A Fallow Hay Pasture and the Mint Experiment

We are at the end of a rainy spring after a year of drought. Our hay field used to be planted with alfalfa or coastal by our neighbor. He ran his cattle on our property and grew hay. We got the agricultural exemption. Covid took our beloved neighbor. His brother-in-law, whom we adore, has taken over the cattle operation. With the drought the last attempt to grow hay failed. We allowed it to go fallow and will likely plant natives. 

It’s amazing how nature rebounds. Monarda, bee balm or horsemint, is everywhere. So are the blackeyed susans.

Cane is ever faithful and ready to go for a ride.

The back pond has been dry for quite a while. It’s so nice to see it full.

I’m in a horticultural study group in my herb society chapter. Each year we study an herb by growing several varieties while trying to control some variables. This year our focus is mint. I’m growing 8 varieties with an irrigation system because they like their water. 

Carl, our rooster, is helping me inspect.

We have to present on a topic related to our herb. I’ll be doing mint appetizers. 

Enjoying a nice, lazy Sunday.

Beautiful Spring

We’ve had a beautiful spring with an explosion of wildflowers. Cane has been doing his manly duty of taking out the trash and getting the mail while my hubby is visiting family in Idaho. He often sits in the mule while I do all the work but he sure looks handsome. 

The roadside thistle is full of butterflies and moths. I didn’t notice as I drove by but when I checked the mail I saw all the fluttering. I think hubby has chopped the thistle in our pasture. I need to relocate some to a designated spot so I can enjoy them. They really are so pretty.

We’ve gotten much needed rain. And there is more to come. The front pond finally filled past its banks. When I lived in Houston heavy rains made me uneasy because you never knew if there would be flooding. Now I do the rain dance and celebrate every drop. 

Best quote I read recently: Tact over temper.

Kind of another way to remember to always take the high road.