Early November Report

Early November Report Sunlight pale as lemon juice, goats content to sleep in. We build fires, light candles, wear sweaters, clean leaves and dirt out of ditches, anticipate storms.

Making Mulch

Making Mulch   In Napa County we are blessed with a free chipping service through Firewise, a community based fire awareness program to help reduce fire risk. This works well with our biodynamic mandate to recycle  as much material as possible back into our land. We are always busy clearing downed wood and brush, and… Read more »

First Distillation of Rose Geranium

Moka and the new plugs of  rose geranium before planting in May First Distillation of Rose Geranium Yesterday Donald distilled the first cutting of our May planted  rose geranium, Pelargoniun graveolens roseum. The plant  is incredibly sweet, vigorous, with many healing properties.  This first hydrosol will go to Julia Faller of Bennedetta skin products.  First harvest. We… Read more »

Fall Biodynamic Spraying: ‘501″

Buckeye butterfly beneath coyote bush         After harvest we spray the crystal spray “501” on the vines and orchard to help prepare for the fruit the next year. This balances cosmic/solar forces with earth forces. We spray three times, once in each of the fruit (fire) astrological signs: Ares, Leo, and Sagittarius…. Read more »

Spreading Compost

Spreading Compost We spread last year’s compost pile yesterday afternoon and this morning, saving some for transplanting the helichrysum and lavender plants. The helichrysum will be transplanted this afternoon and tomorrow. Anna in finished compost pile   Spreading compost in orchard. The white are minerals a soil test suggested.  We till these all in after… Read more »

Autumn Special!

Autumn Special!     Grace your fall table with the memory of summer fields of lavender! Biodynamic Organic Harvest Bouquet. $24.99 includes shipping! Certified: Biodynamic by Demeter Organic by Stellar  County Organic Registration 28-0060.

Pollinator Watching!

 Pollinator Watching! The coyote bushes, in full bloom, are abuzz these sunny days with many visitors! Native plants provide important sources of pollen for native pollinators and honey bees alike. Honey bee visiting coyote bush.   Buckeye Butterfly rests under coyote bush.   Not a pollinator, but she’s been” hanging out” here for a couple… Read more »

Preparing for the Helichrysum italicum

Some of the 380 helichrysum awaiting transplant.             Preparing for the Helichrysum italicum This season brings many tasks. One of them is the preparation of the ground for the helichrysum plants we had propagated last spring from mother plants I had carefully selected to see if they liked to grow… Read more »