Hi , We're back! And spring is here and the hills are green with the wildflowers starting to bloom. To name a few, we have lupins, sun cups, and blue-eyed grass. The pasture has turned a lovely light purple with all the filaree opening their petals. I love this
time of year--well, all the seasons on the farm have their advantages, but spring is a beautiful one. |
The apple trees have started to blossom as well, and interestingly enough the peaches and nectarines are both done with their flowers and have began to push out fresh new leaves. The figs are also putting out their leaves and some even are pushing out their
first crop of figs. These early fruits are called breba figs, and they aren't as plentiful or as sweet as the full crop that comes late in the summer. We love to see them though, since it is a promising sign of harvest. |
Coming back to the market!-- As April comes to an end, we are nearing our return to the Hayward farmer's market! We will be back on April 29th with three early green-skinned avocado varieties (Bacon, Fuerte, and Zutano) and asparagus. The Bacon and Fuerte have a higher oil-content which makes them creamier, while Zutanos have a lighter flavor. The Fuerte is the second most popular avocado after the Hass, and was brought to the United States in the early 1900s. It's
delicious! |
Funky Fugus-- Springtime blossoms aren't the only
things growing on the property. We love all the mushrooms and fungi that are doing their part in breaking down the leaves and branches that cover the ground (especially after the windy rainstorms we have been receiving). We found a bright orange guy called a Tremella Fungus down in the woods the other day; the color was so vibrant it reminded me of the poppies growing in the fruit orchard. More of these can be found sprouting out of our mulch as well. They are very helpful in breaking down old
wood and adding to the health of the soil. |
There are birds in abundance around our house. A pair of ravens have nested in the trees across the creek at the bottom of the grove. There are also lots of busy hummingbirds visiting all the flowers blooming in the garden. Just today, a hawk was circling
the chickens as they scratched around out in the pasture (the chickens were safely surrounded by the herd, whose size and proximity are a deterrent). The robins showed up in February and are still hanging around. A couple of mallard ducks moved into our little pond. There was even a fine Tom turkey trying to impress his lady friend amongst the herd this morning. And wow, you should hear the dawn chorus that comes along with all of these birds--it's beautiful. |
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