Happy Friday Y’all! Keeping it short as my plate is full today.

Dahlia season is coming to an end for us.  We’re nearly sold out for shipping but may add inventory next Tuesday, so keep an eye out for that if you’re interested.  We’ve got a limited amount of bundles in the Farm Store for today and tomorrow as well, and the store will be closing a bit early both days.  We’re closing at 1pm on both Friday and Saturday.  Flowers will be in the store while supplies last.  I do see blooming begin to happen on the mums, so we aren’t too far out from having new beauties to share with you.

The ladies harvesting the last of the dahlias (left) & the first of the mum blooms in the tunnels (right)

The most exciting farmy thing for me to share is that a variety of single dahlia that Mandy bred and named after her mom’s nickname, “Breezy”, has become a magnet for monarch butterflies each year. Until last week, I had only seen one. A few days ago, I counted 7. The day after that, 18. I’ve been too busy to go by again, but my hope is we’ll get to more than 100 like we did last year. It is the most amazing butterfly in the U.S.. If you don’t know it, give it a quick google and learn about its multigenerational migration patterns, its fascinating overwintering sites, and how you can plant milkweed seeds to help prevent their extinction.

Our Breezy dahlia calling in the monarch butterflies!

Why they specifically like the Breezy flower, I don’t know. We leave tons of varieties open for cross pollination (breeding project) and to feed our pollinators, but they all seem to prefer the Breezy. It’s very fun to walk that row (if you’re not afraid of bees).

Aside from that, we’re still working hard to prep tunnels and plants for spring plantings and cuttings. The weather has been lovely, and the crew is embracing it. The animals are happy and healthy. All is well.

Our newest stray kitten Silver Cloud getting love from Grace (left) & the baby guineas are doing great (right). If anyone is interested in adopting Silver Cloud, please contact us! She is about 6 months old.

If you are visiting our Farm Store for the first time this weekend, don’t forget to check out all the wonderful things to do in Comer, especially on a Saturday morning.  Neat Pieces, Comer Coffee, and Watson Mill Bridge are all a must visit!

If you’re going through Athens, the legendary R.Wood Studio is having a sale, so don’t miss that.

Fresh cut dahlias are available in our Farm Store this week – buy 2 bunches get 1 free, while supplies last!

I hope you have a wonderful weekend and enjoy this great weather if you’re in our neck of the woods.

Til next week!

Steve