Hello, March! The Latest News from Farm & Larder and Bella Luna Farms
As the old saying goes, March seems to have come in like a lion, bringing with it rain, wind and seemingly more rain. Still, every sun break, mild morning and budding branch reminds us that spring is well on its way to Bella Luna:
The first daffodils, primulas and crocuses are all in bloom, dotting the landscape with their cheery flowers, and most of the plum and cherry trees are already budding, soon to also grace us with their beautiful fragrant scent. We’ve been spending more and more time out of doors, as are our resident animals—the chickens strut in their outdoor enclosure and the ‘girls’ are shedding their thick winter undercoats in favor of a sleek new look.
The pace has picked up in the gardens as the plots begin to awaken from their winter slumber: Seeds are going in the ground and the new lettuce and kale starts have already taken root, as have the onion sets and leeks. Later this month the spring peas will be planted and we will begin harvesting our second crops of flavorful spring greens from the hoop house. By the end of the month, if it is warm enough for new growth, we should also see the first signs of watercress and perhaps even begin scouting for young rhubarb!
As the days continue to lengthen, we look forward to bidding adieu to winter produce in favor of all the fresh and bright spring flavors the farm provides. We are even looking ahead to summer, too: Keep an eye out for the soon-to-be announced summer classes here at Bella Luna, which range from cheesemaking workshops to floral arrangement tutorials. To spring—and beyond!