Excavating a fallen log, a little native bee works busily away to build a nest for her offspring. Blossoms of wild geranium, violets, and anemones peek out here and there. Insects go about their business breaking down the detritus that would overwhelm us if not for them. The alchemy of creating life out of death goes on constantly under our feet, in a world that mostly goes unnoticed.Oftentimes, that is the way of things... the true stars ...
I'd like to highlight in my coming posts some of the many forest crops we have at the Sanctuary. Many we have planted around the Cavanaugh homestead. Others have been planted by birds, wind, and the ways of Mother Nature and we have allowed them to flourish. And some were on the land already when we arrived. The Shagbark Hickory is one in the last category. Hickory trees do not produce nuts every year, so one has to ...
In this photo, the white banty hen is trying to shelter all her grown chicks under her wings. A banty hen is a type which is smaller than regular hens. The chicks in the picture are not bantys, but the banty mama sat on the eggs from other hens and raised the chicks as her own.Happy Mother's Day to all the Mamas of the world!
Happy Beltane to all who celebrate!In the Gaelic tradition, Beltane is the season from the 1st of May to the 31st of July. As we travel through this season, you may like to focus on some of the above activities. But whatever your path, I wish you the brightest of blessings in the coming days,JeanActivities for the Summer Months, from Celtic Devotional: Daily Prayers and Blessings by Caitlin Matthews
We had another gathering for members this past Sunday. The afternoon was bright and crisp and gorgeous. Though the morning had been overcast and chilly, it turned into one of those days where the air is cool but the sun is warm, and they offset each other perfectly.There had been a few others who had been planning to come, but they were waylaid at the last minute with one thing or another. So it was an intimate ...
There is so much life bursting upon the scene right now, it's impossible to mention it all. Hyacinth and daffodils and tulips are gracing the scene. Rhubarb, Egyptian onions, mint, lemon balm, tarragon, and various other herbs are popping up. The currant bushes, peach and apple trees, serviceberry, and wild plum are blossoming. Mayapples are in their full glory in the woods. These are a few of the many perennials we have planted around the farm and sanctuary. ...
A Snail and a Bud"Sacred Geometry charts the unfolding of number in space. It differs from mundane geometry purely in the sense that its moves, concepts and products are regarded as having symbolic value and meaning. Thus, like good music, the study and practice of geometry can facilitate the evolution of the soul. ... This material has been used for a long time indeed as one introduction to metaphysics. Like the elements of its sister subject, music, it ...
Amazingly, it's been a couple of years now that Sarenth Odinsson and his family have been volunteering at the Farm and Sanctuary. Time has flown by so quickly. We've formed a wonderful relationship and it was delightful to hear Brandon talking about the yummy leek soup he likes to make, while we were transplanting leeks this week. The leeks are ones that self-seeded from some that were in our very first planting of the hoophouse in 2017. They've ...
For the most part, the photos will speak for themselves. We had a similar snowstorm last year about a week earlier than this one. Looking at the pictures from that one, it seems that the blossoms on the fruit trees were not out quite as much. Let's all keep our fingers crossed that this doesn't harm the fruit production here in SE Michigan. We prepared as best we could by bringing some of our more sensitive seed trays ...
One of the main understory shrubs in the woodlands area of the Sanctuary is Spicebush. The photos in this post are ones that Brennah has taken across the seasons showing the blossoms, berries, and fall foliage. She has even captured a shot of the Spicebush Butterfly (which I didn't realize was a thing, but she had identified long ago).I happened upon an excellent description of Spicebush this morning on the Indigenous Landscapes site which I will share ...
It was another good community work day on Thursday. We started with a little walk around the farm... in which I apparently made at least one funny face! The honey berry bushes are blossoming and the lilacs are getting close. Honey berries produce edible, sweet, oblong shaped blue berries. They're in the honeysuckle family and another of our beloved perennials.Next we planted up many seed trays - one of my favorites being nasturtiums. I can't wait to ...
Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished. ~ Lao TzuYesterday we had another lovely Member Walk and Bonfire, which I will share some pictures from soon. We had a small ritual in the woods together, while the Red-Winged Blackbirds loudly serenaded us. A big thank you to members, such as Alissa Addy, who have spread the word to friends so that more people can be aware of all that we are offering here at the Farm and ...
Prayer to the Spirits of the Land ~ by JeanWe thank you for your presence and all that you provide for us. We are grateful for our time together with you, as fellow travelers and inhabitants of this place.May our actions be harmonious in creating abundance for all. We celebrate this time of year of new life emerging from the death and decay. May we honor this process in our own lives.Hail Spirits of the Land! Blessed Be!The Land Spirits ...
I found these photos of Comma Butterflies that Brennah took last year on April 2nd. She told me that they are some of the first butterflies to emerge in the spring. We will certainly be keeping an eye out for these beauties again this year. According to Wikipedia, "The eastern comma may be spotted in woods near rivers, ponds, marshes, swamps, and other water sources." Thank you once again for your support of this magical place for our ...
This past Saturday, Dan, Caitlin, and Brennah had a fun time working on making nest boxes for kestrels and screech owls. We've seen these raptors around occasionally and would like to make a place for them to raise their young each year. Not only are they lovely birds in their own right, we're hoping they'll help keep the farm rodent population under control. We have regular work days every Thursday and Saturday (however we haven't had much interest ...
We are at the time of year where the reptiles and amphibians are stirring, the willow catkins are at their finest, the marsh is at its marshiest, and the leaves and blossoms are beginning to peak out. The territorial battles between the various spring peepers and frogs is deafening when you head back to the woods and towards the wetlands area. I hope you enjoy these photos of late March at the Sanctuary taken by Brennah.Wishing you ...
There are many signs of spring currently at the Farm and Sanctuary. The garlic we planted last fall on one of our work days has sprouted. I planted some peas and cress along the back fence of the same garden this week. And we did some general clean-up for yesterday's work day - part of which was to trim back the dead stalks surrounding these beautiful crocuses. We are thankful for new life emerging from the dead, and ...
What a gorgeous spring equinox weekend we had here in Southeast Michigan! The mild breezes and fresh sunshine were a gentle rejuvenation for our hearts. Check out the photos for a glimpse of our walk with Arthur the cat into the Sanctuary woods.Underneath the crunchy leaves new life is beginning to emerge, including a little friend who gave our kitty quite a fright when he noticed the poor creature who was just as frightened of that giant ...
Yesterday we received a batch of seed packets we ordered, so we can add a few more varieties of pollinator plants to the farm and sanctuary. We love wildflowers! Some we will plant this spring and some need to be planted in the fall.Welcome to our new seeds! May they grow well and be happy.Jean
Greeting To The Spring EquinoxGlad Bringer of Brightness, hail!Maiden of Grace, Lad of Laughter.Gifts of vigor are returning,Spring's surprise, rainbow's embrace.Quickened be the heart within us,Opened be our souls to grace,May the blessing be abiding,Welcome sit in every face.by Caitlín Matthews, Celtic Devotional: Daily Prayers and BlessingsPhoto by Brennah Cavanaugh