Planting 100s OF Beautiful Dahlia Tubers-New Farm Classes Set-Kids Crochet Purses

Work is exploding around here.  Everything needs to be done now that the rains have stopped and the warm weather started.  One day it was in the high 50 degrees, 2 days later it was 86 degrees!!!

I have to say that Frank has a bigger jump on his jobs done than I have.  He has his field plowed, smoothed, ridges made, watermelon planted, drip systems in and working; ditch water ridges made and ready for the release of the 2018 allotment of water. His tractors are serviced and ready to go. And his "golf course" lawn of weeds in the back is looking great.

I have been weeding old sections to get ready for veggies; and planting some plugs I purchased, a few rows of seeds; and loads and loads of dahlia tubers.  But I am having a bit of problem with my knee, more than normal old age aches and pains.  I am not a complainer and just normally take my Advil and get moving.  This pain is so severe it is hard to walk.  So I have a chiropractic appointment today, in fact to see if she can sort things out.  Deep down, I am a little afraid, because I am older than dirt, that the problem may lay with my hips, but don't want to think about that yet.

When I am doing well, I work like crazy.  My veggie and flower section is about 50% planted, I would feel better if it was 75%. I am such a control freak, it is hard for me to have any help because I plant certain things in certain places, in certain ways.  Do you have that problem too?? The words stubborn, hard headed comes to mind.

Even though it is April, my Calla Lilys are blooming; Ranuculus, Anemones; Sweet Peas; Roses; Iris; Jasmine; Lilacs; Lavender; Mock Orange.  

The citrus trees are blooming right now too. In case you didn't realize, we are a full fledged produce and fruit farm too with flowers being my main focus these last few years.  So when we walk from the house to the back fields, you pass the roses blooming first with so many neat smells; then you pass the jasmine vines with lavender planted under neath (the sound of bees stops you in your tracks), boy is that jasmine smell wonderful.  Then you walk by the citrus orchard and you think, what is that interesting smell?  Citrus blooming is heavenly. Spring is such a marvelous time of year for all senses.

 I received my main order for dahlias.  I had received a smaller order from another company a few weeks before of dahlias and about 400 glad bulbs, so I was breezing by planting what I purchased.  Then this huge order came and I thought what the heck was I thinking!!!

As an investment, long term, it will be better to have bulbs that come back each year and perennials. I would love to have about 400 peonies planted, I probably could retire as they get premium prices.

But they bloom once and then done, whereas dahlias keep blooming and blooming until fall which are better flowers for my weddings, events and small flower orders.

I worked out the classes and flower events I am going to have here at the farm, for the next few months.

1.  Mother's Day Flower Specials May 13th:  People can choose between a couple special vases + a farm fresh, country arrangement, delivered. $45 for flowers + $5 delivery cost. OR a larger flower BOUQUET (without a vase) for $45 + delivery; and lastly you can order a beautiful plant full of blooms, wrapped as a gift and card delivered. $45

2.   Strawberry Jam/Canning Class-May 16th, Wednesday, 6-8pm. Learn the basics of canning, hands on class, canning strawberry jam.  Each person will go home with jars of the completed jam. $35 includes hand written instructions, hands on instruction, fruit and all supplies provided along with light refreshments.

3.  Cow Painting Class:  June 2, 2018, Saturday, 10-Noon. $45.  I am hosting this class for Artist Julie Engstrom Spohn.  The class will use paper mache, paints and other items where you will create a unique and fun cow painting by the time the class is over to take home.

4.  July-date not set yet, flower arranging class & a Indigo Dying class.  Check back on my Windmill Farm Facebook page, this blog or my Instagram account-windmillfarmofgridley for these dates.

Lastly, I wanted to share with you a little crochet project I just finished.  A dear friend of mine, Debbie occasionally brings her grand daughter to some of our classes.  She is a beautiful and delightful little girl and we always have a fun time when she comes. My grand kids are getting a bit older, so when I saw this small child's crocheted purse on Pinterest, I decided to make it for Debbie's grand daughter.  

After finishing it, I felt that the purse turned out a bit too large for a little girl, so I improvised and made another one much smaller.  Here are the finished projects.

I have my fingers crossed that my knee will be much improved after my chiro visit today.  My stomach has been so upset lately because I keep taking so much Advil/Motrin to ease the pain.

Have a great week everyone!