The weather forecast is predicting freezing temperatures this week. Snow is a possibility as well as nights in the 20's. It might not feel like it, but I know Spring is coming. Hope is not lost. I know it's just around the corner. I can feel it. And I can see hints of it everywhere I look. From spring lambs to bulbs getting ready to burst forth with gorgeous color.
LAMBS
We had six lambs born from our three ewes just over a week ago. Each Mama lambed all on her own and despite some very cold nights, the lambs are all doing very well, hopping and bouncing around. They're quite cute. They've met neighbors, friends and my sweet nephews.
The lambs are growing strong and healthy. We feel incredibly blessed to have them here and care for them. Some will be sold to other farmers as breeding stock after they are weaned, while others will be raised for harvest for our family and other families early next year. People often ask me if it's difficult to raise such cute little animals, knowing they are being raised for food. Yes, it's hard. Yes, I cry on harvest day. But the reward of knowing the meat we eat is humanely raised, harvested and deliciously prepared settles my soul. It's not easy and it's not for everyone, but for us, it's completely worth it.
GARDENS
The bulbs I planted (the ones I unlawfully planted before we closed on the sale of the house) have started to pop up. I don't quite remember what tulip varieties are planted but the Spring color will be a very welcomed sight. I'm excited for the future of the gardens. I have big dreams for them. I've got pansies, violas and sweet peas tucked in flats in the greenhouse. Some will be transplanted out in terracotta I've collected for the front porch. Others will go into containers to be sold at an upcoming market this Spring ... stay tuned for the fun details on that!
As far as garden plans go, this is very much going to be a year of establishing perennial garden spaces and get some sort of raised bed framework going. I'm still very much in the dreaming phase, trying to figure out what direction I want to go, aesthetically. It's going to be beautiful. I'll be sharing the inspiration and plans for the cottage garden, vegetable beds and orchard gardens in the coming weeks.
Winter is very present here in Washington in February. Although I'm ready for Spring temperatures and starting seeds and warm sunshine on my face, I know there is a whole list of winter to-do's to complete. Spring will come soon, but for now, I'll continue to snuggle new lambs, watch them bop around in the pasture, and of course, dream about the new gardens to be cultivated.
Cheers!