This week

It was very windy yesterday with the approaching storms.  That means pollen was blowing like crazy.  The blackberries and multiflora roses are starting to bloom.  I've been working in the garden cultivating cilantro, which is especially interesting because it does not grow during the summer as it prefers cool weather.  I've also been walking all around the woods and hollow with my dog, Wu, checking things out.  During the spring things grow so fast that new things appear weekly.  The mountain azaleas are blooming and all the trees have leafed out now.

This past week

We have had lots of good rain this past week and weekend.  Spring is usually a wet time of the year.  All the rain now gives us a head start when we get into the hot dry months of the summer.  The crabapple and dogwood trees are starting to bloom.  April is fast approaching, and that means blackberry winter and the start of summer planting.  You might not know about blackberry winter but, it is usually in the first part of April and it is when the blackberry bushes start to bloom. 

 

This week I will go to Wilsonville to get chicken feed, adjust the chicken tractors, cut wild watercress, and host a Girl Scout Troop who will be learning about foraging.  I hope to get in some more spring planting very soon!

I hope everyone has a great week and don't forget about the next foraging class coming up in April!

This week

     Spring is here!  Dogwoods are starting to bloom, the trees are starting to show new leaves, and the Irises and Tulips are opening up.  I'm pretty happy about the longer days as this time of the year is very busy with planting and planning.  I've finished up another chicken tractor and will be moving half of the Barred Rock chickens in there this afternoon; I've also will be constructing a high tunnel (similar to a greenhouse) within the next month.  It's hard juggling everything, but my days working in restaurants have been invaluable with the farm work I do in terms of making lists, priortizing as I go, and keeping it all organized.

I hope everyone has a great week and don't forget about the next foraging class coming up in April!

Foraging Class

Here is a list of things we will be learning about this coming Saturday March 19th at the foraging class.  You don't want to miss it!

Curly Dock

Broad Leaf Plantain

Field Onions

Field Garlic

Wild Daylillies

Wild Ginger

Pear Blossoms

Sheep Sorrel

Cleavers

Redbud

Wild Lettuce

Dandelion

A Quote

When you love your land
You want to make it known to as many people as possible
And to make it rich.
Gastronomy is a magnificent way to do all that.
                                                 Jean Giono

Chickens in pictures

These are Buff Orpington and Barred Rock Chickens.  Both are Heritage Breeds.  

     Orpingtons were developed in England at the town of Orpington in County Kent during the 1880s. They were brought to America in the 1890s and gained popularity very rapidly, based on their excellence as a meat bird. As the commercial broiler and roaster market developed, the Orpington lost out partly because of its white skin.

Orpingtons are heavily but loosely feathered, appearing massive. Their feathering allows them to endure cold temperatures better than some other breeds. They exist only in solid colors; are at home on free range or in relatively confined situations; and are docile. Hens exhibit broodiness and generally make good mothers. Chicks are not very aggressive and are often the underdogs when several breeds are brooded together. They are a good general use fowl.

     The Barred Rock is one of the all time popular favorites in this country. Developed in New England in the early 1800's by crossing Dominiques and Black Javas, it has spread to every part of the U.S. and is an ideal American chicken. Prolific layers of brown eggs, the hens are not discouraged by cold weather. Their solid plumpness and yellow skin make a beautiful heavy roasting fowl. Our strain has the narrow, clean barring so desirable in appearance. Their bodies are long, broad, and deep with bred-in strength and vitality. These chickens are often called Plymouth Rocks, but this title correctly belongs to the entire breed, not just the Barred variety.

These are pictures starting in July when they first arrived. More pictures to come!

Foraging Criteria

These are questions I ask myself when foraging for wild edibles:

 

Can I accurately identify it?

Have I researched it?

Is it edible?

Have I eaten it?

Does it taste good?

Does the taste stand out?

Does it produce consistently?

Is procuring it labor intensive?

Am I confident?