May 2025

Hi beautiful people of the universe!

Reporting live from my birthday month.
Happiest of birthdays to all my fellow Gemini warriors! This year, I decided to stay in the house, do some chores, rest, and make baked chicken with roasted vegetables from the garden.

These days have been filled with watching and waiting as the trees, bushes, and vines begin to produce fruits, and the summer perennials start to reveal themselves. I’ve started tidying up the beds and preparing the plants that need to be started for the months ahead.

I’ve harvested so many greens, as the rain just kept pouring down and loving on the plants. Turnips, mustard, kale, cabbage, and collards are all rapidly increasing in foliage. The grass seems never to be cut short enough—as if it grows back to its full height the very next day. I have to manually mow between the raised beds and the field to maintain the appeal; however, lately, I just haven't been feeling up to it.

Seeing the peaches, mulberries, strawberries, blackberries, and the first signs of grapes, raspberries, pears, and blueberries brings me absolute joy. As the years go by and they begin to increase their yield, that first year of immature plants and hard work will prove to be worth it. This is my first time tracking the growth of pears, blueberries, grapes, apples, and cherries—along with many other fruit-bearing plants.

When I stepped outside post-dormancy, I was surprised to see the hydrangeas in full bloom! Eye-catching clusters of blue and pink flowers are nestled between vibrant green leaves, creating the perfect composition. Finally, the first in-house flower arrangement of the season can be made. I cut a few of the blooms that were hanging over and paired them with the first-ever blooms of the white daisies.

This year, I’m proud to witness many first bloomers. And as I sit in the midst of overgrown grass, I think ahead to life on a prairie or in the countryside—where no one cares about lawn maintenance, nature is content, and everything is allowed to bloom at its fullest potential.

Until then, we develop where we are.

Letters from the Farm Field Journal

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Spring 2025

Now behold the Peaches

This year's peaches are starting to develop. Since I planted two additional peach trees, the yield should be more than just six peaches in total. Fingers crossed they survive the ripening process on the still-developing branches.

Spring 2025

Grape formation

Excited to see how the grapes form on the vine! The vine is now two years old and beginning to produce its first fruit. I’m a bit confused about the varieties at this point, since I moved them during dormancy late last year.

Spring 2025

Storing Kale

An abundance of kale called for freezer storage—two big bags saved from about four plants that were in desperate need of harvesting. Since I don’t use pesticides, I simply harvest, rinse with fresh running water, shake off the excess, and bag it up.

Spring 2025

Daisy's blooming

First blooms of the white daisies this year! They stand almost as tall as me—around four feet. I cut a few stems to use in an arrangement. The bees and butterflies seem to love this plant, likely drawn to the yellow centers covered in pollen.

Spring 2025

Strawberry patch

I've only been able to harvest about four at a time, as the creatures of the garden seem to enjoy nibbling on the fruit. I don't mind—animals need to eat too! I just need to plant more strawberries to increase the yield, as they produce fruit on the slower side.

Spring 2025

Brightwell Blueberries

Watching how the blueberries ripen and form this season has been a joy. They’re currently turning from green to a bright pink and will darken as they continue to ripen, developing into a sweet burst of flavor in the months ahead.

Spring 2025

Bartlett Pears

Patiently waiting for the first bite—pears are another first I'm witnessing the development of. They started out as small green dots on a branch and are now increasing in size as they grow fuller. I'm guessing they’ll be ready for a fall harvest. The other variety has yet to produce fruit, so the 'Bartlett' is currently in the lead.

Spring 2025

Elderberry

Now beginning to produce tiny, bead-like, cream-colored berries along its long stems. As they reach maturity, they are expected to turn a deep purple color.

Spring 2025

Duck duck Gooseberry

A fruit I’m not sure I’ve ever tasted. I almost lost this premature baby stem due to pruning and stepping on it a few times in the garden, but it’s proving to be a mighty plant—capable of withstanding even me, the green giant.

Spring 2025

Powerful Pomegranates

Year two of the pomegranates developing bright red fruit within the stems of foliage. I was fascinated to discover that it had produced fruit after not keeping an eye on it for some time. This is the year!

Spring 2025

Blackberries

As I moved the blackberries from the East Garden, I am seeing that they need the glowing sun they are now receiving to develop their fruit. They are not yet fully developed in color, but I would say they are getting close in size. The yield is increasing compared to last year's plant, especially since I added two more plants alongside it.

Spring 2025

First Arrangement

Due to the overhang of the blooming hydrangeas, I decided to snip a few clusters to place in an old family glass etched vase. I accompanied them with white daisies to create a beautiful contrast. Sitting next to them are the first cuttings of snapdragons in an old jam jar.

Spring 2025

Harvesting Dandelions

Picking dandelions is a great joy. I’m looking forward to tea and cookies! Their vibrant color always adds joy to the garden. As the grass grows taller, so do the dandelions.