Returning to the Fold

I'm back...well, I've been back for a week but have been slowly catching up with tasks that got caught up with me while I was gone, *cough* weeding.

It was great to be away in a beautiful area camped under boughs of Honeysuckles with Hummingbirds dancing about, feral children laughing, and learning new old things. Where was I? At a Gathering!

It is a place to learn ancient craft skills, mostly forgotten or disparaged in a world of walmarts and fast fashion. You'll see people hide tanning, basket making, starting fires with friction, and lots of fun around many campfires at night with live music and stories. But I just heard it from afar as I chose to make use of my time away equally for learning and resting. Literally taking that breath!

But now I'm back to the daily chores of weeding, flower harvesting, planting, sowing perennials, and the special projects. Some that are just beginning are trenching water lines to my main growing plots and installing an underground rain catchment system. All part of a grant!

But before I get too long-winded, I need to get back at it, cause those chores won't do themselves lol.

Misty mornings means cats are on the prowl through the wildflowers under a thinning moon

The trenching is done and dusted!

I learned it hates going through the slightest chunky rocks - I'll get to get in with my pickaxe, and that over slight topography it can't maintain a straight line - steel pipes gotta go and more flexi pvc is in!

The big tank arrived safe and sound on it's freight truck.

Those are two pieces nestled together so once fully assembled it will hold many chicken-fulls of rain water!

The Lupines are here to kick off the summer flower craze!

The depth of color positively glows in the soft morning light

And like all the flowers, they last for a while, then give way to the next bloom, leaving behind a memory of damp mornings and shiny seeds so that next year there can me more bright and bold blooms.

Two of my new creations that will hold be in good stead and anything I need to carry: willow basket and pine needle basket.
I planted wild Willow last fall and it has begun it's fast march skyward, destined for more baskets. And pine needles are in near endless supply in these woods! Did you know a skilled weaver can make them waterproof with only pine needles and sinew or string?!

Future Learning OpportunitiesAre you ready to step into the wilderness?
Early Summer Foraging Class: Dragon's Breath Farm: June 18th
Come learn about commonly available seasonal edible plants in our region. We'll meet the plants, learn about their edible and also medicinal qualities, proper foraging etiquette, and taste the wonders of the wilds. Join me on the farm on the afternoon of June 18th to see what the wilds can provide!
Sign up here!

HIKE: South Fork of Ross Creek: FSPW: July 2nd
Leave the summer crowds behind as we make our way through the ancient Cedars, following the creek up to a waterfall. It’s 9 miles roundtrip with 1300 feet of elevation gain, a small price to pay for getting away from the hustle and bustle along the nature trail. Sign up here!

Relational Farming: Dragon's Breath Farm: July 9th
Our discussion will focus on the 'why' and 'how' behind the systems and methods I have used to develop farming practices that sit within a worldview that recognizes the sovereignty of the land and all the non-humans that live on it. Going deeper than the popular concepts of permaculture to reset our place and belonging as humans in our relation to land. Sign up here!
HIKE: Foraging Hike at Spar Lake: FSPW : July 10th
Embark on a magical journey through the lush forest, as you discover the hidden treasures nature has to offer. Follow your senses and collect wild edibles, vibrant berries, and fragrant herbs. The crackle of leaves beneath your feet and the sweet scent of pine needles in the air makes this foraging hike an unforgettable adventure.Join staff member Juli Thurston and board member Megan Leach for a fun day on the trail foraging.  We will meet at the Big Spar Lake Trailhead.  Bring lunch, snacks plenty of water, and a bag to carry your foraging finds! Sign up here!

What's available this week?

• Veggies!
  • Spicy Mix
  • Mild Mix
  • Petal Power Mix - edible flowers
  • Wild Greens
    • Lamb's Quarters
    • Orach/Atriplex
    • Sorrel
• Seeds!
  • so many varieties to get your garden growing
• Herbals
  • Dragon's Scale Salve
  • Bud Blood Salve
• Flowers
  • Dried Bouquets
  • Petal Sachets
  • Fresh Bouquets
• Jewelry
  • Bead Woven Bracelets & Rings
• Recycled Paper

Where to find it all?


Find me and all the spring farm goodies both Thursdays and Saturdays.
Thursdays from 3-630pm at The Farmers Market at Libby
&
Saturdays from 9-1230pm at the Kalispell Farmers Market