A Country Girl Summer!

It’s nearly the Summer Solstice…the longest day of the year; how can it be June already? I don’t want to jinx it, but these early days of June are Fall-like with cooler than normal temperatures and no humidity…for me, it’s practically perfect. Garden planting and farm clean-up are being done without the heat and oppressive humidity so often found this time of year. For us, July and August are typically the most uncomfortable months, so there’s still plenty of time for the weather to change, but I’m keeping my fingers crossed. Oh, to find a spot where the high temperature in summer is no more than 70 degrees!

On this breezy morning, it’s a joy to see peonies, iris, and wildflowers blooming. And for a few brief moments, each blossom, dotted with morning dew, catches the sunshine and seems to glow. Barn swallows have returned, and true to their name, are swooping in and out of the barn building their nests. Bluebirds are at the feeders and mockingbirds can be heard singing throughout the night…this is a lighthearted and happy time.

It’s also a time for kicking off our shoes or taking an old-fashioned Sunday drive. I have to confess though, I do tend to get caught up in the “must-do’s” of summer. You know the drill: tilling, planting, mulching, trimming, and weeding along with the various fix-up jobs that seem to be best tackled in summer. At the day’s end, exhausted, we fall into bed, only to do it all over again when waking. If I’m not careful, these dazzling days will cartwheel past and soon I’ll be thinking of all things pumpkin.

Whoa…put the breaks on! These lovely days are ours for the taking; it’s time for porch sitting and picking daisies. Sure, there will still be chores waiting, but summer goes by too quickly to miss it.

So Sisters, how are you spending your June days? No matter where you are…a big city, a quiet suburb, or with a mountain view, I’d love to know. Are you hiking, biking, or relaxing in a hammock? Maybe you’re on a road trip, day trip, or camping in the backyard. One of the things I love about our Farmgirl Sisterhood is that we can share ideas, keep each other motivated, and learn something new.

I jotted down a few ideas to share…ideas I hope will keep me anticipating each new day. Sure, there will probably be a few more weeds in the garden, or a wily dust bunny that’s escaped me, but that’s okay. Now’s the time to step quickly and breathe deeply, because summer passes like a whirlwind.

Come on, let’s make this a country girl summer!

PLANT A GARDEN…SO MANY OPTIONS!

Flowers, veggies, or herbs…you choose! It’s a terrific feeling to watch plants grow (and definitely worth getting a little dirt under our nails.) You don’t have to plant a big garden either; make it mini. A few containers, some raised beds, or a vertical garden planter are spot-on for patios or decks, even a balcony; use whatever works best for you.

A few weeks ago I visited an 1830’s historical village and came across their Weaver’s Garden…I was captivated. What are the chances? I’d just read all about garden dyes in the June/July MaryJanesFarm magazine! Well, since I had an empty garden spot just begging for something new, I thought I’d plant my own little Weaver’s Garden. I planted Yarrow, Russian Sage, Day Lilies, Lilly-of-the-Valley, Rose Mallow, Sweet Woodruff, and Ruffle Purple Basil. I’m eager to watch them grow, and then try my hand at dying some fabric.

It’s easy to have a Bee or Butterfly Garden in a corner of your yard…Lavender, Bee Balm, Salvia, Cosmos, Goldenrod, Milkweed, Marigolds, Daisies and so many more plants will coax them to visit. Always busy bees transfer pollen from plant to plant, so they’ll keep your gardens and flowers thriving.

If you have a birdbath, they’ll stop there for a visit…be sure to toss in a few stones so there’s a safe spot for them to land while they’re taking a sip.

GO TO A FLEA MARKET OR BARN SALE

The thrill of the hunt! If there’s junk from an old barn or farm sale, I’m all in! Call a friend, grab your tape measure, and toss a few blankets in the back of the car (you never know what you may find), then make the rounds of outdoor sales – ’tis the season for yard and garage sales, too.  It’s fun to wander around and chat with folks, and who knows, you may find the perfect vintage piece you’ve been searching for!

STOP BY A FARMERS’ MARKET OR ROADSIDE STAND

Think local! This time of year town square farm markets are popping up all over with in-season veggies, baked goods, eggs, raw honey, and so much more. While you’re out, travel some winding country roads…I’m sure you’ll discover sweet little roadside stands filled with lots of goodies from local farm families.

VISIT A NEIGHBOR

It seems in times past being neighborly was more common…now we’re all pulled in different directions, with so many distractions, and the days fly by. But truly, there’s nothing quite like the simple pleasures of chatting across the backyard fence or old-fashioned porch sitting. Why not share some farm fresh eggs or home-baked bread with a friend or neighbor? Just stop by for a quick chat to say “Hi”… I promise, they’ll remember your thoughtfulness. 

EXPLORE THE OUTDOORS

Take an old-fashioned Sunday drive or bike ride,

wander a country road or hiking trail; you never know what you’ll discover!

VISIT A COUNTY FAIR

Vintage tractors, fair food, blue-ribbon winners…what’s not to love?!

GO BERRY PICKING

While the morning is still cool, head out to a local U-Pick berry farm. June is perfect for berry picking…strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries are all waiting for you. And just think of all the yummy treats you can make once you’re back home!

MAKE A BOUQUET

Choose the prettiest posies from your garden (or from the Farmers’ Market), then arrange them in a simple Mason jar…they’ll be beautiful.

ADD A SCARECROW TO YOUR GARDEN

Keep it super easy, add a metal cut-out to your garden and give him a snazzy bandanna.

Or, you can find handmade scarecrows at farm festivals – ready to go!

Want to make your own scarecrow? There are oodles of ways, from fitting PVC pieces together to using simple wooden cross pieces. You can stuff him with hay if you’d like, and give him with a jaunty hat. Some scarecrows have a plastic pumpkin for a head, while some have an upside down flowerpot…there are so many clever ideas!

Around here, the metal fella above keeps an eye on the flowers in the old tank, while this gal looks over the veggies – I like to call her a Scare-Crone.  Oh-so easy to make, she’s simply a wooden tomato stake body, and scrap wood for arms. She’s sporting a thrift store dress and apron, along with garden gloves and a hat found in a sale bin.

Does she really scare away crows? I can’t say for certain, but I can definitely tell you she gives me and everyone who sees her a giggle!

HIT THE ROAD…OR NOT

A road trip, day trip, camping, or backyard glamping…whatever you choose, keep it simple.

Pack a picnic and relax by a peaceful lake.

Find a fun gathering nearby…this photo was taken at a hot air balloon festival not far from home. It was stunning to see the balloons take off after dark.

Or, have an adventure in your own back yard – pitch a tent, sleep under the stars, host a girlfriends glamping weekend. Hey, no one said the camper has to actually hit the road!

These June days can begin with a sprinkle, and end with a rainbow.
Let’s take time to celebrate each day.