Hello Summer!

Is the year really almost halfway over? My goodness! It feels like I just took the Christmas tree down last week. 😲 The first 1/2 of the year has been a whirlwind. I have desperately been trying to get caught up. The combination of all the projects we had going this past year and into early spring as well the many weather delays during the winter and the spring has definitely put me behind the 8 ball. 

Strawberry season took off like gangbusters! I've picked gallon upon gallons of strawberries. It's an incredible luxury.....one that I wouldn't trade for anything. All of the berries are amazing but I have to admit.... strawberries are my favorite. Morgan Elizabeth, our Mini Bernedoodle has decided they're her favorite too! 😂 She loves to sneak a strawberry or two whenever she is out there with me. 🍓😋 

The raspberries are in full swing as well. They started producing not too far behind the strawberries. It can be a challenge trying to keep up with picking all of them but it's definitely worth the effort! 

A few months ago I wrote about my new citrus plants. During the winter I was using a grow light to help spur them along. I'm happy to report that they are doing well. The lemon tree is beginning to produce lemons. ( They aren't ripe yet so they're still green.) But I'm getting pretty excited about them. Hopefully the other citrus plant will follow suit soon. 

Last week we got new baby chicks. They're so cute! Our older chickens are doing well and they are still producing eggs. However, they are beginning to slow a little bit so it's time to start a new group. It's incredible how fast they grow! They only hatched about 10 days ago but they have already grown so much! 

Speaking of growing!!! The puppy, Michelle Dove has really grown! She is 10 months old and stays very busy. She would like to help in the garden if she could. However, her helping quickly turns into trampling or digging up new starter plants that have just been put into the ground. 😝 Last week I replaced 3 cucumber plants that she had crushed. She went out the next day and destroyed 6 more. 🤦 Ugh!! I'm hoping to have at least a few cucumbers this year...🤞🙏🙏🤞 It's a good thing she's SO cute!! 

Here are a few pictures to recap the recent events and days here at Autumn Shade Farm. Happy growing!!