Welcome to the Farm

 

Welcome Lucy and Ethel to our little farm at The Little Garden That Could.

Lucy and Ethel are Muscovy Ducks. I began to research adding ducks to our little garden during the winter months. I read how several gardeners added ducks to the garden because they eat pests. Muscovy are a fantastic breed for pest control.

Lucy and Ethel will also provide us with eggs. They will start to lay in February.

My husband built a larger run so we could add the ducks to our little farm.

 

Lucy and Ethel and the Olly girls... Lolly, Polly, Dolly and Holly.

 

 Wanting eggs during the winter months, and with our hens taking a seasonal break, my dad gifted me two young hens that just started to lay eggs.

 

The white hen is Wilma.

The brown hen Betty.

 

New friends on the farm.

 

 

 ♥

Love from your Crazy Chicken Lady with two ducks. 

 

Knock Knock Says December and it is the Hodgepodge!

 

It is beginning to look like winter... and it is time for the Hodgepodge.

Joyce asks the questions.

We answer the questions.

Click here to join the fun! 

 1. Does anybody really know what day it is? Last week we skipped the Hodgepodge and I just assumed this week would find us in December, but nope. Still November. Do you wear a watch? Use a paper calendar or strictly electronic? What's your favorite hour of the day? Why?

 The autumn season blew by us. And here we are getting ready for Christmas, winter and dare I say 2024! 

I do not wear a watch. I use a paper calendar. 

7 AM is my favorite hour of the day. I am usually heading out to feed and care for our chickens. Morning is a beautiful time for me.

 2. Tell us something about how you celebrated the Thanksgiving holiday. 

We enjoyed time with family. We traveled to my parents farm. Our boys met us at the farm, along with my sister and her husband. We played a few wild games of UNO. Our family loves to play games. 

 3. What's a sound you hate to hear? 

Sirens... I just hate hearing them. After two police officers were murdered here in our village in April.. and the sirens went on for hours and hours during this awful day. I just hate hearing sirens now. My mind says... what now!!  Then I pray, Dear God, and pray a prayer for safety for those keeping watch.

4. Where do you not mind waiting?   

Where do you not mind waiting... well that depends on if I am waiting with some of my favorite people. Recently my son had a doctor's appointment, we waited together and that was extra time I had to visit with him. 

5. I really wish____________________________________.  

My favorite items would not be discontinued. I have a pair of shoes I love, sadly they have discontinued making them. 

 6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Pumpkin Seed Cinnamon Brittle

We made pumpkin seed brittle giving a twist to the usual peanut brittle. 

Do you make homemade brittle? 

 

Forcing Amaryllis

 

Hello Friends, today I am sharing the article I wrote for the November issue of  our village newspaper, Cameron Chronicle.. the little paper with personality.

 

Forcing Amaryllis

By Carla TePaske of Cameron, WI ~ The Little Garden That Could

We soon will see amaryllis at the shops. Amaryllis have become favorites to force to bring some splash of color during our winter months. I will share a few tips when it comes to forcing amaryllis.

When it comes to strong and healthy plants, often the bigger the bulb, the better the plant becomes. Use free draining potting soil to pot up. The bulb should be poking out the top of the potting soil (a third or so showing). This will prevent the bulbs from rotting, which they are often prone to do in waterlogged soil. It is also a good idea to place a stake or twigs for support. These look excellent staked with birch branches in a pot or as a table centerpiece with fairy lights, dried leaves, and moss at the base.

Be careful not to over-water the bulbs, keeping this step to a minimum until leaves appear.

If you’re cutting amaryllis to use in arrangements, insert a thin bamboo cane or stick from the garden to ensure the stems stay upright. Simply place the stick up the hollow stem and secure with an elastic band at the end of the stem to stop it splitting and curling up like the tail of a pig.

Don’t toss the bulb after the season. When you’re sure that no more spikes will surface, you can begin deadheading the amaryllis. When the stems go yellow, you can then cut them down. During the remainder of the year, treat your amaryllis like any other house plant. In late August, early September your amaryllis will need a dormant season. Place in the dark until ready to kick-start the process again.

Until next time, happy gardening!