Our Garden Journal
Much like a blog, this will have regular posts on planting, harvesting, and everyday life on the farm.
April 2009 Week 4
Spring on the Farm
Alot of excitement on the farm now. Spring has sprung so to speak, so we have had to grab the pitchforks and run. Since I last checked in with you we have created a small duck pond for the enjoyment and comfort of the waterfowl. All the geese and ducks could not wait to splash in when the pond was filled, Let's just say they have taken to it ...well like a duck to water.
We also have set out seeds in the newly plowed garden and of course herbs in the herb beds. What self respecting witch would not have a herb garden? Thanks to the recent rains we have had on the plains we might not have a bad year after all. Kudos for all those positive rainy thoughts you sent our way.
There are new additions to Covenstead. Last week there were 7 new ducks hatched and 3 chicks. They are all doing well under the close attention of their Moms Sabrina (our little spotted hen) and Eva 2 (the daughter to our original Eva the duck). Eva senior is diligently sitting on a nest of 10 eggs in the pen with Sabrina. Now the strangest thing is when Eva Senior gets up to eat and drink our own little Sabrina will run over to the nest and sit on the eggs until Eva returns. Now that is what I call teamwork.
The roses are blooming and the wildflowers are plenty this year. Just a lovely accent to the beautiful Texas sunsets.
All in all things are looking up and getting pretty hectic. Hope you are enjoying Spring as much as we are.
Have a great one and Blessed Be from all the creatures at Covenstead Farm.
The Crone
January 2009
Week 4
Well it is time to start planning the spring garden. Yep I know, most people do all that work in December or even before but what can I say? I am a known procrastinator and I hate the paperwork. So with my much dreaded task in mind I start looking through the books we had accumulated over the years for a companion planting guide. That is when it happened... I came across a gift. My mother's old gardening journal. Obviously she knew I would need help with this years planning so she gave me a hand.
The journal is full of hand written notes, gardening tips, natural remedies. You name it and it is probably mentioned. My Mom was a seasoned gardener and a true child of nature. She always surprised me with all the knowledge she had stored away that was so easy to recall. Keeping this in mind this years harvest will be dedicated to my Mother. An awesome woman and a much missed but never forgotten part of Covenstead Farm.
Week four will be planning and going through the numerous seed catalogs that come in the mail. We have to wait for the last frost before we begin to actually set out the plants. The temps are still a roller coaster ride here on the North Texas plains going from 80 degrees one day down to 31 degrees the next. Not a lot of rain so far this year so we have to hope for a few more inches but hopefully not all at one time.
Happy spring planning,
The Crone
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Picture of the Month
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This is Stephen the guard rooster who chases away unwanted critters and Christians, oh and us as well.