Still Waiting on Spring

As winter keeps its hold on the field and forest,
my heart and head holds fast to the promises of spring.

I talk a lot here about the inherent tensions of being a land tender:
you walk with one foot in the civilized world of clocks and static calendars
and the other on the sometimes fast and sometimes slow pace of nature.

Everything happens in it's own time,
yet civilization follows a steady forward marching beat.
Most of our neighbors and ourselves live outside of 'natural time'.
Our global infrastructure supplies us with all things at all times:
bananas in winter, citrus in summer, apples in spring, and strawberries in fall.
Whatever we want, when we want it.
Because we can source it from somewhere else, somewhere far away.
Somewhere where it is spring during our fall, summer during our winter.

Few of us know the patience of watching an apple ripen,
waiting to pluck it until it is the sweetest.
Or even planting an apple seed, watering it, nurturing it,
caring for it for years before it in turn nurtures us.
Why would we when we can go to the store,
trusting that someone else planted that seed years earlier.

In this time of lingering winter,
when tasks and chores (which all equal time) are compressed
and the anxiety grows before you are able to plant any seeds,
 I remind myself, repeat to myself, almost as a mantra
that the fruit still ripens,
the seed still grows,
the flowers still bloom,
and the sap still rises.

For everything happens in it's own time.
The sweetness of fruit doesn't care about our clock or our calendar,
but about the sunshine, the rains, and the bees to pollinate it.
The seed doesn't care about our clock or calendar,
but about the soil warmth, moisture, and microbes.
The flowers don't care about our clock or calendar,
but about the summer heat, the butterflies, and spring rains.
The tree does not care about our clock or calendar,
but about the temperature between night and day,
the years of shed leaves that decay at it's feet to feed it today,
and the child that climbs its boughs and calls it friend.

If none of them that feed us, clothe us, shelter us,
care about our clock and calendar,
then why do we?

We made it, that clock and calendar.
To keep us civilized, 'on time', and on schedule.

Does it feed us anymore
or does it eat away?

I can finally see the soil! Spreading the wood ashes has helped clear path.

​
The chilly mornings call for just a little bit of heat but not too much, as I don't like it hot!



So spring calls for the end of roaring fires and just a little bit to take the chill off which the cats worship at until the sun peaks out from it's nightly slumber.

I love watching the fast and furious glow up that the microgreens go through 

Even if I try to keep things on schedule, farming does it's best to throw out your best laid plans.

Including the hens popping out to see what's available under the melting snow. 

They'll have to wait a few more days to roam though, all depending upon how fast and strong each moment of daylight is.

These are just some of the plants that we might see in our outing for the Spring Wildflower & Native Plant ID Class in Troy this May.
Sign up at the link below to learn all about the little and big plants we share this land with. Two indoor classes will focus on terminology about how we describe the shapes and patterns of plants, plant families, and how different field guides are laid out. Then we'll spend two evenings walking among our new plant friends putting what you learned into action: identifying, observing, and marveling at these little beauties.

Future Learning OpportunitiesAre you ready to step into the wilderness?
Tuesdays in May: Troy Adult Education Program
I'll be teaching a Spring Wildflower & Native Plant ID class on Tuesday evenings in May and early June. Two indoor classes to cover the basics and two outings to meet all the wonderful spring plants around Troy. Sign-up here!

Seasonal On-Farm Foraging Classes: Dragon's Breath Farm
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 May 14th to see what the wilds can provide!
Sign ups available soon!

What's available this week?

• Veggies!
  • Spicy Mix
  • Mild Mix
• Seeds!
  • so many varieties to get your garden growing
  • Don't forget there are limited varieties available at Homesteaders in Libby!
• Herbals
  • Infused Body Oils
  • Essences
  • Dragon's Scale Salve
• Flowers
  • Dried Bouquets
  • Petal Sachets
• Jewelry
  • Bead Woven Bracelets & Rings
• Recycled Paper

Where to find it all?

This week is the LAST Mini Microgreen Market! of the winter
Thursdays from 12-1pm at the Libby Chamber of Commerce
*come inside where it's warm & toasty while the micros are chill in their mini cooler*

Select flower seed varieties saved right here on the farm are available at Homesteaders in Libby!

The Farmers Markets start the first week in May.
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