Archives | Curbstone Valley

Fritillaria affinis var. affinis

by Clare | Mar 30, 2011 | Farm Blog, Flora and Fauna, Native Plants

Now that we’re finally seeing a break in the rain, I set out this morning to photograph some of the daffodils on the property. Then, out of the corner of my eye, a surprise, and very welcome discovery! This beautiful, unassuming flower was lurking in the shade...

An Egg-Stravaganza!

by Clare | Mar 25, 2011 | Chickens, Farm Blog

To celebrate the start of spring, last weekend we were invited by Lisa and Robb to attend their 2011 Egg-Stravaganza. The purpose of the event was to spend a crafty afternoon learning the art of Pysanky. A Pysanka is a traditionally decorated Ukranian Easter egg. ...

Hierochloe occidentalis

by Clare | Mar 21, 2011 | Farm Blog, Flora and Fauna, Native Plants

After spending much of last year familiarizing ourselves with many of the native plants on the property, this year we’ve resolved to try harder when it comes to positively identifying our native grasses. Identification of native grass species, quite simply, can...

Building Owl Boxes

by Clare | Mar 18, 2011 | Farm Blog, Orchard

You might be expecting a ‘Fowl Friday’ post, but this week we’ve decided do an ‘Owl Friday’ post instead. In our February Garden Update we were lamenting the fact that hoards of voles (Microtus californicus) have moved into our orchard. ...

Grafting Apple Trees

by Clare | Mar 14, 2011 | Farm Blog, Orchard

In January we attended a Scion Exchange. At that time we obtained a number of apple scions to graft to new M-111 rootstock. However, despite the fact that January’s weather was remarkably spring-like, we opted to wait to graft our scions until our rootstocks...