Friday, September 6, 2013

Harvest Time Hats

When not wearing my "wooly hat", I am also known locally as Gretchen the Gardener. I earned this title not because I am a great gardener....but because I corral the Highwood Afterschool Garden Club. In spring, the students and I plant early greens in the school greenhouse for school lunches while we  get the big garden started. During summer I keep the school garden alive and weeded. Now it is

Highwood School Garden
harvest time!! The local farm families are just finishing their harvest of wheat, peas, mustards, barley and more. Now the school garden kids gear up for tons of tomatoes, peppers, squash, beans, cukes and more! The school cooks use it all in the students' lunch program bringing fresh veggies front and center in Highwood school. Seven lbs of cherry tomatoes were consumed the first day of school as snacks! Recent studies show that when kids grow their own food......they make better choices at the table. When I see 1st graders vying for the biggest carrot or grabbing bunches of salad greens like hungry horses....I believe those studies!!
The "Harvest Hat" also extends to our Montana Woolies. I JUST got our over-dyed, natural color, Friesian roving from Sugar Loaf Wool Mill! It looks superb.
For a "totally Montana" and totally unique spinning or felting experience, be sure to order some Luscious Plum or Crazy Cranberry roving. See the sales page for prices.

Crazy Cranberry Friesian Wool Roving

Another "hat" I wear is a "Horsey Hat". We just added another horse for the winter. Harvey, one of my mom's Morgans, needed winter digs and he arrived last week. MANY thanks to Lynda Henning of GF for her help hauling him! He and our Morgan gelding, Tanner, are VERY happy for each other's company.

Great Falls Farmers Market- there are 4 weeks left in the market on Saturday mornings. It is at its very best right now! THE best selection of local veggies and goods are available in September. If you came earlier and were looking for more--NOW is the time to come back!
I will be there selling rovings, yarn and other wool goods for most of the next 4 weeks at a Land of Grass Ranch. Right near Faster Basset.
Blogwatch: Be sure to check out these blogs!
Life in an Island Monastery;
Prairie Heritage Farm;
Peter and Molly's Music.


Happy Highwood Gardeners







Peter and Molly play Concert on the Lawn in Great Falls