Ramping into the Evening

The boys suggested an after supper nature walk - I think to delay bedtime - but it turns out that it was exactly what I needed. The ramps are out! The sunset was beautiful. The evening air was crisp and refreshing. Happy Tuesday everyone.

Seed Starts

We have officially run out of solo cups, soil, and stand space. Time to stop seed starting...for now.

We will have lots of share with this year's 2024 cohort of the Community Backyard Garden Project at the May 4th Kick-Off Event. Tomatoes of every variety...

Potting Up

We potted up all our broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, peppers, and eggplants. What a mess! If it was ever time to own a greenhouse - this would be it. Until then, my living room will have to do.

Submerged Garlic Sprouts

Our farm is a muddy mess and our garlic are swimming! Rain, rain, go away.

 

Purple Shoots

With all this rain things have started to sprout. We have our first asparagus and hops shoots up and reaching for the (hiding) sun!

 

Free Rooster

This rooster is a pest. He is sneaky and keeps escaping the chicken run. He loves to sleep up in the pine tree (even in the rain) instead of inside the cozy, dry coop. He scratches up my sprouting seeds in the garden and antagonizes the sheep in their paddock. 

My efforts to keep him contained have thus far been unsuccessful. Also, he eats lots of food and does not lay eggs.

And catching him is a pain in the butt. He is an expert at camouflage and evasion.

 He is seeking a new home. Immediately. Any takers?

Spring is in the Air

Alistair is excited that spring is in the air and he can now wear running shoes to school. I will not let him tidy up with garden yet since we like to give the pollinators time to wake up. But he was pretty thrilled about raking some of the leaves on the lawn!

 

First Up & the Most Yummy

My favourite vegetable - rhubarb - has made an appearance. Grow little buddy grow. I'm going to eat you up!

Eclipse Song

Ian and the kids headed west to experience the total eclipse and the cheese factory, of course. Thanks to family friends, Sean and Lynn, for sharing their amazing photos of the experience since I was not there to take them.

Meanwhile, the hens and I experienced the eclipse at home on the farm. My photo is not nearly as impressive but mine comes with music! I thought birds were supposed to be silent during an eclipse but apparently mine did not get the memo. They sang me the loudest eclipse song during the darkest phase and then continued on like nothing was amiss.

Peak eclipse period.

https://youtu.be/mz5pzyxA3U8

A Trouty Adventure

Our Sunday family adventure involved a long drive, a short hike, and a sunshine filled afternoon of shore fishing. We caught one brook trout and absorbed loads of vitamin D and fresh forest air. Happy Sunday!

Lazy Saturday

Nothing beats a lazy Saturday at home. Laundry, nature walk, reading. This is the good life. Now we just need some leaves on the trees…

White Out!

It is amazing the difference three days can make.

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Welcome to the winter wonderland that is Gael Glen Farm....in April.

It is supposed to get warm again on Tuesday so hopefully this is winter's last hurrah.

Spinach Sprouts

We have some action on the direct sowed spinach in our big planter close to the house. Spinach salad here we come (in many weeks).

Rogue Hens Causing Trouble

Snap peas, radishes, parsnips, spinach, and Swiss chard is in the ground. The soil is warm and dry. I used Grandpa Ed’s special hoe for good luck. Put straw down between the rows to keep the weeds at bay. Hooked up the hose and watered everything. Now to watch for sprouts and hope the straw does not blow away!

Update: I was worried about the wind when I should have been worried about escapee chickens! Rogue hens scratched up the garden, pulled out all the row markers, and messed up all the neatly arranged straw rows - hopefully they didn't eat ALL the seeds too. Only time will tell. They are now barricaded into their chicken run REAL good.