Hello friends, it has been awhile. I couldn't wait another day before sharing with you this beautiful sight. Amazingly enough, this is a picture of the flowers on our mesclun salad blend, now that it has gone to seed. Hints of spring are in the air which means many of the veggies in our fall and winter garden are ending their cycle. The muzina has put on brilliant yellow flowers and the bees could not be happier. Who knew late winter could be so beautiful in the garden?
Speaking of spring, the "garden fairy" has been working steady in the nursery sowing new seeds, thinning new sprouts, propagating, fertilizing and chasing off the bird kingdom who LOVE the young heirloom veggie plants. Yes, we have tried hanging old unused cd's about to chase off the birds - to no avail. So, this morning, we hung long strips of shinny, reflective "bird tape" in the mist of the growing racks. Already, the broccoli, cauliflower and lettuce are sighing in relief - we will keep you posted.
Here in the Inland Empire, our last chance of frost is just a couple of weeks away! YEAH! As growers, this signals easier times ahead, we hope. It signals the time when we swing into full gear - adding lots more tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, melons, eggplants and more to the nursery. Already, we have thessaloniki, beefsteak, red fig pear and cour di bue tomatoes growing strong. Purple beauty sweet peppers along with crenshaw, ananas and ogen melons are doing splendidly. Little gem and mesclun salad greens are fresh and happy not to mention all of the herbs - did I mention five varieties of basil are on the near horizon?
We are happy to announce that this Thursday will mark our springtime debut at the Redlands Farmers Market [State St 5:30-9pm]. Thanks to our dear friend and seamstress extraordinaire Debbie, we have newly made, custom sown table cloths for our display [we promise, no more plaid fabric - will stick to easier stuff next time]. We needed new table cloths because we have added two additional tables to our display in order to bring to market all of the new things we are growing.
Last year, when we made our market debut, we were certified growers of 25 different herbs and annuals. This year, we have added over 150 new plants to our certified inventory , including offering freshly cut herbs at the market along with our premium potted plants. We are very excited about this and we hope you will be, too! Look for us to reach our full swing about May/June although we will be bringing new items to market every single week. Some items will be in short supply and when they are gone - you may not see them until next year.
Well friends, I must get back to the nursery while the rains are just off in the horizon.
Enjoy the day and do think of stopping into the Farmers Market tomorrow evening to say hello.
Carrie-Anne
