Summer Update

I cannot believe it’s the 4th of July already. The year feels like it’s going by so quickly.

Abundance runs rampant all over the Walla Walla valley. Neighboring farms are bursting at the seams. Surrounding us, the alfalfa has grown tall and green, and has been cut and baled once already. Nearby wheat is transitioning from green to the quintessential amber — and plenty with of wind — the amber waves are plentiful.

The same can be said for my garden. All of the spring favorites have faded. The ranunculus are completely dried out. There isn’t a sign bit of the daffodil foliage left, and the peonies are beginning to fade from green to tan.

The first flush of garden roses was lovely, although not as fruitful as in year’s past. They’ve begun to bud for another flush, as I’ve been faithful in deadheading.

The first round of snapdragons was so abundant, I figured there wouldn’t be a second. But alas our alpaca poo is going the distance as a second flush is well on its way.

Meanwhile, the zinnias are making their grand entrance. So many new-to-me colors are finally blooming. Each morning is a new discovery, and oh-so-many photos!

The dahlia patch is looking exceptionally lush, too. I’ve already snagged the first handful to keep in the kitchen. I really think I’ve got the best mix of sunset colors this year!

I’ve made good on my goal to keep the garden tidy. Deadheading, weeding, and debris removal are tasks on my morning rounds that seem to happen with ease. Just doing a little here and a little there, never really breaking a sweat or making the backache, has been key. And because I’m doing just a bit each morning, it hasn’t gotten out of control, and thus it makes it easier to just keep at it. It’s also helped that I’ve had most all unused space completely covered - so weeds haven’t been near as bad as in years past.

The first month of subscriptions went off without a hitch. I had just enough flowers each week to ensure lush bouquets with a mixture of the best of what’s growing right here in my patch of Walla Walla heaven. The delivery routes were efficient and easily manageable.

Farmer’s markets have been a hoot as well. Lots of happy shoppers stopping by to compliment the flower cart and take home some stunning flowers. I’ve been bringing a selection of my yarn and dryer balls, which I market under the label of Old Homestead Alpacas. The dryer balls and my new wool sponges have been a smashing hit. I’m on a personal mission to see if I can’t buy at least a half ton of winter hay for the herd on wool sponges alone. They’re made with a mixture of Walter & Wyatt’s wool plus a little of the alpaca’s fiber.

Speaking of alpacas, I’ve been using all my extra time sharing the. herd with the community as I’m now offering more private alpaca feeding experiences. I’ve welcomed folks from all over — as far as Maine, Florida, and New Jersey, as plenty of locals and Pacific Northwesterners. It’s really a joy to share our farm with so many people looking to add a family friendly experience in between wine tasting, hiking and exploring the Walla Walla valley.

Lastly, I’ve also been making good on my plan to Sow Space into my days. We’ve taken a couple overnight trips, as well as day hikes and have been exploring all that the Walla Walla valley has to offer.

With plenty of drives to get treats & see friends. Plus plenty of time for naps and just taking in the vistas right here on our Walla Walla farm.