HOME Silver Linings
by Danielle French South Pond Farms www.southpondfarms.ca
Amidst the whirlwind of our world right now, I’m intent - and content - just keeping my head
down, trying to put some of the news out of my mind - no matter how difficult it is to keep all the noise at a distance. I’m looking out for the silver linings. There are a few to be sure. The change in season for one. I was expecting the cold and mud season to last much longer but early warm weather, wind and little rain dried up all the muddy areas quickly. It is easy to leave the world behind when I can do something outside, get into the soil and garden, clean up the property and begin to plan for visitors when they can come back to the farm. SIGNS OF LIFE During one of my winter walks I was thinking about how fortunate I am to have all of this nature around me and how much better I feel about all things when I am immersed in it. Every day there are signs of things living. The ice went out on the pond and almost instantly, bird life returned. We have a swan family come back every year, usually not this early and it’s a pleasure to see them out. I’m sure we shall see some little baby’s soon. The surface of the water is awash with frog eggs and other forms of life. At the other end, I see a beaver who is making a home which is not such a good thing as the pond depends on water flowing down the stream to fill another pond nearby. But it is a sign of things moving about and never stagnant both on the water and in the forest. NEW GROWTH Moody Days Wild leeks are shooting through the dead leaves a perfect omelette. Everywhere, there is some- they alone are the solitary green right now thing growing and something for my plate. other than the moss on fallen wood. The smell of the earth soft with moisture is intoxicating. The SHARING THE LAND taste of the wild leeks reminds me that the sea- I am hoping that soon visitors will be allowed to son has changed and from here on in and over come by the farm and order the Country Picnics the next many months, fresh greens will be on that I have on offer for this summer. Guests will my plate. I’m grateful for the rainy days now in be able to pick up their picnic which is filled with April, gloomy and moody but promising new local goodies and stroll about on the farm and growth everywhere in the next few weeks. see what I see and be out on the land. Even for I invested the time last fall putting the garden’s those living in towns or cities there are walks in property to bed with extra mulch, planting nature to be had. I know how much I apprecinative grasses in open spots and removing the ate it and how much of the world it helps me unwanted weed growth. I’m happy to report filter when I need to just feel quiet. It’s the time that it doesn’t give me stress now in the spring of year where I get to share my little spot of fortune and peace with others. to clean it up - it’s looking pretty good. I have new herbs peeking through, chives, sorrel both Danielle French is the owner of South Pond Farms red veined and green, chervil -all the makings of in the Bethany Hills. www.southpondfarms.ca 42
