Cirsium vulgare

Cirsium vulgare

by | Jul 14, 2010 | Farm Blog, Flora and Fauna, Invasives

Since spring, the orchard appears to have been a haven for thistles.  Sow thistle (Sonchus asper), and the occasional artichoke thistle (Cynara cardunculus) predominated in early spring, along with some wild mustard.  They were removed, and now, as the weather has...
Cudweeds

Cudweeds

by | Jul 12, 2010 | Farm Blog, Flora and Fauna, Native Plants

This summer, we appear to have two predominant species of cudweeds growing on the property. Both plants are members of the Asteraceae (sunflower) family.  At present, the genera for these species appears to be in flux, but currently the accepted genus for both of...
Frodo’s Origins, Fact or Fiction?

Frodo’s Origins, Fact or Fiction?

by | Jul 9, 2010 | Chickens, Farm Blog

Last week’s glimpse into some historical breeds of American poultry made us realize that in fact the oldest chicken breed here at Curbstone Valley, is our feather-footed Dark Brahma, ‘Frodo’. We decided to do some digging into the history of this...
Campanula prenanthoides

Campanula prenanthoides

by | Jul 7, 2010 | Farm Blog, Flora and Fauna, Native Plants

Despite recent temperatures in the 90’s, yesterday our coastal marine layer was so dense that we didn’t see the sun all day.  Our daytime high was a mere 64 degrees.  A perfect day for weeding! This year we have hand weeded the orchard so we could best...
Fowl for the Fourth

Fowl for the Fourth

by | Jul 2, 2010 | Chickens, Farm Blog

It’s Fourth of July weekend, and our pullets are now 14 weeks old. While everyone is hitting the road travelling to their long-weekend destinations, in anticipation of festive summer barbeques and fireworks,  the Independence Day festivities got us thinking...