tomatoes and the yet to be created apple pies. I usually make up and freeze at least 12 pies to get us through the winter. This year I think I will make Barry run the peeler/slicer. Many hands make light work. It is very rewarding to make things you can enjoy for the whole winter from the 'fruits' of your labor.
So to go into fall, here's a piece by one of my favorite authors, stay warm, relax, and enjoy the ride:
“She had only to stand in the orchard, to put her hand on a little
crab tree and look up at the apples, to make you feel the
goodness of planting and tending and harvesting at last.”
- Willa Cather
Thursday, September 07, 2006
Produce Party a Big Success, Now Off To WomanSong!
It's Thursday and the Produce Party last Saturday was a big success. We had over 350 people in attendance and a good time was had by all. Several vendors sold out early and were so pleased with sales they said "sign us up for next year right away!"
Many people participated in our contests which makes me really happy. I love to find ways to engage people in the activity. In the largest tomato contest Marliss Platz was the big first place winner with a one pound and 12 ounce tomato totally organically grown. She won a weather radio. Second place was Bonnie Himle with a one pound 7.5 ounce tomato - by the way Bonnie won second place last year too let's wish her luck for a first place winner next year. Connie Nelson came in third in this contest.
In the Ugly vegetable contest we had a REALLY ugly blue hubbard squash that looked like a yawning cyclops. I mean this thing was UGLY. This squash was grown by Jim Bennington of Churchs Ferry. Jim won a gift pack with a bird feeder filled with seed, a rain guage, and a thermometer. Second place was a tie between a potato growing out of a potato brought in by Amy Anderson of Leeds and a striped, gnarled, split tomato brought in by Joy Norman of Maddock (her husband really but he didn't even want his name on the thing it was so ugly). Third place went to Judy Sabbe of Leeds with a pair of contorted potatoes.
The Grand door prize of a basket filled to the brim with goodies from our vendors went to Gay Carlson. Yvette Paulson won a handmade handbag from Maddy Zing Designs, Madeline Brennon of Northfield MN. Crystal Meier of Minnewauken won the herbal wreath made during the demonstration by Cindy Behlolavek of Summer's Memories in Sabin MN.
A big Thanks goes out to Alex Gronas and Kaycee Scott for helping us with our booth and clean up afterward. These two kids are the hardest working kids I know (with the exception of our son) and we are so fortunate to know them. Besides being hard working they are polite and respectful to our customers. Thanks guys!
The big day is over and now I've been concentrating on WomanSong this weekend in LaMoure/Oakes. You can check out the schedule online at www.DakotaWomanSong.org. I'm doing to workshops on herb cooking down there and doing a reading of the 2006 Prairie Garden book - which I will also be selling. I do have copies of this book for sale so please contact me if you would like to buy one - they are $9.00. They make a great Christmas gift and of course, winter is coming - what a good book to curl up with on a cold day.
Take Care for now - we'll write more next week and tell you how it went at WomanSong.
Holly
It's Thursday and the Produce Party last Saturday was a big success. We had over 350 people in attendance and a good time was had by all. Several vendors sold out early and were so pleased with sales they said "sign us up for next year right away!"
Many people participated in our contests which makes me really happy. I love to find ways to engage people in the activity. In the largest tomato contest Marliss Platz was the big first place winner with a one pound and 12 ounce tomato totally organically grown. She won a weather radio. Second place was Bonnie Himle with a one pound 7.5 ounce tomato - by the way Bonnie won second place last year too let's wish her luck for a first place winner next year. Connie Nelson came in third in this contest.
In the Ugly vegetable contest we had a REALLY ugly blue hubbard squash that looked like a yawning cyclops. I mean this thing was UGLY. This squash was grown by Jim Bennington of Churchs Ferry. Jim won a gift pack with a bird feeder filled with seed, a rain guage, and a thermometer. Second place was a tie between a potato growing out of a potato brought in by Amy Anderson of Leeds and a striped, gnarled, split tomato brought in by Joy Norman of Maddock (her husband really but he didn't even want his name on the thing it was so ugly). Third place went to Judy Sabbe of Leeds with a pair of contorted potatoes.
The Grand door prize of a basket filled to the brim with goodies from our vendors went to Gay Carlson. Yvette Paulson won a handmade handbag from Maddy Zing Designs, Madeline Brennon of Northfield MN. Crystal Meier of Minnewauken won the herbal wreath made during the demonstration by Cindy Behlolavek of Summer's Memories in Sabin MN.
A big Thanks goes out to Alex Gronas and Kaycee Scott for helping us with our booth and clean up afterward. These two kids are the hardest working kids I know (with the exception of our son) and we are so fortunate to know them. Besides being hard working they are polite and respectful to our customers. Thanks guys!
The big day is over and now I've been concentrating on WomanSong this weekend in LaMoure/Oakes. You can check out the schedule online at www.DakotaWomanSong.org. I'm doing to workshops on herb cooking down there and doing a reading of the 2006 Prairie Garden book - which I will also be selling. I do have copies of this book for sale so please contact me if you would like to buy one - they are $9.00. They make a great Christmas gift and of course, winter is coming - what a good book to curl up with on a cold day.
Take Care for now - we'll write more next week and tell you how it went at WomanSong.
Holly
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
Two Days To Go!
Well, it's two days to the big event and I can't wait. This year we feel more ready than ever to receive all of the guests, both at home and the farm, than ever before.
We're all mowed and spiffed up at the farm and with the exception of one small weed patch, we're pretty weed free too. The straw bales for seating in the demonstration tent will be delivered on Friday evening courtesy of Ron Rodenbiker. The alumni worked hard last night and got the Alumni building all sparkling clean. It's fun to hear the old school bell ring and know that there is activity there again. The bathrooms are clean and few new 'pretty' items added for a homey touch. The mini motor home has a new mattress cover and the sheets are ready as one of our vendors will be spending the night there Friday night. Last night I mowed the labyrinth and the theme gardens and pulled the last of the weeds so now I think we're ready. As ready as we get anyway.
We're very glad to be hosting some friends who will come to town from Minnesota for the event. My dear friend from the college in Minnesota is coming with her family as are our best friends and ex-neighbors from Minnesota with their four kids. Our house will ring with laughter this weekend and as usual it will be one of the two times per year when our large house is actually filled and all the beds are used. The 'lodge' as we affectionately call it, is usually way too big for Barry and I by ourselves but twice a year (during the Produce Party and Deer Season) it fills to the brim with family and friends. That's when I like the house the best.
We hope to see you all at the Produce Party. We've ordered the weather especially for the day and have been promised party sunny with 72 degrees - Perfect!
Holly
Well, it's two days to the big event and I can't wait. This year we feel more ready than ever to receive all of the guests, both at home and the farm, than ever before.
We're all mowed and spiffed up at the farm and with the exception of one small weed patch, we're pretty weed free too. The straw bales for seating in the demonstration tent will be delivered on Friday evening courtesy of Ron Rodenbiker. The alumni worked hard last night and got the Alumni building all sparkling clean. It's fun to hear the old school bell ring and know that there is activity there again. The bathrooms are clean and few new 'pretty' items added for a homey touch. The mini motor home has a new mattress cover and the sheets are ready as one of our vendors will be spending the night there Friday night. Last night I mowed the labyrinth and the theme gardens and pulled the last of the weeds so now I think we're ready. As ready as we get anyway.
We're very glad to be hosting some friends who will come to town from Minnesota for the event. My dear friend from the college in Minnesota is coming with her family as are our best friends and ex-neighbors from Minnesota with their four kids. Our house will ring with laughter this weekend and as usual it will be one of the two times per year when our large house is actually filled and all the beds are used. The 'lodge' as we affectionately call it, is usually way too big for Barry and I by ourselves but twice a year (during the Produce Party and Deer Season) it fills to the brim with family and friends. That's when I like the house the best.
We hope to see you all at the Produce Party. We've ordered the weather especially for the day and have been promised party sunny with 72 degrees - Perfect!
Holly
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
Every day - one day closer to the Produce Party!
We are still looking for more veggie and produce vendors for the Produce Party so anyone who has a few extra tomatoes, potatoes, or whatever - please call to reserve your spot today.
We're going to have a ball this year. So far we have over 20 vendors with food, produce, books, and art that will fill the day with fun. I also truly believe they are some of the most interesting people I've ever met. Be sure to check out the schedule to get in on the fun.
The rain we had sure helped things green up and we actually mowed the grass last night. That's the first time in months that we have had to mow. Things were bright green and even some of the perennials are giving it a second try at blooming. Everything seems to want to look good for the Produce Party.
Barry and I picked the grapes off of the arbor on Sunday and yesterday my mother, Delores, came to get them. She'll make us some great grape jelly to help get us through the winter. Jelly is always better with home grown fruits and this year's crops of nanking cherries, black currants, and now grapes have filled our pantry to over flowing.
We look forward to seeing you - and remember, call if you want a booth space to get rid of those extra veggies, be a part of the fun!
We are still looking for more veggie and produce vendors for the Produce Party so anyone who has a few extra tomatoes, potatoes, or whatever - please call to reserve your spot today.
We're going to have a ball this year. So far we have over 20 vendors with food, produce, books, and art that will fill the day with fun. I also truly believe they are some of the most interesting people I've ever met. Be sure to check out the schedule to get in on the fun.
The rain we had sure helped things green up and we actually mowed the grass last night. That's the first time in months that we have had to mow. Things were bright green and even some of the perennials are giving it a second try at blooming. Everything seems to want to look good for the Produce Party.
Barry and I picked the grapes off of the arbor on Sunday and yesterday my mother, Delores, came to get them. She'll make us some great grape jelly to help get us through the winter. Jelly is always better with home grown fruits and this year's crops of nanking cherries, black currants, and now grapes have filled our pantry to over flowing.
We look forward to seeing you - and remember, call if you want a booth space to get rid of those extra veggies, be a part of the fun!
Monday, July 24, 2006
Grand Forks Farmers Market
This last Saturday we were back at the Grand Forks Farmers Market for the first time this season. It was wonderful to see some of our regular customers again. We will continue to be in Grand Forks on Saturdays from now until the end of August.
Speaking of our regular customers - one of them requested our Herb Cheddar Loaf recipe and unfortunately I did not have one in the recipe box. I told her I would post it here so everyone could access it - so here it is:
Herb Cheddar Loaf
1 pkg. active dry yeast, 1/4 cup warm water, 1/2 cup milk, 1/3 cup butter, 1 Tablespoon sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 3 eggs, 1 Tablespoon Each fresh chopped Oregano, marjoram and thyme (or you may substitute 1 teaspoon dried), 3 1/4 cups all purpose flour, 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, and 1 egg white.
Sprinkle yeast into warm water and let stand until dissolved. Heat milk and butter until butter melts; pour into a mixing bowl. Add sugar and salt and let cool to lukewarm. Add eggs, one at a time, and beat until smooth. Mix in the yeast mixture and the herbs. Gradually add 2 cups of the flour and beat until smooth. Add remaining flour and cheese and beat with a heavy duty electric mixer or wooden spoon. Turn out on a lightly floured board and knead until smooth and satiny. Place in a bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size. Turn out dough on a board and knead lightly. Place in a greased 2 quart round casserole or souffle' dish. Cover and let rise until doubled in bulk. Brush the top with lightly beaten egg white. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 35 minutes, or until the loaf sounds hollow when thumped. Place on rack and let cool slightly. Turn out of dish. Makes 1 large loaf.
Enjoy!!!
This last Saturday we were back at the Grand Forks Farmers Market for the first time this season. It was wonderful to see some of our regular customers again. We will continue to be in Grand Forks on Saturdays from now until the end of August.
Speaking of our regular customers - one of them requested our Herb Cheddar Loaf recipe and unfortunately I did not have one in the recipe box. I told her I would post it here so everyone could access it - so here it is:
Herb Cheddar Loaf
1 pkg. active dry yeast, 1/4 cup warm water, 1/2 cup milk, 1/3 cup butter, 1 Tablespoon sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 3 eggs, 1 Tablespoon Each fresh chopped Oregano, marjoram and thyme (or you may substitute 1 teaspoon dried), 3 1/4 cups all purpose flour, 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, and 1 egg white.
Sprinkle yeast into warm water and let stand until dissolved. Heat milk and butter until butter melts; pour into a mixing bowl. Add sugar and salt and let cool to lukewarm. Add eggs, one at a time, and beat until smooth. Mix in the yeast mixture and the herbs. Gradually add 2 cups of the flour and beat until smooth. Add remaining flour and cheese and beat with a heavy duty electric mixer or wooden spoon. Turn out on a lightly floured board and knead until smooth and satiny. Place in a bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size. Turn out dough on a board and knead lightly. Place in a greased 2 quart round casserole or souffle' dish. Cover and let rise until doubled in bulk. Brush the top with lightly beaten egg white. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 35 minutes, or until the loaf sounds hollow when thumped. Place on rack and let cool slightly. Turn out of dish. Makes 1 large loaf.
Enjoy!!!
Monday, July 17, 2006
This past weekend was the annual meeting of the North Dakota State Horticulture Society. As usual, I attended the meeting sans my favorite sidekick (Barry) and substituted my mother and friend Donna. It was held in Grand Forks where community parks abound and many wonderful home gardens as well. The heat was stifling and at one point during the trip I was virtually wilted but overall I learned a few things and saw some great home gardens. The best part was seeing people I only get a chance to visit with once a year. Members come from all over the state to the meeting and we all have a great time. Connie Laugerquist from the International Peace Gardens and I had ourselves in tears several times by telling humorous stories. It was really fun.
The other fun part was the silent auction and shopping at local greenhouses afterward. I came home with a few additions for the night gardens, another crabapple (what I need another crabapple for is beyond me and well beyond Barry) and some great rocks. Yes, rocks. There is a member from the Surrey area that makes great rock mobiles. It will be hung in the gardens as soon as possible for everyone to enjoy. Of course it will take a healthy branch to hold it but it is really cool. Can't wait to get it hanging. Another piece of ND garden art to add to the growing collection.
There are no public classes scheduled this week and only one private group. We will harvest for the first time later this week and be available at the Grand Forks farmers market this coming Saturday. Hooray! The sweet smell of Basil is on its way. Barry will also go to Minot this week and pick up the chopper for the second round of rhubarb harvest.
Monday July 24th is the Savory Sage class. We have plenty of room left in this class so please call and register so I can plan supplies. We'll look at the different sages and talk about their uses. We'll cook with sage, make a facial astringent, and a small sage wreath for decoration. It will be great fun so send us an email or call to reserve your spot.
Stay Cool
Holly
The other fun part was the silent auction and shopping at local greenhouses afterward. I came home with a few additions for the night gardens, another crabapple (what I need another crabapple for is beyond me and well beyond Barry) and some great rocks. Yes, rocks. There is a member from the Surrey area that makes great rock mobiles. It will be hung in the gardens as soon as possible for everyone to enjoy. Of course it will take a healthy branch to hold it but it is really cool. Can't wait to get it hanging. Another piece of ND garden art to add to the growing collection.
There are no public classes scheduled this week and only one private group. We will harvest for the first time later this week and be available at the Grand Forks farmers market this coming Saturday. Hooray! The sweet smell of Basil is on its way. Barry will also go to Minot this week and pick up the chopper for the second round of rhubarb harvest.
Monday July 24th is the Savory Sage class. We have plenty of room left in this class so please call and register so I can plan supplies. We'll look at the different sages and talk about their uses. We'll cook with sage, make a facial astringent, and a small sage wreath for decoration. It will be great fun so send us an email or call to reserve your spot.
Stay Cool
Holly
Friday, July 07, 2006
What a fun evening!
Last night I traveled to Cando for the 4-H achievement day where I was to put on a demonstration of 'my choice'. I chose, of course, weeds. My demonstration was entitled, 'Eat Your Weedies'. I brought along some freshly 'harvested' purslane, chickweed, plantain, and lambsquarters. I had handouts with the nutritional value of the weeds, their wholesale value in California ($9.00-$22.00 per pound!) and recipe's for making delicious summer salads with the weeds. I even brought along some of my own. I served up a wonderful summer salad with fresh garden lettuce and lambsquarters, some egg salad with chickweed, and creamed cucumbers with purslane. It was great fun. The people were wonderful and most of them at least wanted to try a bite. It is amazing how many people you can get to eat weeds - wonder if they'd come out to the gardens to graze?
Of course, 4-H is my favorite youth organization. I was a 4-H'er. My son was a 4-H'er and just attended the Youth conference where he was an outgoing ambassador for North Dakota (outgoing - as in he is now too old to be in 4-H and must at some point become a leader to stay involved). Doing my demonstration last night made me feel as though I was back in 4-H, talking about my project, receiving awards and meeting new people. I guess even way back then I enjoyed teaching people new things. It's still that way today as people come to the gardens and take classes and tours. Here's a hefty congratulations to all of the hard working 4-H'ers and best of luck at the state fair. Thanks for the great time.
Holly
Last night I traveled to Cando for the 4-H achievement day where I was to put on a demonstration of 'my choice'. I chose, of course, weeds. My demonstration was entitled, 'Eat Your Weedies'. I brought along some freshly 'harvested' purslane, chickweed, plantain, and lambsquarters. I had handouts with the nutritional value of the weeds, their wholesale value in California ($9.00-$22.00 per pound!) and recipe's for making delicious summer salads with the weeds. I even brought along some of my own. I served up a wonderful summer salad with fresh garden lettuce and lambsquarters, some egg salad with chickweed, and creamed cucumbers with purslane. It was great fun. The people were wonderful and most of them at least wanted to try a bite. It is amazing how many people you can get to eat weeds - wonder if they'd come out to the gardens to graze?
Of course, 4-H is my favorite youth organization. I was a 4-H'er. My son was a 4-H'er and just attended the Youth conference where he was an outgoing ambassador for North Dakota (outgoing - as in he is now too old to be in 4-H and must at some point become a leader to stay involved). Doing my demonstration last night made me feel as though I was back in 4-H, talking about my project, receiving awards and meeting new people. I guess even way back then I enjoyed teaching people new things. It's still that way today as people come to the gardens and take classes and tours. Here's a hefty congratulations to all of the hard working 4-H'ers and best of luck at the state fair. Thanks for the great time.
Holly
Monday, July 03, 2006
A new addition
This past weekend we were lucky enough to complete one of ourgoals for the farm. Since the beginning we've had an "on demand learning center" in our marketing plan. We never thought we would truly accomplish this as it had been 4 years and everything we saw to complete the project was too expensive.
On Friday after work I stopped at a yard sale across from our house in Devils Lake and there she was - what a beauty! A manual vending machine! It had belonged to a church and the woman assured me that it still worked. It had all of the keys and spare parts we would need and for a very nice price I purchased it (after calling Barry to confirm that this was something we still wanted to do). Saturday Barry and the neighbor worked to get it in good running order and to make sure all of the slots worked. It is in place and functioning - holding soda right now, but boy do we have plans for it.
The idea is to have a place where visitors can receive information if Barry and I are not there. The machine would be able to have plant lists for the theme gardens in one slot, a self guided walking tour in another, maybe a copy of the history of Churchs Ferry as written by G.C. Chamberes in 1894, and also some small and simple projects for children to do while at the farm. All of the items will need to be under $1.00, very affordable, but would be a nice touch for times when Barry and I cannot be at the farm to greet or tour guests. (helps to cover photocopying costs too) Now I just have some typing and formating work to do before this will be up and running. Be sure to stop by and check it out.
While Barry worked on the new 'learning center' I weeded. Right now the weeds are both a blessing and a curse. We are so dry that the weeds are the only thing holding the moisture in the soil but also because of the heat they are already setting seed which will mean more weeds as summer progresses. I hate to remove them and expose that beautiful black dirt to the drying sun and heat but if I don't - weeds, weeds, weeds will have to be a class added to this year's schedule!
Enjoy your Independance Day,
Holly and Barry
This past weekend we were lucky enough to complete one of ourgoals for the farm. Since the beginning we've had an "on demand learning center" in our marketing plan. We never thought we would truly accomplish this as it had been 4 years and everything we saw to complete the project was too expensive.
On Friday after work I stopped at a yard sale across from our house in Devils Lake and there she was - what a beauty! A manual vending machine! It had belonged to a church and the woman assured me that it still worked. It had all of the keys and spare parts we would need and for a very nice price I purchased it (after calling Barry to confirm that this was something we still wanted to do). Saturday Barry and the neighbor worked to get it in good running order and to make sure all of the slots worked. It is in place and functioning - holding soda right now, but boy do we have plans for it.
The idea is to have a place where visitors can receive information if Barry and I are not there. The machine would be able to have plant lists for the theme gardens in one slot, a self guided walking tour in another, maybe a copy of the history of Churchs Ferry as written by G.C. Chamberes in 1894, and also some small and simple projects for children to do while at the farm. All of the items will need to be under $1.00, very affordable, but would be a nice touch for times when Barry and I cannot be at the farm to greet or tour guests. (helps to cover photocopying costs too) Now I just have some typing and formating work to do before this will be up and running. Be sure to stop by and check it out.
While Barry worked on the new 'learning center' I weeded. Right now the weeds are both a blessing and a curse. We are so dry that the weeds are the only thing holding the moisture in the soil but also because of the heat they are already setting seed which will mean more weeds as summer progresses. I hate to remove them and expose that beautiful black dirt to the drying sun and heat but if I don't - weeds, weeds, weeds will have to be a class added to this year's schedule!
Enjoy your Independance Day,
Holly and Barry
Thursday, June 22, 2006
WANTED: Rain
Yestereday was a beautiful day at the farm. We had a great giggling group of gals from the Lawton Lutheran Church - yes, Lutheran Ladies are a lot of fun. After their visit Deanna from the ND Division of Tourism showed up for a quick scout of the place before she brings the tour operators in August and finally we rounded out the day with our summer solstice laybyrinth walk. Lloyd and Bonnie Himle were with us in the class, what a great way to celebrate your anniversary. During our walk, the moose that have moved into town (two yearlings) were giving 'call' and it made a kind of eerie but fun sounds to contemplate as we walked the labyrinth.
Seems like all around the farm (Penn, Leeds, Towner, Devils Lake) has received some rain but as of 11:00 PM last night Churchs Ferry was still dry. Let's all pray for rain, we only have so many hoses and so much time. Things are powder dry out there and to be at their freshest the rhubarb and the herbs could use some moisture. My friend Christie knows how to do a rain dance that has worked in the past, I'm almost ready to give her a call.
Churchs Ferry day is this Saturday and the village will be filled with alumni and previous residents. Be sure to stop by and see what is going on. There is always good food, good door prizes, a great silent auction and at the end of the day some of the best small town fireworks I've ever seen. Barry and I will be there right away in the morning as WDAZ is coming to interview us and the I will be taking off for Minot where my nephew Brian is marrying his high school sweetheart after 10 years of dating - congrats Brian and Amy! Barry will give the tour at Churchs Ferry at 10 and then buzz to Minot to spend the rest of the day at the wedding and with family. Remember, if you're thinking of visiting the farm and need a guided tour, drop us a quick note or give a call to be sure we are there.
Yestereday was a beautiful day at the farm. We had a great giggling group of gals from the Lawton Lutheran Church - yes, Lutheran Ladies are a lot of fun. After their visit Deanna from the ND Division of Tourism showed up for a quick scout of the place before she brings the tour operators in August and finally we rounded out the day with our summer solstice laybyrinth walk. Lloyd and Bonnie Himle were with us in the class, what a great way to celebrate your anniversary. During our walk, the moose that have moved into town (two yearlings) were giving 'call' and it made a kind of eerie but fun sounds to contemplate as we walked the labyrinth.
Seems like all around the farm (Penn, Leeds, Towner, Devils Lake) has received some rain but as of 11:00 PM last night Churchs Ferry was still dry. Let's all pray for rain, we only have so many hoses and so much time. Things are powder dry out there and to be at their freshest the rhubarb and the herbs could use some moisture. My friend Christie knows how to do a rain dance that has worked in the past, I'm almost ready to give her a call.
Churchs Ferry day is this Saturday and the village will be filled with alumni and previous residents. Be sure to stop by and see what is going on. There is always good food, good door prizes, a great silent auction and at the end of the day some of the best small town fireworks I've ever seen. Barry and I will be there right away in the morning as WDAZ is coming to interview us and the I will be taking off for Minot where my nephew Brian is marrying his high school sweetheart after 10 years of dating - congrats Brian and Amy! Barry will give the tour at Churchs Ferry at 10 and then buzz to Minot to spend the rest of the day at the wedding and with family. Remember, if you're thinking of visiting the farm and need a guided tour, drop us a quick note or give a call to be sure we are there.
Monday, June 05, 2006
Rhubarb Harvest is Finally Done!
Yesterday, Sunday June 4th we finally finished the last of the rhubarb from this harvest. A lot of thanks to Alex and Casey for their hard work and help in finishing this monumental task. We'll deliver to the winery on June 15th and find out then how much we really have. I know there is at least 2,000 pounds but we'll see if there is any more than that.
Now on to the rest of the chores. There's weeding galore to do, cleaning the pond, and even some planting left. These are the good chores though - the ones I like doing. Soon we'll be into class season. Our first class - Hypertuffa planters - is already full.
Barry hung some great lanterns on the arbor this weekend. As the days grow shorter they will make great evening/night accents in the theme gardens. This last winter I wrote a grant to the ND Historical society for an interpretive sign. We received the grant with help and administration from the Devils Lake Basin Joint Water Resource Board. The sign arrived the other day and I have been busy collecting information to fill it. We hope to have it up within a week or two. Stay tuned for more information...
Yesterday, Sunday June 4th we finally finished the last of the rhubarb from this harvest. A lot of thanks to Alex and Casey for their hard work and help in finishing this monumental task. We'll deliver to the winery on June 15th and find out then how much we really have. I know there is at least 2,000 pounds but we'll see if there is any more than that.
Now on to the rest of the chores. There's weeding galore to do, cleaning the pond, and even some planting left. These are the good chores though - the ones I like doing. Soon we'll be into class season. Our first class - Hypertuffa planters - is already full.
Barry hung some great lanterns on the arbor this weekend. As the days grow shorter they will make great evening/night accents in the theme gardens. This last winter I wrote a grant to the ND Historical society for an interpretive sign. We received the grant with help and administration from the Devils Lake Basin Joint Water Resource Board. The sign arrived the other day and I have been busy collecting information to fill it. We hope to have it up within a week or two. Stay tuned for more information...
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