Building a Willow Farm

A few updates on how things are going at the farm.

Towards the end of the summer I was able to purchase a mower that allowed me to clear my fields that had quickly overgrown with weeds. It’s my plan to tackle the field a little bit at a time because I love the wildflowers and cover it provides. We also managed to cut a decent amount of firewood and clear some sections around the brook. A small little area for a garden has also developed and hopefully I’ll be able to grow a few things that require minimal assistance next year. I was able to plant some garlic at least and hope to be greeted by small green shoots in the spring.

The fall season was absolutely amazing. Every weekend I spend up here was sunny and cool. I got three major sections of landscaping fabric down, covering over 6,000 square feet. By my calculations these three sections will hold over 3,000 sticks of willow.

Maggie and I celebrated each section with a trip to Jerry’s for some ice cream!

My cousin started a Vodka company this year and was nice enough to send me a bottle. The idea behind Blank Vodka is to fill in the “blank” and create your own label. I traced a willow leaf and filled the bottle with fresh willow sticks to make some willow schnapps. Next spring we will toast to planting and growing this little farm!

The boys and I spent a sweet weekend together! Freezing temperatures turned the area into a frozen wonderland. Sleeping in the trees along the edge of the forest we fall asleep listening to the sounds of hooting owls and the soft babble of the brook.

So very grateful for every moment we spend here making our way little by little. One little dream at a time!