Category Archives: About

Finally, our largest (Gravensteins) and most unique (Yellow Bellflower) were trimmed back and maintained by a professional tree pruner and climber, Paul.  He was a referral from a guy at our local hardware store who also has fruit trees.  Great … Continue reading →

Today I was able to get a cover crop planted.  I felt the timing was perfect because it sprinkled last night which moistened the soil; it was easy to turn.  It’s scheduled to rain again on Tuesday and next weekend … Continue reading →

Over the summer, we installed a couple of Lighthoof Mud Management Grids. Corral Mud Management Grid Panels – Lighthoof Another Mud Grid from Lighthoof In Ben Lomond, we have already received over 13″ of rain.  In one week, we got … Continue reading →

Eclectic Garden Fence

Cactus Garden Over the summer (2019), I thought we should redesign the front entrance. We have been working so hard on landscaping the inside area, it was time to focus on the front driveway.  For years, we had cactus planted … Continue reading →

For many months, I’ve been keeping my eye out for an upright freezer to freeze any extra frames with nectar over winter.  Turns out, my friend’s friend/beekeeper Hans reminded me that I didn’t need to freeze them, I could melt … Continue reading →

This is an amazing photo I found online that I would like to use as an example for our garden fence.  I believe the photo is from a house in Canada.  I love the Victorian-style spindles, rustic farm tools, and … Continue reading →

The first Lighthoof Mud Management Grid turned out really well.  To read more about this installation read: Corral Mud Management Grid Panels At the end of August, farmhand Will Burke dug out the next area for a second 6×12 grid.  … Continue reading →

On Saturday, September 14, we bottled the cider, about 8 gallons. 5 gallons of Cider/Mead yeast with Hauer Pippin and Gravenstein apples.  3 gallons of Champagne yeast with Gravenstein and Golden Delicious apples. We lost about a gallon of the … Continue reading →

Log of Activities: Monday, September 2: Made the Hard Apple Cider Wednesday, September 4: Added yeast nutrient (1 teaspoon per gallon) Saturday, September 7: Took gravity readings Champagne Yeast = 1.000, starting 1.050, 6.5% alcohol Cider/Mead Yeast = 1.002, starting … Continue reading →