The Promise of Spring!

The holidays are over and gardening fever is already ramping up at our farm. My annual list writing typically starts just after Christmas as the tree is taken down and the snow begins to pile up outside. This year my computer is already brimming with lists of things to build for the garden, new plant varieties to grow and recipes calling for fresh produce that I can't wait to sample. Looking outside though, it is apparent that "old man winter" has other ideas, at least for the next few months. Like many, I had gotten accustomed to the string of mild winters that we have had for the past few years; how the memory is short and selective when it comes to the weather!

Eastern Oregon this year has been repeatedly hit by storm after storm leaving behind 3’-4’ of snow on the ground and 6’ snow drifts that have almost buried our greenhouses. The over abundance of snow has been good for those of use who love to snowshoe. Requiring little gear, I can snowshoe right off the farm and burn over 1,000 calories an hour. All those burned up calories come in handy when I am developing new recipes for our farm stand and website!

Despite the snow and the cold, I am reminded that spring is just around the corner as I edit and update the websites of FarmFreshLiving and Stargazer Perennials.

To say that the staff at Farm Fresh Living are avid and enthusiastic perennial gardeners would be an understatement at best. As passionate horticulturists at our sustainable nursery Stargazer Perennials, we personally grow over 500+ varieties of cold hardy perennials, shrubs and ornamental grasses, but that doesn’t mean that we can’t take a liking to an annual here or there!

In our gardening section this month you will find an informative and colorful container gardening article on how to incorporate annuals with perennials to create stunning container plantings that will bloom all season long. We have also included a useful container gardening tip section to ensure your success with your container gardens. When planning your container gardens don't forget about incorporating herbs along with your perennials and annuals! We've also included in our online store pre-planned contain garden designs with plant lists that you can browse or order from.

Back by popular demand this year is our nursery and farm tested product recommendations. Visit our gardening section for our first product of the year; our favorite gardening gloves designed by West County Garden Gloves that last and don't cost a fortune.

If you are thinking of adding a water feature, pond or waterfall to your yard or garden this summer then you will want to read our detailed collection of pond and waterfall articles for every do-it-yourself gardener and landscaper.

Looking for an organic treat for your dog or cat, then look no further! Visit our online country store for our exclusive line of organic dog and cat cookies baked fresh to order on our farm in Eastern Oregon. To read more about the benefits of feeding your pet organic food, visit our pet page.

In our ever expanding recipe section look for recipes using fresh herbs such as Organic pasta with fresh asparagus, Spicy Herb Potatoes and 5 new fresh ways to cook salmon. Don't miss out on our selection of fresh country recipes such as Healthy Bran Muffins, Blueberry apple pudding, Almond Raspberry Torte and Spicy cranberry orange-ginger relish.

Enjoy!