Friday 15 July 2011

More Twig Wreaths For Sale at Lovegrass Farm in P.E.I.


Side View of Bronze Larch Wreath to show Depth of 18 in. (45 cm.)
Large Larch Wreath 54" Diameter (1.4 m)
Large Grey Birch Wreath 48" diameter (1.2 m.) 16" depth
Sweetfern Wreath on Reindeer Moss 24" diameter (60 cm.)
Large Blonde Larch Wreath
Small Bronze Larch Wreath 36" diameter (90 cm.)
While cutting twigs from our dormant Larch trees we discovered that there were a variety of colors to the twigs on different trees so I named them what the colors reminded me of.  The lightest one I call Blonde, deeper colors Gold and a couple of trees were even darker so they became Bronze.  The Gold and Bronze really show nicely in bright light.  I believe this to be a Very Unique Wreath that holds up really well outdoors!  Our Wreaths are Handmade on Wire Rings with Twigs from our P.E.I. Fields and Forests.

The Lavender is Blooming at Lovegrass Farm in P.E.I.

Our Lavender Bunches
Cutting Our Lavender on July 14, 2011
The Lavender is beginning to bloom on our Farm.  Our plants are organically grown Lavandula Angustifolia.  The darker Hidcote  and some of the Krajova are in bloom.  Munstead will be out a little later.  Sunday sounds like its going to be a Hot day that will really bring the bloom along; a change from the unusually cool and windy days of late!  If anyone would like to come by and cut their own lavender send us an email.  There is something Sooo Relaxing about sitting down in the Lavender Rows! 
Lavender is an edible Herb!  When cooking, use it lightly, a little goes a long way, and too much will leave a bitter taste.  Add 1 Tbls. dried lavender to 4 cups of sugar and let it sit for a couple of weeks.  Sift out the lavender and use the sugar normally.  Sprinkle fresh lavender on a salad for a unique taste and visual appeal.  Lavender substitutes for Rosemary in all dishes.  If you are grilling meat, sprinkle some dried lavender on the hot coals to add flavor and a lovely aroma!  You'll find lots of recipes on the Internet.

Tuesday 12 July 2011

The Meadow Garden at Lovegrass Farm on P.E.I.

Hordeum Jubatum (Foxtail barley)
Our Meadow Garden needs some weeding out of hay and more aggressive grasses so we can see the plugs planted last year.  Not getting around to it has made for some pretty surprises.  Hordeum jubatum (foxtail barley) showed up in the meadow about two feet tall in lovely full plants.  It is native but I've only seen it before along the roadside as individual plants about 8 inches tall.(20 cm.)  They are Very Soft-a tickle you under the chin plant for kids-of all ages!  Researching the plant, I've seen it in a photo of Scott Ogden and Lauren Springer Ogdens' meadow garden in Colorado.  They are spoken of as being exceptional plant persons and designers both. It was located beside their seating around a fire pit where you could  just reach out and touch.  It is promoted as doing well on salt-laden coastal sands so may be one we'll grow for seaside plantings.
Koleria macrantha (June grass)
Koleria macrantha or June Grass is aptly named for it makes a nice showing in June and early July .  It prefers sandy and well-drained soils and it gets that with us in spades.  It only grows 1 to 2 ft. (30- 60 cm.) tall so we'll be able to mix in some wildflowers like Echinacea pallida (which I found in some trays overwintered from last years seeding! :)
Butterflies
Butterflies and Humming birds and Bees are everywhere in the Garden these days!  It Pays Off not to use any Herbicides or Pesticides and to have a great diversity of plantings!

Sunday 10 July 2011

Deschampsia Cespitosa Ornamental Grass at Lovegrass Farm on P.E.I.

Deschampsia cespitosa 'Native' after a heavy rain on July 10, 2011
The Deschampsia Cespitosa Grasses continue to look Beautiful in all their stages.  I took this photo today from atop a step ladder to give a better view (I'll have to do that more often).  This is the Native Deschampsia, which has been in bloom now for over a month.  We had a heavy rain yesterday and last night (moisture that we are grateful for) and it knocked down the Deschampsia but they will pop back up as they dry off.  They grew taller than normal this year as did a lot of Grasses and Perennials because of the wet cool Spring and early Summer. 
Deschampsia cespitosa 'Bronzeschleier' on July 9, 2010
Deschampsia cespitosa 'Bronzeschleier' (bronze veil) started blooming just over a week ago; almost a month in the difference!  I'm keeping closer track this year with photos to see if there are other differences in the plants.  It is Beautiful as well!  Both plants will be available for sale in September!

STRAWBERRY TIME Mmm! Gotta Love Summer on P.E.I.!

Our Strawberry Patch
It's Strawberry Season and we're Loving It!  The Crows are the only Annoyance--They're even getting under and through the bird netting we put up to eat MORE than their share of our Berries!  If anyone knows a way to outwit them We'd Love to hear about it!  Our Niece was visiting yesterday and having a cone of ice cream with us and remembering when she first moved out on her own and she realized she could have ice cream for Breakfast now if she wanted to!  On that same note we had strawberry shortcake this morning at 9:30 just cause we Could!  I tried a new recipe made with whipping cream instead of butter in the biscuits and added some nutmeg.  I Let the sliced strawberries sit for a while with a little sugar and amaretto and whipped the cream with maple syrup and cardamon.  (Wolfed them down So Quick; didn't have time to think about a photo)