Spring Hill Farm

Winter is trying to give way to Spring here in Central Virginia. Unfortunately as I am writing this, the area is under a tornado watch. I love to write and blog, but my entries have fallen way behind in the last year or so. For the past year and a half, I have been jogging and working out. This has considerably eaten into my creative time. If only I could record my thoughts as I am running around the farm or on the treadmill at work.

As of a few days ago, I had bees. For the past 2 years I have attempted beekeeping. The first hive did not make it through the first few months. To this day, I believe I lost the queen when I first got the bees and she flew the hive, so to speak. Last spring, I purchased 2 hives, and so far they are hanging in there. I would like to get two more this spring and eventually add honey as a product to my customers. Long live the queens!

I have also certified the farm for Wildlife Habitation. Basically this means that we actively and passively make sure critters have places to live and eat. For example, installing hives to increase the honeybee population would be active. Passive means allowing fields to grow wildflowers for bees, supply groundcover for turkeys and other wild birds. For more information, check out http://www.nwf.org/How-to-Help/Garden-for-Wildlife.aspx

We are also looking forward to having campers onsite beginning this spring for a low key, bare bones camping experience. Fresh air, sunshine, woods, trails, river, creeks, wildlife, pond, open spaces, peace, and quiet. I am looking forward to our first official camper soon. Details to follow.

I would like to get out there myself again. It feels like it has been weeks. Actually, I believe it has. Basketball season demands so much of my time as a parent. I just have to go a few more days, then it is on to to looking forward to the first planting of the season, which will probably be arugula, onions, maybe strawberries.