Around the Farm Archive
It seems this year we are destined for a long hot summer on the farm. Luckily we have gotten thunderstorms bringing rain frequently enough to keep the trees growing. This year to protect the new seedlings we let the grass grow in the rows, giving them much needed shade from the sunny days. It has seemed to be a successful plan. Shearing of the trees has begun and will continue until we open the gates for tree season. The wildlife abounds on the farm with deer and turkey making their way through the parking lot each day. Rabbits are everywhere and a stray red fox is seen frequently meandering across the field. Looking forward to seeing everyone this holiday season.
Spring 2012
Spring has sprung at the Farm.
The flowers are in bloom and the grass is turning green. This year 3,000 trees will be planted on the farm,
all by hand. It is always exciting when the boxes arrive and we open them up to find all the seedlings ready
to be planted. By now all the preparation has been done to get the fields ready for the trees. This year
we will be planting white fir, Fraser fir and some experimental varieties that will be ready in ten years.
That may seem like a long time, but before you know it they will be ready to choose for your Christmas tree.
Happy Spring to all! .
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Christmas Season 2011
Can you believe that it is almost time for us to open the gates and welcome all of you back to find that perfect tree? The year has passed quickly and we have worked hard this year getting the farm ready for you. As this is being posted we are in the last field of the farm putting the finishing touches on the mowing and shearing. The trees look fabulous this year. All the good weather and moderate temperatures have made them lush and full.
This year in the Christmas shop we are excited to offer many handmade items. There are a variety of quilts, table toppers, wall hangings, and purses. In addition, we are featuring hand knitted rugs, which by the way last forever. Thanks to Equine Kingdom Riding Academy we also have a line of knitted and fleece hats. There may even be a few plush horses for sale.
Don’t forget to friend us on Facebook to receive regular updates on what’s new at South Mountain Plantation!
Autumn 2011
How beautiful autumn is here on the tree farm. The air is cool and crisp and already fall colors abound. It is so obvious that all the wildlife knows cold weather will soon be upon us as they scurry around collecting their food for winter. It’s the next best thing to the Christmas season. We are busy getting ready by shearing and mowing, getting the trees and fields ready for all of you to visit us in seven weeks. It is so hard to believe that we open our doors so soon.
The trees are looking fabulous this year with many sizes and varieties. Each one has a distinct look and character and has been crafted into the best it can be. It is fascinating to watch how a tree that looks wild and crazy is tamed into the perfect Christmas tree. It truly is a work of art.
Summer 2011
It’s hard to believe that 6 months of 2011 have already gone by. Here on the farm we have already been working towards the Christmas season. This spring we planted over 2,000 seedlings. When you visit this Christmas you may notice the new planting of white fir in the first field. Although some of our trees are planted with tractor and planter, the most are hand planted throughout the farm next to a stump where a Christmas tree was cut the year before. It may seem labor intensive, but it gives us an opportunity to spend time enjoying the beautiful views from every corner of the farm.
I have been busy working on a quilt for my niece Sally this summer. She loves horses and in fact has a riding academy in North Carolina. Check out her thriving business at EquineKingdom.com . I found the Eleanor Burns quilt book American Barns and knew it was perfect for Sally. I posted a few pictures of the creation of Sally’s quilt. I so hope she likes the quilt!
13 New Quilted Gifts Added this Month!
(please click here to see them)
November 2010
In
appreciation of your taking time to visit, please accept this coupon. Be sure to bring it with
you.
Also,
our 2010 Newsletter is
now available!
11 New Quilted Gifts Added this Month!
(please
click here to see them)
The leaves are falling off the trees and we have started to use our woodstove to keep the winter chill out of the house. Many customers have asked over the years for our hot apple cider recipe. With the season almost upon us, I thought I would share the secret ingredients in the cider...
Hot Mulled Cider
½ cup brown sugar
2 quarts cider
1 teaspoon allspice
1½ teaspoons
whole cloves
2 sticks cinnamon orange slices
Put all ingredients in crock pot. If desired, tie whole spices in cheesecloth or put in tea strainer. Cover and let set on low 2-8 hours.
We currently have more than 50 hand-made quilted gifts to choose from! Many styles and sizes available. See them all here.
