Winter is long enough here in Northwest Pennsylvania to give everyone spring fever. Everyone begins to look for signs that the snow will finally stop, and that things will once again turn green. On the farm, there are lots of things we see- baby livestock being born is an obvious answer, but actually lots of domestic critters breed any time of the year, so it's not as sure a sign of spring as some other things. Eggs, however, are a lot more seasonal than most folks realize. As the days lengthen, my hens start to lay prolifically, which tapers off a bit in the summer, and as the days shorten in the fall and winter, egg production drops- often meaning they stop laying completely during the coldest months. A full basket of eggs these days during evening chores is a sure sign we're on the edge of spring!
Some of the best indicators of spring are perennials. When I came to the farm, there were well-established patches of rhubarb, blueberry bushes, and some daffodils, lily of the valley & purple iris around the house. I admit, I used to be a bit envious of folks who had gorgeous displays of flowers in their yards. Dan was always quick to remind me that these people had invested years in creating such a display...or landscapers did it for them. So, over the years I've planted things that add beauty to the farm, but also have purpose beyond just looking pretty. Planting a variety of flowering plants that bloom at various times over the year attracts pollinators, which in turn make the garden more productive. Once established, most perennials will spread, so when I thin them out I can either plant more or offer some for sale to our farm stand customers. Herbs can be sold fresh, or dried for sale or for my own kitchen. Heirloom seeds can be saved, and I can be a part of preserving the genetic diversity of our gardens and flowerbeds.
It's a joy to me to walk around in the spring and see things starting to sprout. It's absolute confirmation that the worst of winter is behind us, and another season of fresh food is nearly here. As I make my rounds these days, I'm seeing perennial herbs like oregano and chives; flowers like lilies, hollyhocks and daffodils; and a beautiful crop of heirloom garlic all showing signs of new growth. Before long, things like lemon balm, mint, purple coneflower, and bee balm will follow suit. Last year was probably the first year I was able to look out and feel like I'm really making a difference and seeing the years of digging around in the yard really starting to look like the picture I'd like it to be. I've planted lots of things, and they are growing & coming back the next year. I get periodic compliments on how nice the farm looks, and I take great pride in that. Like anyone else, I want my home to be beautiful. But I also realize people make assumptions about a place based on appearances- and honestly, do you want the farm that grows your food to look like a postcard or a junkyard?
Some of the best indicators of spring are perennials. When I came to the farm, there were well-established patches of rhubarb, blueberry bushes, and some daffodils, lily of the valley & purple iris around the house. I admit, I used to be a bit envious of folks who had gorgeous displays of flowers in their yards. Dan was always quick to remind me that these people had invested years in creating such a display...or landscapers did it for them. So, over the years I've planted things that add beauty to the farm, but also have purpose beyond just looking pretty. Planting a variety of flowering plants that bloom at various times over the year attracts pollinators, which in turn make the garden more productive. Once established, most perennials will spread, so when I thin them out I can either plant more or offer some for sale to our farm stand customers. Herbs can be sold fresh, or dried for sale or for my own kitchen. Heirloom seeds can be saved, and I can be a part of preserving the genetic diversity of our gardens and flowerbeds.
It's a joy to me to walk around in the spring and see things starting to sprout. It's absolute confirmation that the worst of winter is behind us, and another season of fresh food is nearly here. As I make my rounds these days, I'm seeing perennial herbs like oregano and chives; flowers like lilies, hollyhocks and daffodils; and a beautiful crop of heirloom garlic all showing signs of new growth. Before long, things like lemon balm, mint, purple coneflower, and bee balm will follow suit. Last year was probably the first year I was able to look out and feel like I'm really making a difference and seeing the years of digging around in the yard really starting to look like the picture I'd like it to be. I've planted lots of things, and they are growing & coming back the next year. I get periodic compliments on how nice the farm looks, and I take great pride in that. Like anyone else, I want my home to be beautiful. But I also realize people make assumptions about a place based on appearances- and honestly, do you want the farm that grows your food to look like a postcard or a junkyard?
And while I'm looking for beautiful blooms in a variety of colors that will bloom throughout the year, I also try to plant things that have another use. Admittedly, I'm still getting to the point where I actually take advantage of these uses, but it's really cool to have the option. Purple coneflower is also the herb echinacea, which stimulates the immune system. Bee Balm was used as a tea substitute and has medicinal uses of its own. My heirloom Frau Dagmarr Hartopp rose bush has large rose hips, which are high in vitamin C and can be used to make things like rose water for homemade cosmetics or rose hip jelly. Even daylily tubers are edible if you have more than you want in your yard! It is my goal to make the farm not only a more beautiful, but also a more productive place year by year. Being mindful about what I plant- choosing plants that have edible parts or medicinal uses- is critical to that end. Choosing perennials means once I do the initial planting, they will come back with a minimum of labor in following years. Having an assortment of plants established now allows me to experiment with new plants each year. Many of these plants started as seed I order with our spring vegetable seeds, and I allow myself a couple of fun,funky & useful things to try growing this year. I've started a few so far- I have St. John's Wort and some edible violas as teeny tiny seedlings right now, and some new varieties of hop rhizomes in the fridge (with plans to get them in the ground very soon).