Spring Seeds & Secrets

Spring.  Everything about that word is just so right.

I have especially come to love spring at Small Pond. Day by day I watch the outdoors come alive with new and returning life.

I salute you, Red Admiral.

Today on the front lawn a veritable flock of Red Admiral Butterflies have discovered our burgeoning dandelion crop and are having a ball slurping up all that yellow nectar, taking breaks to demonstrate their joy by performing exquisite dances mid-air.

Christine in the studio

Our first resident artist of the year is mid-way through her month-long stay. Christine Legault is working on a series of ten paintings; I admire her focus and commitment to developing this significant body of work. It’s been really fun having another artist in the house again, plus Christine is an amazing cook, which is always a bonus.

Sheet mulch gardening

The garden has been high at the top of my priority list. After two years of weeding, and snooping in other people’s weedless gardens, this year we are giving sheet-mulch gardening a try. The covering of newspaper and hay should keep the weeds down as well as helping the soil retain moisture. The thin layer of composted manure sandwiched between the two will seep down through the paper providing nourishment for the soil.

Magic at work

In the garden shed I’ve started my seeds. Now this may not be much to look at now, but from these humble beginnings will spring hundreds of meals.  I’m still in awe of the magic of growing things!

Goodies acquired at Seedy Saturday

Most of our seeds were purchased from local farm extraordinaire, Vicki’s Veggies, but we did pick up a few fun things at the Seedy Saturday event in Picton.

Milé recently bought me a new watering can for my seedlings.  I never knew that I wanted a novelty watering can until I got this one. It is perfectly suited to the task and is fun to use, plus every time I use it I can’t help but think of our friend Carrie Klassen, marketing goddess and beautiful person, at Pink Elephant Communications.  Now that’s some successful branding!

But our biggest project right now at the farm is…. SSSSHHHHHH! It’s a secret! Well, it’s not really a secret, but we are turning our old shed - previously known as "The Shit Shed" because it was so shitty - into THE BEST SHED OF ALL TIME. And no, I am not exaggerating. I don’t want to reveal too much, but for now will tantalize your eyeballs with a sneak peek:

This is all only the figurative tip of the iceberg. I'm finishing up a giant puppet, booking workshops willy-nilly, and conspiring with some local folks to start a new festival; Milé is painting, meeting with galleries in Montreal and Ottawa, and in his spare time learning how to use a chainsaw.

We have lots of great events coming up this season, as well as spaces for a few more artists in residence.  Hop on over to our website to find out more!

I hope you’re enjoying your spring as much as we are.

Until next time - the daffodils bid you adieu!