Weekend Farm Visit

With no rain in the forecast,

I headed out on Saturday to visit my friend Jannah's farm.

We first featured Popple Springs last year in this post.

The new duck barn and pond was a busy scene.

Jannah's husband built the structure

and they both worked on creating the swimming hole.

 They have added these runner ducks to their brood.

The picture here doesn't capture it,

but when the light hits these critters just right,

it's magic.

Their feathers go from black to a deep violet or even teal.

The change is unbelievable!

 All of the shade and fruit trees have recently undergone pruning.

With as many trees as they have to take care of,

it's important to stay on top of these tasks.

 

The brilliant blue sky makes the bare branches even more striking.

ornamental cherry

Some trees are budding with the anticipation of spring.

 The perimeter of the parking area

will soon be overflowing with gorgeous bulbs

blooming and putting on their show.

 Numerous daffodils decorate the front gardens.

 Jannah is enamored with the purity of the color of these daffs.

As an artist, she can truly appreciate the intensity of color more than others.

 Edibles and ornamentals share space in many of her plantings.

Just look at the deep, rich hue of this mustard.

It was thrilling to take note of her leg up on the growing season.

She has broccoli, carrots, kale, peas, spinach, and more already soaking up the sun.

These tender seedlings are being protected from curious chickens.

 After felling a diseased oak tree,

the wood was strategically amassed for use at a later date.

This reminds me of a giant jigsaw puzzle.

 Up on the deck,

these cheery pansies greeted us with loads of color.

 There were quite a few that I've never seen before,

like this striped variety.

The contrast of colors was amazing.

 These ruffled pansies were another first-time treat.

Jannah is planning on doing some paintings of these gorgeous specimens.

Max

It's always stimulating to visit the gardens of others.

You never know what might trigger inspiration.

So grateful to have gardeners as friends.

We understand each other's language.

Garden on!

"In spring, by the end of the day,

you should smell like dirt."

~Margaret Atwood