🌱 Spring on the Farm: Starting Small, Growing Slow

Spring comes quietly around here. It’s not some big, showy moment. It’s little things—herbs pushing up through the soil, blue eggs in the coop, the sound of birds while I water everything in the greenhouse. After nearly two decades in corporate banking, I’m learning how to slow down and really notice these things.... as opposed to rushing through them so I can get back to work. I’m learning how to live without a schedule packed to the brim (and then some). It’s a process, but I can feel myself settling in.  I will talk a lot more about that in later articles. 

🌿 Plans Change, and That’s Okay

This season looks a little different than I originally imagined. Last year, I applied for a high tunnel grant that would have allowed me to grow at a much larger scale. That’s still in the pipeline, but I’m not expecting it to come through this year with all of the changes to government programs. So, I had to pivot.

Instead of the big expansion, I’m starting small: growing herbs in my greenhouse and across our front porch. I’ll likely add another small, pop-up greenhouse to use while I wait. It won’t be fancy, but it will work. And it will be great.

🌱 A Season of Herbs

Right now, my focus is on cultivating a space where people can connect with the plants that support them. I’m growing over a dozen different herbs—things like calendula, tulsi, chamomile, mullein, marshmallow, burdock, shiso, echinacea, yarrow, dandelion, and lemon balm. I’ll be offering many of these as live starts later this spring so folks can pick up their very own medicinal herbs right from the farm, just like they do with our eggs when we have extra.

Some of the herbs I’m most excited about this season include astragalus and mullein, which I’m drawn to for their traditional support of lung health. As someone with asthma, these plants feel especially meaningful. I’m also really looking forward to growing burdock—an incredible plant with a long history in skincare applications.

I’ll be using some of these herbs to make tinctures and glycerites once they mature, but I’m just as excited to offer them fresh to others—especially those who are interested in herbalism and natural wellness. I plan to include simple cards with each herb that explain how it’s traditionally used and how to prepare it. Some plants are ideal for teas, others for salves or tinctures. I want to empower people to work with plants in a way that feels approachable, even if they’re just getting started.

I’m also currently pursuing my herbal certification through Denver Botanic Gardens. It’s been such a joy to deepen my knowledge while watching these plants come to life.  

🐓 Life With Animals

Beyond the herbs, we’ve got animals here too. My Easter Egger chickens lay the most beautiful blue eggs, and I offer them up as they’re available. I’m also raising meat birds for the first time this year. This is new territory, but something I believe in deeply.

I care a lot about how animals are treated, and I raise mine with the intention that their only bad day is their last. Our Silver Fox rabbit is due to have her first litter soon, and I carry that same philosophy with them, too. These aren’t always easy topics, but they’re part of the life I’m building—honest, thoughtful, and grounded in respect.

🌼 Finding a New Rhythm

The days are still full—between animal chores, garden prep, planting, watering, and creating—I’m always moving. But there’s a different rhythm now. One I’m learning to embrace.

We’re adding raised beds to the property, and everything feels like it’s slowly stretching awake. Life is a bit messy, a bit wild, but full of promise.

💬 A Note to You

Thanks for being a part of this season with me.  These are big changes and I'm grateful to have people to share this with.