One of the herbs we have in our Paw Paw, Aronia Berry guild is Lady's Mantle. She is one of the magical flora of the Druid tradition. "One of the most striking characteristics of this graceful plant is the way its leaves gather dewdrops. During the night the leaves fold like umbrellas, opening in the morning to reveal their watery treasure. Dew has been considered to have magical properties since ancient times, when in the Celtic ...
Honeyberry Flowers with Bumblebee by Brennah Cavanaugh Photography LLC taken on 5/2/22I'm sure I could feature a different plant each day of the year and still not cover all of the various ones at the farm and sanctuary. And the same goes for the pollinators and various wildlife. So I'll share a little about Honeyberries (Lonicera caerulea) today, and hopefully you will enjoy it. :)The honeyberries, which are a type of honeysuckle with edible berries, are flowering ...
Photo by Brennah Cavanaugh Photography LLCAnother wildflower currently blossoming at Crossing Hedgerows is our white Virginia Bluebells. This plant was given to us by our friend Gary Urick, along with the Aconite which was mentioned in a previous post. According to the University of Wisconsin Horticulture, regarding Virginia Bluebells: "It is considered threatened in its native range, primarily because of habitat destruction and the prevention of natural flooding of rivers, and is increasingly found only in isolated locations." "The flowers ...
We spent a little time yesterday charring the end of the maypole so that it won't rot in the ground as quickly after we put it up. It was a relaxing and enjoyable process. We're looking forward to May 22nd! Wishing you all the best on this cross-quarter day. 🔥 Jean
One of the exciting aspects of the farm and sanctuary is the incredible diversity of plants and wildlife that has been encouraged to flourish - partly as a result of re-wilding, and partly as a result of purposeful planting. I have shared some tidbits about this in the past, and thought it would be fun to continue to do so.In that spirit... here are a couple of plants that are popping up around the farm currently. MotherwortCatnipI chose these ...
We have had a couple of our Wednesday work days now and they have gotten off to a great start. A few of us also had an event planning session this past Saturday which was quite productive, but I don't have pictures to share of that. 🤓 (As an aside, I never share pictures of anyone without permission first.) Emily, Blue, and Sarenth (not pictured) clearing last year's dead tomato vines out of the hoophouse - photo ...
It's hard to tell, but this log is about 21 feet long. Can you guess what it's going to be used for? Hint: it will be for something at our Beltane celebration coming up at 2:00 pm on April 30th. * * * * * If you guessed a Maypole, then you were right! If anyone would like to come help work on making it, we will be doing that on Sunday, April 24th - ...
Though we are having a bit of a cold snap this week, there are still plenty of signs of spring. The daffodils, crocuses and tulips are starting to come up, and the garlic that was planted this past fall has sprouted. We've grown garlic here off and on since 2014, so I thought you might enjoy seeing a few pictures of previous years' plantings and harvests.Garlic Sprout - April 5, 2014Garlic beds on June 18, 2015 - you ...
Red-Wing Blackbird returning for spring - photo by Brennah Yesterday turned out to be the perfect day for our Equinox celebration. It was sunny with cool breezes as we shared the crossing over time from winter to spring. We had 16 people who came out for our ritual, walk, and potluck... our little community continues to grow, thanks to the support of everyone here. 🪴Volunteer DaysVolunteer days will be starting again soon. They will be on Wednesdays at ...
Taken March 2, 2021One of the earliest flowers to bloom here at Crossing Hedgerows is Winter Aconite. It gives a splash of color in the late winter and early spring, and provides some of the first pollen and nectar for the pollinators. We planted it a couple of years ago, and it would be wonderful to plant some snow drops along with it as they blossom about the same time. So far it is only this tiny patch, ...
Icy area in the woods - taken on March 1st, 2022 by Brennah Sunday, March 13th at 2:00 p.m. - Member Walk & Bonfire Bring a dish to pass if you'd like. 🥧 We've had some warm days since the photo above was taken, and there has been quite a bit of melting. This is definitely the muddy time of year, so boots are highly recommended. You are also welcomed to simply enjoy the bonfire if ...
Trail to the Pond Site by Brennah Cavanaugh Photography LLCThe snow storm we had earlier this month left the shrubs and plants so weighed down that some of the trails became almost impassable. But not completely so, as Dan found when he decided to crawl through because our dog was so insistent on going on his usual walk! Photos by Dan Cavanaugh - Walking the DogI wanted to share these pictures of the Sanctuary in all its winter ...
We have had lots of beautiful snow and ice creating gorgeous scenes over the past weeks. Ice covered maple leaf by Brennah Cavanaugh Photography LLC It is such a joy to be able to share this abundance with all of you. And your support is making it possible for us to do that. You are what is known as the "early adopters". By becoming members, you are reducing others' uncertainty about whether this is a worthwhile ...
We had a great turnout for our Imbolc gathering yesterday! Thank you to everyone who came out to enjoy this informal time around the fire. It was a wonderful way to begin easing back into some events after my difficulties with my foot, and after many of our members coming down with illness over the winter. It was lovely to introduce some new folks to those who have been around for awhile, and to have all the ...
Just a reminder that our Imbolc gathering will be this Sunday at 2:00. It will not be a ritual this time, but an opportunity to appreciate the season together. We will have a bonfire, hot coco, some mead, and perhaps cookies or similar fare. We also invite you to walk the trails and enjoy the land at your own leisure, with the fire awaiting to warm you upon your return. ...And I wanted to share with you ...
A snippet from our Spring Equinox Ritual 2019 https://youtube.com/shorts/uAxLQ82QHvc?feature=share For the little ones, I made this Spring Bingo game to play during the celebration. It was a big hit. 💜 Spring Bingo
Sunday, March 13 at 2:00 p.m.As spring approaches, it's time to resume our monthly member Walk and Bonfire! As in the past, these will include a potluck for whoever would like to bring a dish to pass. This monthly event, along with seasonal rituals which are hosted by the Sanctuary, are for members and their immediate families. We also invite you to bring along a guest if you would like. Non-members can attend an event one time free ...
For those who are counting down the days until spring, I think the chickens are going to be just as happy! Here they are happily foraging at Beltane in May of 2018. Violets and dandelions are healthy herbs for people and chickens alike. 😀 violets and dandelions, Luna, Penguin and Flame - Photo by Brennah Cavanaugh Photography LLC I hope you are all doing well! Jean
There are a few things I've been working on over the last few months. One has been to continue my education on how to run a nonprofit, through my own research and reading. Along with that, I put in an application to a mentorship program offered by the Wallace Center’s Food Systems Leadership Network. This is a program for those working in nonprofits dealing with Community Food Systems specifically, but covers topics that are helpful for any ...
Cardinals and Forsythia BushThis is the time of year when we see whole flocks of cardinals around the farm and sanctuary. Today we have a fresh covering of snow and the cardinals are so beautiful against the white (and dull greens and browns) of winter. Five cardinals (three males and two females) in a cedar treeBirds are a high priority for us at Crossing Hedgerows. Many of the perennial trees, bushes, and herbs we have planted are not ...