Sweet Local Farm

Ants love sweet tasty things. It’s no surprise that ants are attracted to the sweet nectar of peonies. But have no fear. The ants on your peonies will do nothing to harm them. They are just harvesting a nice dessert for their colony.

Some people have been known to think that ants actually help the peonies bloom. I did a little research on this subject and learned that this is not the case. For all of your ‘ants on peonies’ related questions, I recommend reading the Heartland Peony Society’s FAQ on this matter.

As I said yesterday, our vegetable garden is about half way planted out. The herb spiral is planted, as are the potatoes, garlic, onion sets, lettuce, strawberries, corn, tomatoes, pepper, swiss chard, kale, cabbage, radish, celery, brussel sprouts, jerusalem artichokes, and sugar snap peas. We still need to plant our beans and gourds.

This is an asparagus crown we planted a few weeks ago. We won’t be able to eat any for a few years.

The rhubarb is doing great. It made a delicious strawberry rhubarb pie and there is still more to pick. I just planted two more rhubarb plants so we will always have enough for many pies.

This is swiss chard that over wintered. Right next to it is more swiss chard that we started from seed this spring.

Luke prepping the squash beds:

Adam digging out big rocks:

In the flower garden the peonies and iris have started to bloom.

Every day a new type of flower blooms here. The flower gardens are so lush and mature. As soon as one bloom fades another takes its place. Here are some of the beautiful peonies and iris:

A white tree peony:

The blooms were so large and did not fall over like traditional peonies.

The foliage is beautiful as well:

Pink peony bush:

Each flower must be staked:

So bright and cheery:

Purple iris:

I don’t know the name of these pretty white flowers: