Returning to the Land

It has been a strange few years. Both in regards to the farm and myself. From stepping back from the farm a bit to both try to earn a steadier income while working to improve and heal my physical and mental health (being the sole operator, business manager, and laborer on a farm is draining and damaging in more ways than I anticipated), to trying to return to the farm last year, and realizing that neither my mental or physical health had improved, while also feeling the pull to constantly try new ideas and projects with the business meant nothing had time to improve. 
So now, I return to the Land. And to my roots. Both what I do best and what I enjoy. This year you'll still find some flowers at the market because I can't not plant pretty things but you'll also find Salad Mix, Spinach, Kale, Native Lettuce, and other cool-loving greens. 
I love this little, deep valley partly because it gifts me cool mornings to work, even in August. Both me and those greens wilt in the heat of the full sun but shine in the cool shaded gaze of dawn and dusk. Trying to focus on growing heat-loving flowers that sought out the bright sun was too hard for both me and this valley. 
You'll also see new classes this year both on-farm and off-farm opportunities and I'm making them even more accessible.
I'm opening up the farm to WWOOFers this year for the first time. It is a great way to sink into farm life, help out a labor-strapped farmer, and get room and board in exchange.
I'll also be hosting campsites on the farm (after the vintage camper is modernized and improved) so that guests can stay for a quiet night of solitude on their way to other places or spend a few nights and really experience the hospitality and Right Kind of Remote that Libby can offer.

So, continue to follow along, read on, and go on this journey with me as I return to the land for just the right combination and balance of serenity in solitude and connection to community.

After traveling south to earn some winter-time moolah, the cats are glad to be back and return to their duties of rodent hunters. And with the cabin and farm being vacant for almost 6 weeks, they have a lot of work to catch up on □

While the farm's tulips and daffs are usually ready by the first markets 🤞, the dried flowers are still holding their own, shining with all their summery colors and needing almost no care, they are the most low-maintenance blooms around!

This little bumble has found solace from the still deep-freezing nights in the relatively warm high tunnel and dreaming of all the spring flowers both on the farm and in the surrounding wilds 

Also, am I the only one that wants to gently pet such a little floof?!

The hens still rule the roost here, rooting around in the damp spring soil to find grubs, ticks, and other creepy crawlies. They are the resident pest control right alongside the kittens!

If you, or someone you know, want to experience farm life in the wilds and work a half-day alongside me and get the rest of the time to explore and adventure or just chill and disconnect from our hyper-connected world, check out WWOOFing to find out how and then check our the farm's profile! And stay tuned for more updates on how cute this big little canvas tent is gonna become!!!

All the HappeningsAre you ready to step into the wilds?

Native Spring Wildflowers: Troy, MT: Monday Evenings, April 29 - May 20
Learn both the common and lesser known spring wildplants that live in NW MT. One indoor class will cover the basics of plant id. Three classes will be outdoors: Callahan Creek, Old Hwy 2, and Alvord Lake. We'll focus on how to identify plants at all growth stages and not just when flowering.
Sign up here!

Farmers Market at Libby Opening Day: Libby, MT: Thursday, May 2nd

Kalispell Farmers Market Opening Day: Kalispell, MT: Saturday, May 4th

Kootenai Country Wildflower ID: Old Hwy 2 Trail: May 12th
Join us for a scenic hike along the Old Highway 2 trail to Shannon Lake. Our route features fantastic views of Kootenai Falls and the river valley. We'll stop to identify plants and wildflowers along the way, including several wildflower varieties near Shannon Lake that are harder to find without a steeper or longer hike. There is a short scramble up to the lake, but the trail is otherwise gradual and wide, with a few interpretive displays about the history of the old road and area. Spring is the best and most bountiful wildflower time along this accessible and enjoyable trail. We'll end early enough for participants to explore the adjacent Kootenai Falls and Swinging Bridge afterward if they want to.   
Sign up here!

Everything Dandelion! Class: Dragon's Breath Farm: May 19th
Dandelion is both food and medicine. Learn how to prepare and appreciate this often attacked plant. Take home recipes and a few new favorite snacks!
Sign up here!

​What's coming this season? 

• Veggies
  • Salad Mix: featuring a blend of red and green butter lettuces
  • Spinach
  • Kale
  • Native Lettuce
  • and more!
• Flowers
  • Tulips
  • Daffodils
  • Dried Bouquets
  • Petal Sachets

Where to find it all?
Starting in May!
 Thursdays from 3-630pm at The Farmers Market at Libby 
&
 Saturdays from 9-1230pm at the Kalispell Farmers Market