Midsummer already!?

It’s been a wonderfully busy summer here at the Homestead, even with the persistent rain that stretched from June well into July. We had quite a few visitors eager to swim in the creek and soak up the outdoors, but the rainy weather often put those plans on hold. Thankfully, the farmers market has been a bright and cheerful spot this season. I’ve truly enjoyed meeting new people and connecting with fellow vendors, as well as picking up fresh vegetables that I wasn’t able to grow myself this year. Wild lettuce has completely taken over the garden, practically running the show with a little help from our very determined rabbit guests, making it quite a challenge to keep them out—even with our best efforts at fencing. Meanwhile, the goats have started having their kids, bringing a lot of joy and excitement to the homestead. We’ve been busy harvesting both wild and cultivated plants throughout the season, distilling several batches of hydrosols, and crafting a variety of products for the market. Our pine tar soap and jewelweed witch hazel soap have been especially popular, along with the comfort cream and all-natural insect repellent, all of which have received wonderful and heartwarming feedback. It’s incredibly rewarding to hear customers come back and share their stories about how these products are making a positive difference in their lives. Stay tuned to see what else this vibrant summer has in store for us here on the homestead!