June Newsletter from Beagle Ridge Herb Farm

Issue No.3 June 2008

Lavender Thyme in the Garden- June 21st

In This Issue
Personalizing a garden- garden memories
Open House June 21st
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Herbal Greetings from Beagle Ridge

What happened to spring? I believe we have gone from a fabulous wet spring to the dog days of summer. This last week has been in the upper 80's and 90's- which may be normal for some of you but in case you haven't noticed summer isn't supposed to be here yet! I hope this isn't a precursor of what is to come for the rest of the summer. We do not need a repeat of last year's drought.

The gardens have been magnificent, the Peonies which my mother has given us over the years are finally maturing and they are a wonderful addition to the cottage gardens. A shame they don't bloom longer- but the gardens are ever changing and that becomes the challenge- to not have "down time".

Our watercolor class was a success and the weather cooperated too. I will be adding the rest of the pictures of students and teacher to the website shortly. If you were unable to make it to this class, Andrea will be joining us again in the fall. Dates are at the workshop link on the website. www.beagleridgeherbfarm.com

I am reminded it is still spring because of the cycle of life seems to be all around us. I have seen three fawns, just this week and we have 4 nesting turkeys complete with their tiny poults, within earshot of the gardens, the rabbits have been prolific and there are presently two babies in the garden. Yes they are in the garden! They are plant specific and I have learned to surround the plants they like with blood meal- a great deterrent as well as being an organic fertilizer. The bunny's main diet is clover in the lawn and they hide under the Santolina, Scarlet honeysuckle or Mock Orange when they see you.

Our visitors have seen grey fence lizards, blue tailed skinks, Fowler toads and even a red spotted salamander all of which are out patrolling for bugs. Since we are organic we let the critters have free reign and our "bugs "are kept to a minimum. Same goes with the birds. Many birds will eat insects, so we start to slack off on the bird seed and they vary their diet and pull their own weight.

I have written in the past about the caterpillar/ butterfly life cycle and I wish you could see the variety we have at the present. We finally have the Monarchs back, but the Tiger Swallowtails, Mourning Cloaks, Fritillaries, Question Marks, Red Spotted Purple, Clouded Sulphurs, Commas are all over the garden. Red Admiral caterpillars are on the Hops, chomping away- Yes that is alright- we planted the Hops for the caterpillars. I have a strange unidentified one of the birch, and another odd one on the Red Twig Dogwood. I will add them to the list when I identify them. We don't have any on the fennel yet, but I am anxiously waiting. I have been collecting pictures and hope to get a whole section of these "flying flowers" on the website soon. You should have seen the huge Cecropia Moth we found on the willow last summer- Amazing!

Garden Memories- making your garden personal

Over the years we have received plants, cuttings seeds etc. from friends and family, passalong plants. This is what makes a garden personal and so very special.
We also have lots of herbs, perennials, butterfly bushes and a beautiful arbor from the garden of a dear friend Martha Guess, who was the consummate gardener. Her daughter Cindy was so generous with not only the plants from the garden but books from her library when her mother died last year. I hope when you look at your own gardens there are plants which remind of you of a special person or occasion. Gardens can be a lasting memorial to those who have touched our lives and still do.
Your garden is a reflection of your likes and desires- it is a personal choice and should give you enjoyment- so make it personal and make yourself smile.


Calling all Lavender Lovers!
Lavender is blooming- well some is blooming, like the Spanish in the picture, but the majority is fully budded and will be spectacular for Lavender Thyme in the Garden June 21st.

THe Royal Velvet we planted at the entrance to the shop is ready to bloom and even the small Grosso which are on the side of the building in the dirty rock have started to bloom. I can't wait!

Mark your calendar and plan on coming to spend the day with us at the farm for "All things Lavender". We will have a tour of the lavender and discuss the various attributes, along with planting, growing, cultivating and harvesting Lavender. Come prepared to cut a bunch of fresh Lavender to take home, $ 5.00 a bunch. If you want to learn to make a lavender basket or a lavender wand be sure to be there after lunch to watch - or participate and make your own. Speaking of lunch, Gregg will be cooking and reservations are required.

Lunch will be an herbal marinated and grilled Chicken breast, seasonal grilled vegetables, salad, dessert ( with lavender of course) and choice of beverages for $9.50. We have a limit of 25, so be sure to let us know if you will be joining us for lunch.
As always, feel free to bring a picnic lunch if you would like to spend the day, but rather not join us for lunch, all activities and demos are free. For those of you who would rather take a walk than talk about Lavender Gregg will be doing a nature hike up to the Big Survey ( so bring your husband and send him off with Gregg).

On June 26th, as part of Chautauqua, I will be teaching a class for Master Gardener Day on planting a strawberry jar, The class is $20.00 and includes everything- Yes, pot, plants, and soil. You will go home with a completed pot of herbs to harvest from all summer. You will need to register and pay at the Chautauqua office. June 28th we have a class of making herbal teas scheduled, here at Beagle Ridge. If you enjoy drinking herbal tea why not learn how to blend your own and use what is fresh in your own garden? This is a fun class with lots of tasting and even a couple sweets to nibble on. The class is $15.00 and will begin at 1:00 on Saturday the 28th.

We are hosting quite a few groups for luncheons and classes this summer and if you are looking for a unique venue for your meeting give me a call. We host senior groups, church groups, hiking clubs, birthday parties and of course lots of garden clubs. The farm is available for your group when we are closed to the public so you can have a private meeting and enjoy the gardens. You don't have to be a gardener to listen to the birds, watch the butterflies and enjoy the quiet. Keep us in mind!

Well I had better get out there and get to work.
Spring is for planting and I have been busy in the woodland garden. Come see what new additions we have made.

Herbally yours,
Ellen

Beagle Ridge Herb Farm
1934 Matney Flats Rd
Wytheville, Virginia 24382
276-621-4511