We have been enjoying our extended hiatus from work this holiday season. We were blessed to spend time with our families and many friends over the past few weeks. I hope you have also enjoyed time with friends and family. Read on for updates on what we’re up to.
Subscriptions
The website is open for those who would like to sign up for farm-fresh flowers delivered to your door. Subscriptions also make a great gift. Treat yourself or a loved one for Valentines Day. This service is available in the following zip codes: 29201, 29204, 29205,29206,29209, 29016, 29045, 29169, 29223, 29229. Sign up here https://www.purpletuteur.com/subscription-information from your laptop or PC (ordering from your phone does not work and I am still researching this).
On The Farm
We had a big push in early November to get all our early spring flowers planted before the real cold set in. They have gotten off to a great start. During January and February, we monitor them and make sure that they are healthy and protected from extreme weather. Most everything is covered with frost cloth and the cloth is held down with sandbags. The sandbags help to keep the covers on when the winds are high.
Pansies are blooming, but not yet tall enough to cut and use in bouquets. They cheer us while we are working in the high tunnel.
Icelandic Poppies in pastel colors will be the first blooms ready to use.
Winter Projects
Over the winter, we get projects done that we don’t have time for when the field is actively blooming. First up this year, the septic system has to be replaced. The work begins next week.. Not the most fun thing to spend money on, but critical. We were lucky that it reached its limit during November, when things were slowing down.
Planning
Every year, we also use January as a planning month. We review the successes and failures of our previous growing year and then move forward with a plan for summer and fall. (Spring is already planted, and we do something similar in July for the early spring). Seeds are being started and plants are being ordered.
Some of the new things that we are planning:
1. A new class about growing bulbs in winter for indoor blooms. This will include lessons on how to force bulbs, followed by a hands-on workshop to build your own bulb garden to take home. I am just finalizing the information and will set the date soon. It will be in February or March, while outside blooms are limited and we can all use the lift that flowers give us.
2. A new section of beds will be added to the field so that we can expand our dahlia production. We tried lots of new varieties in 2023 and we will be increasing production of those that did well.
3. A Thanksgiving bouquet offering, consisting primarily of heirloom mums. I was so thrilled to experience these beautiful flowers for the first time this year. We want you to experience the joy too. We will have a more comprehensive blog post on growing these flowers in the near future.
Ag and Art 2024
We will be on the Ag and Art Tour again this year. June 8-9, so mark your calendars and come on out to our open house. There are new hours this year. Sites will be open Saturday, June 8 from 9 am – 4 pm and Sunday, June 9 from 9 am – 4 pm.
We are looking for artisans to participate on our farm. If you are an artisan or craftsperson (or know someone) with a business license and insurance, you can sign up at https://www.agandarttour.com The deadline for Artisans will be April 15.
New this year, the Richland County group will be holding a Farm to Table Dinner Fundraiser on April 27. More to come on this.
Anyone who wants to sponsor the tour or the dinner can also register at https://www.agandarttour.com There is a lot of local exposure for the cost.
That wraps it up for this first newsletter of 2024. Just a few more cold days before warm weather returns for a while next week! Winter is not over, but we welcome the balmier days.
Stay warm,
Linda