Plants have a way of putting down roots in our lives, don’t they? It’s as if they want you to love them. They all have stories to share.
The story of this recently gifted lisianthus (light pink blooms pictured above) is one of perseverance and a bit of luck. The supplier we were sourcing lisianthus plugs from abruptly halted their business due to selling to a larger corporate entity. The day I drove out for Hawk and Sparrow’s plug order, as I’ve done for several seasons, I was told they’re out and there will be no more - they’re closing shop! I was pointed to a few free plugs in the back, if I wanted them. They were in bad shape, but they were the best shot we had at lisianthus this season. It is common practice for lisianthus to be started from plugs. It takes 3 to 4 months to germinate these seeds for planting, so starting from seed this late wasn’t an option.
Lisianthus is such a lovely and long-lasting cut flower. It simply charms. I spent extra time and care with these orphaned castaways and potted them up before planting them out. What a great discovery! They thrived with this approach and it’s one I’ll continue to use. It is amazing we have even a few of these flowers this year. I’ll remember those sad looking little plugs and the surprise that came from them with each new crop.
Similarly, grains have taken root in my hopes for the farm. They are wonderful fresh or dried. A beautiful grain with delightful blue flowers, flax is a favorite for dried arrangements. But grains take time. And require specific timing. They must be sown in September and sleep through winter to emerge in spring, ready for an early summer harvest to be dried.
In our Piedmont North Carolina climate, fall can be a time of drought. This makes it a hard decision to plant grains. It will take 2 to 3 years to get it right with no idea if it’s going to work, but I just like growing them. It is an experiment. In the meantime, we have our current harvest of different varieties drying (pictured below). Dried bouquets and wreaths do bring such joy and interest to late fall and winter days.
We’ll keep you updated on farm happenings here, on this blog. You can also find us on Facebook and Instagram @hawkandsparrowflowers. Questions? Email us at racewayberryfarm@gmail.com, visit us at the farm, or see us at Davidson Farmers Market. We’d love to talk.
Don’t forget - our blueberries are perfect for picking right now! You’re welcome to the farm daily from 7-11am. There’s a shaded patio with misters for your comfort and Sundays we’ll have cool blueberry lemonade floats. See us every Saturday at Davidson Farmers Market for fresh flower bouquets (by 10am or we might’ve sold out!). We also offer online orders and delivery. Or, pick up some blooms while you’re here picking berries. At $10/half gallon, naturally grown without pesticides or chemical fertilizers, they’re a deliciously smart treat!
See you soon,
Lis & Tim
