Living on a farm means immersing ourselves in the cyclical rhythms of nature. At Crooked Pines, we delight in observing the subtle changes that mark the progression of each season. From the first delicate green shoots pushing through the soil in spring to the spectacular fiery hues of autumn foliage, every season offers a unique bounty for us to discover, appreciate, and incorporate into our everyday lives.
Foraging for Edibles
One of the true joys of farm life is foraging for wild edibles that flourish across our acreage. As the snow melts in early spring, we eagerly search for the first tender dandelion greens, wild sorrel, and chickweed to add to our salads. Later in the season, we harvest purslane, lamb’s quarters, and wood sorrel to sauté or pickle. And in autumn, the kids love combing the fields for wild grapes, elderberries, rose hips, and pawpaw fruits to incorporate into jams, syrups, and other preserves.
Beyond the joy of discovering new flavors, foraging connects us to the land and teaches us to appreciate the abundance that surrounds us, even in the humblest of weeds. We delight in passing this knowledge on to the next generation during our weekly farm nature exploration walks, where kids learn to identify edible and medicinal plants, observe the complex web of life in our ecosystems, and develop a deep reverence for the natural world.
Collecting Natural Dyes
The vibrant hues of our farm’s flora also provide a treasure trove of natural dyes that we use to color our homespun textiles and crafts. In the spring, we harvest chamomile, marigolds, and red onion skins to create soft, earthy tones. As summer arrives, we gather black walnut hulls, goldenrod, and indigo leaves to achieve richer, more intense shades. And in the fall, the changing leaves of sumac, pokeweed, and rosehips give us a gorgeous palette of reds, oranges, and purples.
Dyeing with plants is a time-honored tradition that connects us to the deep history of textile arts. It’s also a wonderful way to engage the kids, who delight in experimenting with different mordants and dye baths to achieve their desired hues. Plus, the process of extracting and applying these natural colorants is endlessly fascinating, as we marvel at the alchemical transformations that occur.
Gathering Floral Accents
Beyond food and dyes, the blooming flowers, lush foliage, and vibrant berries of our farm also provide a wealth of materials for crafting botanical arrangements and other décor. In the spring, we collect delicate cherry blossoms, fragrant lilacs, and pristine lily of the valley to adorn our tables and windowsills. As summer arrives, we weave together cosmos, zinnias, and sunflowers into cheerful bouquets. And in the fall, we gather bittersweet vines, oak leaves, and dried hydrangeas to create stunning seasonal centerpieces.
Incorporating these natural elements into our home décor is a wonderful way to celebrate the rhythms of the year and bring the beauty of the farm indoors. It’s also a fantastic activity for the kids, who love foraging for materials, experimenting with different arrangements, and learning about the symbolic meanings and cultural significance of various flowers and plants.
Herbal Infusions and Tinctures
The abundance of herbs, flowers, and wild plants on our farm also provides the raw materials for a wide array of herbal infusions and tinctures that we use for their medicinal and wellness properties. In the spring, we harvest nettle, yarrow, and dandelion to create rejuvenating teas and tinctures that support immune function and detoxification. As the summer heat builds, we turn to lemon balm, peppermint, and chamomile to craft cooling, calming elixirs. And in the fall, we gather echinacea, elderberry, and rose hips to bolster our defenses against seasonal illnesses.
Beyond their practical benefits, the process of crafting these herbal preparations is deeply grounding and restorative. We find immense joy in selecting the perfect plants, slowly infusing their essence into oil or alcohol, and then sharing the fruits of our labor with family and friends. It’s a wonderful way to deepen our connection to the natural world and pass along traditional folk wisdom to the next generation.
Natural Fibers and Textiles
The fiber crops we grow on the farm also provide endless inspiration for textile arts and crafts. In the spring, we harvest the fresh young leaves of mulberry and stinging nettle plants to create delicate, shimmering natural silk fibers. As summer progresses, we gather the fluffy bolls of our cotton and flax plants to spin into soft, breathable yarns. And in the fall, we collect the vibrant, iridescent fleeces of our resident Shetland sheep to transform into cozy knits and weavings.
Working with these renewable resources connects us to the deep history of human textile production, reminding us of the ingenuity and resourcefulness of our ancestors. It’s also a wonderful way to engage the whole family, as the kids love helping with tasks like carding, spinning, and dyeing the fibers. Plus, the final products – whether they’re utilitarian or purely decorative – infuse our home with a sense of place and the cherished memories of their creation.
Traditions of Crooked Pines
Beyond the practical applications of our farm’s bounty, we also cherish the rich cultural heritage and folklore surrounding the plants that thrive on our land. Many of the wild edibles and medicinal herbs we forage have been used for centuries by indigenous peoples, and we’re honored to continue this tradition of sustainable stewardship and reverence for the natural world.
For example, our elderberry bushes hold deep significance in many belief systems, often associated with protection, purification, and the celebration of the feminine divine. We harvest the fragrant blossoms in the spring to create a soothing, aromatic tea, and in the fall, we gather the dusky purple berries to craft potent immune-boosting syrups. Similarly, the vivid red berries of our sumac bushes have long been used in Native American communities for their antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as their role in various ceremonial rituals.
Exploring these folk traditions is a wonderful way to deepen our connection to the land and the rich cultural tapestry of our region. It also sparks the imagination of our children, who delight in learning about the magical properties of the plants around them and incorporating that knowledge into their own hands-on learning activities and family fun.
The Rhythms of Crooked Pines
At the heart of our farm’s seasonal bounty is a deep reverence for the cyclical patterns that govern the natural world. We find immense joy in observing the subtle yet profound changes that mark the progression of the seasons, from the first tentative buds of spring to the final, fiery blaze of autumn’s foliage.
Each season brings with it a unique set of farm-to-table recipes and DIY crafts that allow us to celebrate the rhythms of the year. In the spring, we craft delicate floral crowns and hanging terrariums to welcome the return of warmer weather. As summer arrives, we host outdoor movie nights and picnics on the farm, incorporating our freshly harvested produce into vibrant salads and refreshing drinks. And in the fall, we gather the family for pumpkin carving, apple cider pressing, and wreath making to honor the transition towards winter’s rest.
Throughout it all, we make sure to observe the celestial events that punctuate the year, from the spring equinox to the winter solstice. These seasonal events provide us with an opportunity to pause, reflect, and express gratitude for the abundance that sustains us. Whether it’s gathering as a community to welcome the Harvest Moon or creating solstice lanterns to illuminate the longest night, these traditions help us feel grounded in the timeless rhythms of the earth.
Ultimately, the cyclical nature of life on the farm is a constant source of wonder and inspiration for us. By tuning into the ebb and flow of the seasons, we find ourselves imbued with a profound sense of purpose, connection, and belonging. It is through the act of crafting with the bounty of Crooked Pines that we discover the true magic and sustenance of the natural world, and we are honored to share this journey with our community.
