High Ground Farm

Java Chick Order List

2012-02-01T07:13:00.005-05:00

There will be a limited number of the rare Java day old chicks for sale this year. White, Black, or Auburn. The Java Chicken is on the American Livestock Breed Conservancy list as threatened,with less than 1000 breeding pairs,and 5000 birds in the world.

Not only are they a wonderful dual purpose bird, they are sweet spirited, and beautiful!

Email me now to be placed on the "Wait List" for the number of UNSEXED day old chicks you would like. I will have a very limited number this year, so act fast. I will contact you as the eggs are confirmed viable, then again as soon as the chicks hatch.

Pick up from the farm within 36 hours of hatch is required, as I do not ship chicks.

Black Java Chicks, unsexed-25.00 each
White Java Chicks, unsexed-30.00 each
Auburn Java Chicks, unsexed-40.00 each

Christmas Cards from High Ground Farm...Java Chickens Decorating the Christmas Tree and Wrapping Gifts

2011-11-23T11:36:00.007-05:00

I have a few packets of Christmas Cards printed from my original water color paintings left of : The Java Hens Decorating the Tree, and Wrapping Christmas Gifts; The Chicken Barn Door at Christmas; and Winnie wearing his Christmas Bow.

These are great to send to family and friends at Christmas, as well as for gifts. I also use them for special Gift Tags for very fancy gifts.

Taken from the inspiration of the farm, AND a liberal dose of my imagination. I loved creating them.

Email me if you want to order. and I will ship them to you. Unfortunately I do not have a way to accept credit cards (a project for the new year), so mail me a check. I will get them to you within the next 2 weeks, since I may have to have more printed.

A packet of 6 cards/envelopes - 15.00/includes postage.

Have I Disappeared?

2011-11-14T14:30:00.002-05:00

Well, I am sure some of you have wondered what has happened to me! Well, not to go into detail, our family has experienced a serious health issue...and I have been focusing on things other than the farm. Life is uncertain, and a adventure. For now the farm is resting, but will gear up again in spring! Planning to make the cooking classes, and tours a real hands on experience of rural life!

I did harvest the BIG Kahuna White Ginger...and for the first harvest very good. Grated it for a steak marinade last week to the satisfaction of my diners. It is divine.

I have down sized the hen flock to a manageable 40; the beds are in cover crops of turnips, and kale; and the flower beds are all waiting for me to save the seed for next year.

The leaves are coming down and I am grateful for them! They are a gift to me to add to the beds as compose. Lovely stuff, rotted leaves, full of garden nutrients.

Pastures are being sowed in rye, and red clover for the spring. The bee hives are doing well, and we hope for a honey harvest next year.

Every year is different, and this one is unique, as I learn more than I ever thought I needed to know about patience, and taking one day at a time. Life, every moment is a blessing.

More to Come Later......

2011-10-02T21:32:00.002-04:00

Promise me
you'll always remember:
You're braver
than you believe,
and stronger
than you seem,
and smarter
than you think.

said
Christopher Robin to Pooh.
by A.A. Milne

Butterflies, Honeybees, Bumblebees, and Wasps

2011-08-01T11:40:00.002-04:00

This morning there is constant motion all along the Zinnia, and Basil rows in the Kitchen Garden! It is a lovely sight as the pollinators enjoy the nector of all the flowers in bloom!

Don was out to check the 3 hives of honeybees in the garden. I was happy to hear they are doing well. The smell of pine smoke drifted out into the garden from the smokers. Lovely.

I am grateful that the morning is cooler. What a hot wave we have had here in NC. I was so relieved to see the rain yesterday. As if everything needed a good wash. All the dust has settled, and the morning seemed so much brighter.

Pretty Java Pullets and Cockerels

2011-08-01T11:31:00.002-04:00

The young Javas are now 8 weeks old, and really looking nice. They are out of my best Java stock. I am impressed with the body confirmation and nice complete black legs, and feet with yellow soles. I will keep these to continue to build my Java flock. They are already zealous foragers! True to the nature of the Java. I just love this breed.

Preserving the Summer

2011-08-01T11:16:00.003-04:00

The beets grew beautifully this year. They seem to thrive in the heat (unlike so many other things). As I was slipping the peels off , I had a sudden memory of helping my grandmother, Emma, at her kitchen sink. I must have been 7 or 8 years old. My job was to remove the skins from the beets. After boiling them until just tender the skins slip off very easily. As I was doing this, I could hear my grandmother Carroll's sweet chuckle, and see the big old sink filled with beets. The memory is such a amazing store of sights, sounds, smells, and textures. Lovely.

Here are photos of the beets: Just after cooking, just peeled, and then after canning the lovely sweet pickled beets. I used 5 spice powder instead of pickling spice this year, and think it is better. More cloves, and allspice...and cardamon I think.

I will serve these at Thanksgiving and Christmas. Summer in a jar.

How Many Tomatoes Have You Ever Seen In One Place ?

2011-06-27T22:11:00.006-04:00

Today was another Tomato Day in High Ground Farmhouse. What a sight, a co-zillion (at least) waiting for me to as they lined the dining room table, and the kitchen table. Inspecting, sizing, sorting, washing, drying, weighing, and finally packing in flat clean recycled labeled boxes. All of this before taking the best ones, more than 100 pounds of beautiful HEIRLOOM Tomatoes to waiting chefs, and to Whole Foods Market in Cary. I love to look at the shapes, and the colors...but the taste is the best part. What a delicious sandwich I had for supper. Thick smokey bacon, canola mayo, white bread and 3 thick slices of a Cherokee Purple Tomato. Doesn't get much better than that!

AND it is not too late to sign up for a Produce Box for Wednesday drop off in Fuquay Varina. Give me a call or email me to sign up. Boxes are 25.00 each. Take a look at the list on the sidebar for details, and all the extra's available.

Blackberry Brambles Heavy with Fruit

2011-06-27T21:43:00.004-04:00

The Blackberries were planted just 3 years ago along a cedar split rail fence that extends about 600 feet around the Kitchen Garden and Apple Orchard. There are about 20 plants. Last year there were enough for only one sumptuous pie. This year they are heavy with fruit. I have frozen 3 gallons, and given away about the same. There are more to pick tomorrow. I am certain it is the bees. The honeybees were thick on the blossoms in spring. I cannot wait for company to have an excuse to bake a pie. The butter crust,one of my favorites, turns out brown and flaky. A perfect compliment to the tart sweet berries.

The End Result is Art....The culmination of months of hard, hot, and long work

2011-06-16T21:36:00.007-04:00

After weeks of weeding, watering, composting, staking, harvesting, washing, packaging, labeling, marketing, emailing...I finally see the fruit of my labor. The back of my truck filled to the top with Produce Boxes, Tomato Boxes, Basil Bunches, Farm Field Flower Bouquets, Fresh Pasture Raised Heritage Breed Hen Eggs, and Oh Yes, my art. My art is a way to capture the beauty of everyday things. Sights that make it all worth the work, and the worry. It is a beautiful sight.

Is There Anything That Says Summer like the Taste of a Warm from the Garden TOMATO?

2011-06-16T21:29:00.004-04:00

I ate my first tomato of the summer tonight for supper...and well it was all the heirloom tomato is suppose to be! Warm from the garden, sweet, tangy, and "tomato-y". It was absolutely delicious with zucchini cooked with garlic and olive oil and some crusty bread to sop up the tomato and the oil. Nothing more is needed.

So What's in the Box Saturday?

2011-06-10T22:15:00.002-04:00

Tender Green String Beans, yellow squash, white patty pan squash, tender green zucchini, new dug red potatoes, tender green cabbage, new white onions, and rosemary for roasted potatoes!

Orders will be delivered tomorrow to Whole Foods in Cary. Order your box for next week NOW. Order for 1 month to hold your CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) spot. Reduced rate for 4 week orders.

See you tomorrow!

Produce Box Delivery to Your Door this Week

2011-06-06T16:18:00.007-04:00

Wednesday June 8, Special Delivery to your FUQUAY office or home! Produce Boxes, Eggs, Honey and Cut Farm Flowers.Big fresh cabbage,spring onions, new red pototoes, beets, zucchini, patty pan squash ,cucumbers 25.00; Cut Flowers 15.00; Eggs 6.00/dozen; Harnett County Honey-6.00. Email order today.

Hard Work Sweetened by Languid Moments...I close my eyes and store the memory of the moment, to bring out when I need it, like a old favorite photo.

2011-06-06T11:37:00.008-04:00

The last few days have been a steady maddening pace! Monday is my morning to catch up on the business end of farming, with all the emails, scheduling, and general paper work, so let me reflect as a way to share the events here on the farm.

Every day begins with a long walk with the dogs around the farm,as we check fence lines, and any wildlife mischief that occurred during the night. This usually uncovers some discovery, a turtle laying her eggs in mud, or a invisible scent that makes the dogs crazy. Hand weeding every day for several hours to keep the beds/fields at their best, although right now the tomato field is out of control with grassy rows. I just cannot seem to get it all mulched.

Then, harvesting the night, or morning of market days.
Hours of picking cucumbers,zucchini,cabbages,beets,radishes. Lifting heavy boxes, and baskets, is building my biceps and I do not even have to go to a gym! Then weighing, making Produce Boxes, labeling, and wrapping to go straight to a large cooler until driving them out to market or to families eager to have delicious vegetables for their table. Delivering to restaurants, families and to Whole Foods Market is a accumulation of all my work. I bring a beautiful and very high quality product in ...to the raves of smiles of the chefs, families, and the great Whole Foods people. It is so gratifying to know people value this delicious food and the work it takes.

In the middle of all of this, are hawk attacks which require me to bolt down to the pasture with dogs running madly along with tongues hanging out, to shew (I do not think that is a real word) the hawks away. Hawks are VERY persistent and try something everyday. THIS is going to be Emmy's job, however right now she is very much in training. She loves the chickens, but I cannot tell if she likes them and thinks they are her pets, or if she wants to eat them. I am told it takes 2 years to train a pup to be a reliable livestock/chicken guardian, so it is a long process.

Mowing and trimming the grounds takes way too much time, but necessary to prevent SNAKE habitat! I almost stepped on a COPPERHEAD a few weeks ago at the chicken barn late one night. So, hours of mowing, dripping with sweat is part of the farm. That reminds me I need to mow down at the gates!

The hen house has to have new bedding, and general "housework" everyday. Feed, grain,and fresh water every day keeps the hens healthy. Egg gathering now is complicated (as part of puppy training) with Emmy sitting in the hen house at my feet as I collect eggs. This is interrupted several times with "sit/stay", and "leave it" as Emmy becomes a little too interested in a hen. A broody hen helped with a sharp peck to her nose yesterday as she got too close..helping with the training process I hope. Wheewww I hope I can keep this guardian dog training up!

Ah yes, the delicious fresh meals! Famished from all the hard work, there is nothing like throwing what ever is extra, or going bad from the garden in a pan and eating it! The English Peas have given up to the hot sun, so last night I ate the last of them cooked quickly in olive oil and garlic over fresh pasta. What a feast with Pomegranate Green Tea. Lovely. Here is a photo.

Hot, dripping with sweat, and tired from hours of physical labor, I sit in the cool of the shade, and am so thankful for this place of solitude, and beauty. The scent of the now heavy laden Gardenia Bushes, and huge Magnolia blossoms drifts in the hot air. The drone of a small plane overhead, and the gentle breeze on my face is a solace to my soul. I close my eyes and store the memory of the moment, to bring out when I need it, like a old favorite photo.

Inspiration for the Day

2011-06-02T12:24:00.005-04:00

PERFECT DAY (ending) ..I have loved this haunting, enchanting music and lyrics for years. Inspiration to see the beauty in everyday, every moment. Perfect Day (beginning)

Vegetable Gardens are Loving this HOT Weather...and I am NOT

2011-06-01T21:27:00.007-04:00

Well, all this hot and humid weather is heaven for the heirloom tomatoes, beans, cabbages, heirloom squashes, zucchini, cucumbers and everything, but NOT for ME. I have worked out in the heat everyday, and find I have to come in midday to escape and cool down. After a few hours of rest (housework seems like rest after weeding, and mulching in 95 degrees), I go back out again. Everyday involves hand weeding, mulching, watering. Some days we pick for the next day, but most of the time we pick just before I am taking produce to Whole Foods Market, Heron's at the Umstead, Lucky 32 Southern Kitchen, or Bella Mia, all in Cary, NC. This way they get the very freshest produce. Today Zucchini was literally in their hands 2 hours out of the field. The blossoms were still on some. It was a lovely sight. Think of the taste just pan fried in a little olive oil with sea salt. Can not get any better than that!

The hens do not like the hot weather. They sit or stand with their wings out a bit for air to circulate, and hassle with their mouths open. Chickens do not sweat, so have to regulate their temperature this way. I give them cold water twice a day, and they LOVE to stand in the water as it tickles out of the toughs over their feet! They also enjoy cold bananas..chickens love things that are sweet like fruit. I am sure that cools them down some too. They have a big fan inside the coop blowing onto the roost poles. They seem to enjoy the breeze. With the change to very hot weather, they are laying fewer eggs. Just at the time in the year when demand in up...that is farming!

Produce Boxes today were loaded! Garden Peas, Radishes (3 kinds), new red potatoes, grey and dark green zucchini, yellow crooked neck squash, white patti pan squash, crisp young pointed head cabbage, white onions, and crisp pickling and straight cucumbers. What a box! The same with be in boxes for the next week ...THEN the tomatoes start! SIGN UP NOW if you want a box delivered to the Fuquay, Chapel Hill, or Cary location. Call or email me for details. Would love to bring some great produce out to you, and I do special orders if you have favorites! Nothing like new red potatoes cooked in butter and olive oil. Yum!

A New Guard for the Chickens...Watch OUT Mr. Fox

2011-05-19T08:18:00.004-04:00

Emmy, the English Shepherd is now on patrol! Well, she is in TRAINING to be on patrol, but showing great promise. She is just a pup now, but already springs to action if anything seems the least bit unusual. English Shepherds are a very old farm dog breed, and perfect to guard the hens from those pesky fox, coyote,raccoon, and the WORSE of all...the HAWKS! She is so smart, already walking at heel,understanding "let's go EAT", and "walk through" (going through gates/doors"). I don't think I have ever had a pup catch on so quickly! The hens are just starting to accept her. At first they were VERY suspicious, not sure if she was a strange dog, or a funny looking fox, or what! The roosters sent out warning calls, and the hens ran for cover. They are getting over this after many walks in the pasture. Emmy looks at the hens, but shows no interest in chancing them. It will be a while before she is ready to solo this duty. I have added a link, in case you want to read more about the English Shepherd livestock guard .

Calum likes her, and has been a very good influence, with his gentlemanly manners (except for his recent embarrassing incident,when he ate a ENTIRE huge "highly digestible (thank goodness!) extra large nylabone!!) He would not look me in the eye! That's the last time I will have anything like that around! I was shocked! So unlike him!

The High Ground Farm Newsletter will be coming out soon. Let me know if you would like to be added to the list! A lot is going on here, so this is a way for folks to keep up with available produce, chick hatches, TOURS, COOKING CLASSES and new ART available for sell.

The "Henside the Beltline Tour d'Coop" is this Saturday, May 21. This is a gala spring event featuring beautiful chicken coops in Raleigh. Many are unexpectedly beautiful in gorgeous gardens. I am so glad folks are catching on to the joys of keeping chickens! They are wonderful to watch...calming, and sweet as they peck, and scratch. Check the website, and plan to come out. I just love this tour!

Java Eggs Hatching and other things

2011-05-06T21:23:00.005-04:00

Tomorrow I will NOT be at Whole Foods in Cary, NC. I have several family commitments and on top of that, a group of Java chicks hatching on Sunday. Several people will be picking up day old Java Chicks, so I have to get everything coordinated for the pick ups. Keeping my fingers crossed that they will all hatch! You just never know with hatching chicks. "Never count your chicks before they hatch"...is so true.

The gardens are looking great! 4 Fields of Heirloom Tomatoes (over 1000 plants in all!) , and long, long rows of all kinds of vegetables are greening up. I put in Big Kahuna White Hawaiian Ginger yesterday. It was already sprouting! I am eager to see how this does in NC. Today I added more Tromboncino Squash, White Acre Field Peas, Okra (my family just loves Okra) and Semonola Pumpkins. (I think this gardening thing is a addiction!...no really I do) Today I picked the first Snow Peas...delicious steamed and served over rich Risotto cooked with broth from roasting 2 fat Java cockerels (young roosters), and fresh smooth Kale...it was a feast. I have these wonderful birds in the freezer, and I am very spoiled with the flavor and richness.

Oh yes, the Bees are making honey! Yesterday Don was here to check the hive...and there is honey! He had to add 2 Supers! I saw the cutest (yes, I said cutest) sight yesterday morning. 2 honeybees were sitting on the edge of livestock bucket that catches rainwater under the eaves of the little barn. They were sipping water! Amazing sight. I also saw one bee sipping water from a tiny hole in the side of the bucket. So interesting these gentle bees.

The Flowers at High Ground Farm are SPECTACULAR

2011-05-04T09:23:00.005-04:00

Every year, I watch in awe as the perennials come to life...again. This is the most beautiful year ever, I say to Calum as we walk through the back garden, the Kitchen Garden, the border along the big barn, the chicken house flower border, and the pasture where "volunteers" (the annuals that reseed themselves in the fields,and unexpected places) surprise me.

The scent of old english roses is sweet perfume, but the scent of a old "ditch rose" that I transplanted from my parents house over 30 years ago where is grew wild all through the hedge rows, and ditches attracts me like no other. The scent floats thickly in the air like honey, it transforms the day. It is bliss. I do not know the real name of this ditch rose, but it is the best. Spring is magic here. The light in early morning is transforming. The peace and beauty of the new day is a sanctuary for my spirit. Standing quietly to let it seep in, it renews me.

Whole Foods Market in Cary, NC TODAY

2011-04-30T07:52:00.002-04:00

Just a quick note to let everyone know I will be at Whole Foods in Cary, NC today, Saturday April 30. This is the LAST DAY FOR TOMATO PLANTS! There will be no more plants, so come out between 11-2 today to get yours! 4.00 each for these hardy, well rooted plants! I will also bring a limited number of FARM FLOWER BOUQUETS, English Roses, Herbs, Bachelor Buttons, and what ever else I find this morning blooming, beautiful Spring Aprons I made last week, and a Original Watercolor Painting of ANNABELLE! Check it out on Facebook, High Ground Farm.

More later on the farm...See you at Whole Foods!

Busy, and Eventful Times at High Ground Farm

2011-04-25T13:33:00.011-04:00

Sorry for not posting over the past week.
Much has been going on here, so let me summarize:

I have lost my sweet companion, Susie, a Scottish Terrier to old age. She was a true terrier, who never gave up, and thought she was as big as anything wild in our woods. She hated snakes of any kind, but particularly copperheads, and would hunt for them, not only around the farm, but into the woods. Barking for hours, it seemed, to finally dispatch them. Seeing her gradually become less and less of herself was difficult. I recall the words of a poem: Death is nothing at all,
I have only slipped away into the next room.....by Henry Scott Holland 1847 -1918. I can see and hear Susie still....she has marked this beautiful place, and will always be a part of me.

The vegetable gardens are growing, but slowly due to the unusual weather, with cool nights, and slow to warm soils. I expect to start PRODUCE BOXES May 25 Wednesday, starting at Soil Toppers in Fuquay Varina Pick Up site. The rows, and rows of field peas, butterbeans, greenbeans, squashes, onions, potatoes, and AHHHhhh yes the Heirloom Tomatoes (over 500 plants in the ground) are looking great. The sweet spring rains are really helping them grow.

Flowers are perfuming the garden air, with Old English Roses (Cecille Bruner, Gertude Jeykll, to name a few) Iris, yellow, purple, and a funny brown/green are starting to bloom, and the blue batchelor buttons are popping out all over. I even saw a bunch in the pasture just this morning. (I just LOVE Volunteers) Speaking of volunteers, I see millions of Larkspur popping up in the back garden....waiting for warmer weather to bolt and then bloom.

I sprinkled in Zinnias, and Marygolds all over the perennial borders this morning. I literally have baskets and baskets of seeds, I saved from last years dead headings. I collect the dried blooms in baskets labeled with the color,and type of flower, and keep them dry in the barn for the next seasons planting. Cozillions of them!

The Hens are loving the Spring weather! They are foraging in the wooded shaded areas for bugs, and worms. They are eating organic leafy greens, fruits, and other vegetables everyday...they are so spoiled! They have a field of green, tender Rye Grass, they RUN to every morning.

I have a group of 40 eggs from "The Chosen Ones" , the best of the best Javas, in the incubator. I will candle them in a few days to see which ones are growing. Hopefully I will be reporting chicks by May 8th or so.

This week I will plant over 250 Heirloom Tomatoes in the tomato field, then the Hens paddock will be switched over by using gates to allow the Hens to graze the now month old Oats in the side pasture. The Tomatoes will be planted by hand in the rich soil of the tomato field, and mulched. I hope to have extra hands to make this go faster, with the wonderful folks at Whole Foods in Cary, volunteering! Yeahhhh !!

The Bees are doing well...but did I tell you one of the new hives LEFT! As I understand it, new hives sometimes do not like the queen! Oh my ! Is it her look, or her personality, or scent...well I do not know..but they just simply LEAVE. Well that is what happened with one of the hives. The other hive is doing great, and by the looks of all the activity thriving. I hope we can move another hive into the empty super, and try again.

Easter was celebrated in fine style at High Ground Farm! A sumptuous meal: Roasted and BBQ chicken, Field Peas,Fried Okra, Butterbeans, Pepper Relish, Fresh Berrys/Mango, Baked Cornbread with cheese/bacon, Risotto with rich broth/english peas. Then to top it off a decedent Black and White Chocolate Cake with Ice Cream to Celebrate a Birthday! Add to all the people, the food, a mix of dogs, BIG DOGS 3 in all...and .....well you have JOYOUS CHAOS ! In the middle of all this a friend dropping in to bring gifts of ferns, and geraniums, AND one of the dogs getting a bite from something requiring benadryl, and nursing care (good thing I have some experience in that department!). I am so grateful for it all!

Tomato Plants for Sale at Whole Foods in Cary, NC

2011-04-16T17:45:00.006-04:00

High Ground Farm will be at Whole Foods in Cary, tomorrow, Sunday 4-17-11 from about 11-2 with gorgeous heirloom tomato plants. They are a good 12-18 inches tall...and ready to be planted.

I spent the morning at a Animal Welfare Approved fundraiser at The Pit BBQ in downtown Raleigh. Lots of people came out to hear the great live music, and talk to us about AWA and farms that are approved. Animal Welfare Approved is a certification process in which a farm is audited yearly, to assure that livestock is allowed to live a natural life outdoors, and that the farm follows all AWA high standards.

What a storm we had! Heavy rain, and wind, but fortunately nothing more serious in our neck of the woods. Our neighbors to the west had severe tornado damage.

Tomorrow will be a bright day, full of sunshine, so come out to Whole Foods and pick up a few plants for your garden! See you there!

The Bees are here ...and other Surprises

2011-04-14T21:31:00.006-04:00

Today as I worked in the Kitchen Garden, I savored the quiet, and birdsong, as I soaked up the bright, bright sunshine, and swam in the warmth of the spring air. It was a brilliant day.

The climbing rose on the little chicken house is blooming..this was surprise, as I thought it would not be until next week. The scent of a English Rose was unmistakable as it drifted to my nose early this morning. Like a detective, I searched the farm for the source of this delicious rose perfume. There was a tiny pink rose bud inside the chicken lot which was bursting with scent. There are hundreds to go. I will welcome the fragrance, like a old friend.

Midday, I received a unexpected call that the Bees had arrived. Don with the Harnett County Beekeepers, drove up with everything in perfect order to install, and quite expertly set up 2 hives. This group of Italian Bees behaved quite nicely as he transferred them to their new hive. The queens were placed inside to eat there way through sugar candy to join the hive. By that time they will all accept her and hopefully make a happy group.

They were certainly a buzz all afternoon. I am sure they were trying to get their bearings after all the travels of the day, and now a new home. I expect to find them settled in the morning, and sending out scouts to find nector. Bees communicate in a amazingly sophisticated way.

The ferns are unfurling, and the Jack in the Pulpits are sending up their shoots. It is a time of renewal, birth, and growth...always leaves me humbled and grateful.

Beautiful Chicken Feed

2011-04-14T11:51:00.005-04:00

Last night as I was filling up the feeders (3, that together hold about 100lbs) I noticed again what beautiful grain these chickens eat! The fragrance is one of roasted nuttiness. Made of whole grains, including green peas.

Honestly, it looks like something to make sweet muffins out of! So here is a photo of it!

Made at Reedy Fork Farm in Elon, NC, a 5th generation Certified Organic dairy farm owned by the Teagues, which in addition to producing milk for Organic Valley, makes feed for diary cows, and chickens. The hens are VERY happy with it!

All that is Going On....Thomas is Always in the Shadows

2011-04-12T21:08:00.008-04:00

Today Thomas was lurking, along the edge of the Hen House....looking for mice! The hens do not even acknowledge his presence. They act as if he is invisible. I think they are so accustom to him, they see him as part of the flock. Not sure about that, but seems that way to me. Calum has discovered that Thomas somehow finds mice, and loves to go along for the chase. What a SIGHT it is to see big, old Calum crouched down, just like Thomas watching for mice, or any movement under the chicken house. But, Calum weighing around 95 pounds, is not as graceful as Thomas in the chase. A funny, funny sight.

Today we potted up about 250 heirloom tomato plants for the back field. This field now has chickens in it, scratching, and pecking...getting the dirt ready! I will turn the hens into the opposite field sowed with oats, when we plant. The oat field is beautiful, and the hens will love eating all the green tender shoots. I have volunteers coming to help with tomato planting. What a job it is, with digging the holes, putting in compose, lime, and then staking each one. But with extra hands it will be a pleasure, and a time to visit. So plan to come out to help if you want "practice" planting tomatoes!

The beets, radishes, Sugar Snaps, corn, and a few potatoes are up. With the warmer weather they should "take off" in the next week. The Batchelor Buttons are almost waist high, and loaded with blue buds. The English Roses (cecille bruner) are covering the chicken house, and the back garden walkway arbor is heavy with pink buds. It will be a sight to see when they all bloom. The scent of roses drifts, like perfume. I plan to sow the Zinnias in rows this week, and put in the Basil. Ahhhh yes, the bee's will love it here......

The Harnett County Beekeepers came out this past weekend to install 2 hives! I am so excited about having honey! I will have Harnett County honey for sale this year, but next year it will be High Ground Farm honey! Love it!

It is a beautiful time deep in these Harnett County woods. Plan to come for a tour...I have been told it is like stepping back in time. Another friend said, "I felt like I had been in another country!" So plan to come out to see for yourself!

Tomato Plants, Tomato Plants, Tomato Plants

2011-04-08T08:19:00.007-04:00

The Heirloom Tomato Plants are GROWING! Now around 7 inches tall, and have extensive root systems....are READY to go in the ground, or the pot. We are putting ours in the Tomato Field next week, SO get yours Saturday at Whole Foods Market in Cary, NC. I will be there tomorrow, Saturday April 9, 11-2.

I will be outside the store with the plants at the High Ground Farm Table. 4.00 each in 3 inch peat pots. Put them in NOW for yummy tomatoes in June! To pick from the greenhouse call John at 919-422-0308 near Duncan, NC.

There will also be Heirloom Tomato Plants for sale at Soil Toppers in Fuquay-Varina Saturday April 9. Go there for your compose,mulch needs, and pick wonderful Heirloom Tomato Plants for your garden!

I will also have individual cards for sale printed from Original Watercolor paintings, inspired by High Ground Farm. Blue Bird Houses, and Bat Houses (bats eat thousands of mosquito's every night!) too. See you there!

Java Hens Eating Their Breakfast

2011-04-06T20:43:00.002-04:00

Black, White, and Mottled Java hens enjoy fresh, organic apples, and lettuces for breakfast most mornings. They absolutely love fruit and come running when they hear me with the bucket. The hens scratch and eat bugs, worms and grass all day. They have organic vegetables and fruit once a day with grain. Because of this good food, the fresh air in the Harnett County woods, the bright sunshine, and the fresh cool well water, these light brown eggs have a bright orange yolk and are unusually delicious. They make a FINE fresh lemon pound cake, but are delicious as a poached egg, or in plain old scrambled eggs. Nothing like a fresh (as in, being hand gathered from the nest same day) egg!

Thomas Sitting in the Morning Sun

2011-04-03T20:51:00.005-04:00

This morning the air was clear and crisp. The sun like a bright crystal light. Thomas was basking in the rays...then he was off to stalk butterflies in the turnip field. It was a glorious morning, and the beauty was breath taking.

Tomato Season has Started

2011-04-01T22:16:00.004-04:00

Well, it's official, the tomato season has started! We loaded up the truck with plants tonight for a day at Whole Foods in Cary tomorrow from 11-2. Plan to come out to say hello, and pick up the great Heirloom Tomato plants you need for your garden! It is going to be a great summer for gardening...I can just feel it in my bones!

Tomato season for us, started about 6 weeks ago, putting each seed in a bit of soil in the greenhouse. But tonight was the first order going to market, and to Whole Foods. Exciting! After all the labeling, and sorting, and counting, and packing, I could not find my truck keys. I looked everywhere: in my pockets and in my purse twice, and could not find them. Then my farm partners, brought in the lights (it was dark down at the greenhouse), and we pulled everything out to the truck...coupon bags, a box of 15 ct egg cartons, several days of mail, hats, gloves, old drink cups, Goodness,does your truck ever get this much stuff in it? Well, after bringing out MORE lights, and re-searching the truck, the purse, the pockets, AGAIN. No keys. Did they walk off? By this time we were all cold and tired with the whole thing, so I was kindly driven home to get my spare key, and driven back. FINALLY, after getting home, doing all the chicken night work (closing up the chicken houses, and letting my guard dog out), feeding the dogs, the cat, and eating supper. I moved my coat, which was now empty of the phones, and noticed it felt a little heavy...checking the pockets, they were empty, BUT there was something in the hem of the coat...my KEYS! The pocket had a very small hole..and they must have somehow gotten through the hole! Exasperating!

Getting Back to Normal

2011-03-29T21:40:00.004-04:00

What a lovely day it was today! After the last few days of very cold weather....freezing last night with a frost, today, it seemed almost unreal. The sun and the warmth made it a pleasure to get outside. The Pollinators were all over the turnip blossoms. What a sight to see Swallow Tail butterflies out, and Wild HONEY BEE's. They were crazy over the yellow flowers of the turnips tops.

We tackled the last parts of the chicken pasture fencing. And yes, I was able to actually be of some help today. My back, I happy to report has healed! I packed posts, pulled fencing, let Calum in and out of the pasture too many times to count, cleaned out the big barn refrigerator
(it is truly amazing the stuff that accumulates in that thing!), sorted vegetables and fruits for the hens, planted cilantro, and delivered 27 dozen eggs to Whole Foods Market. All in a days work!

Spring...and the Slow down

2011-03-25T21:32:00.001-04:00

Well, it is Spring, but as I am reminded once again, I am not really in charge.

After raking, and weeding the entire Back Garden, hauling the leaves and grass clippings to the the tomato field, spreading new organic compose in a new 20 x 10 raised bed, cleaning 2 chicken houses, planting beets, peas, and onions, catching hens for the ALBC inspection, loading and unloading 500 lbs of grain, ... and running down to the pasture several times in a day to shew ( is that even a word?) the hawks who are circling over the hens, and crawling under the hen house to pull eggs out of the "secret nest"....... all in the last week, MY BACK has said too much!

So I am down on the couch in recovery mode ....for now. Watched "the complete story of Charlotte Bronte" (inspiration ) and napped as part of my back rehabilitation.

So much for plans. Catching up on my Java Chick Lists, and emails helps me feel as if I am doing something proactive. And I am mending at amazing pace!

Place your order for Heirloom Tomato Plants NOW

2011-03-10T13:20:00.005-05:00

We are taking orders for Heirloom Tomato plants NOW! Mortgage Lifter, Cherokee Purple, Brandywine pink and red, Carbon, Cherry Currant, Sun Gold, Gold Medal and others.

$5.00/3inch peat pot plant. Available for pick-up at the farm. Now also available in Cary and Chapel Hill, email for details.

Sign Up for Produce Boxes NOW

2011-03-09T15:12:00.005-05:00

Well, Spring is here, and the sweet English Peas, Red Onions, and Spinach is in the ground! Italian Honey Bees arrive in a few weeks, and White Ginger is going into special beds in anticipation of a fall harvest of Baby Ginger for your table. I am in a whirl as I go from one thing to the next!

Begins May 1. Produce Boxes will be available this year ON THE FARM on Sunday afternoon from 1-3; Saturday at Cary Whole Foods Market 11-2; and Wednesday 4-6 at Soil Toppers (1508 N. Main St. Fuquay-Varina). Boxes will contain bounty from the gardens as we harvest each week, including as available: radishes,onions,basil,heirloom tomatoes,cucumbers,heirloom squashes,field peas, greenbeans, melons, potatoes and more depending on the rain. Honey, eggs, and cut flowers will also be available as extra's.

Farm Tours are available Sunday 3pm by appointment-10.00 per person. Children under age 12 no charge.

SIGN UP FOR YOUR PRODUCE BOX NOW.

Visit to Stauber Farm in Bethania, NC

2011-03-09T14:33:00.000-05:00

I had a lovely visit with the owners of Stauber Farm just outside of Winston Salem, NC this week. A authentic working farm, on the National Historic Registry. The green hills were beautiful with lush gardens, just on the brink of bursting into foliage,and blossom. The St. Croix sheep were unexpectedly calm...and so beautiful! What a wonderful place for a wedding, or family event!

Update of the goings on at High Ground Farm

2011-03-09T14:21:00.000-05:00

Welsumer hens are just beginning to lay. This heritage breed was originally from Holland. They lay very dark brown eggs, often speckled with darker spots, and splotches. They are gentle, inquisitive hens. Often they come over to inspect as I fill the feeders, and tidy up the chicken barn. They are very special girls.

Livestock Fencing Workshop Report

2011-03-09T13:52:00.000-05:00

High Ground Farm was awarded a Good Husbandry Grant, from Animal Welfare Approved, for predator control. As part of fence construction, we partnered with AWA to present a Free Livestock Fencing Workshop over 2 weekends in February. What a amazing group of talented people volunteered! We had farmers from all over North Carolina gather to learn about fencing, and work together to put up the fence. Instructor John Griffin was the "captain" as he taught the basics of a good fence: post hole driving, making the posts level and plumb, pulling the fencing with a come along, stapling technique, and hanging gates. At lunch everyone come to the farmhouse for a feast of home cooked and grown produce, breads, and deserts. It was a fine time!

Delicious Rich Heirloom Breed Hen Eggs

2011-01-21T21:46:00.000-05:00

Silent Snow at High Ground

2010-12-27T09:56:00.000-05:00

Christmas Cards from orginal watercolor paintings

2010-12-06T19:18:00.001-05:00

The Grandeur of High Ground in Autumn

2010-11-17T19:38:00.000-05:00

Rosemary wreath with bounty foraged from High Ground Woods

2010-11-17T19:22:00.000-05:00

Beautiful Mottled Java Hen

2010-11-17T19:13:00.000-05:00

High Ground Farm on the Eastern Triangle Farm Tour September 18-19

2010-08-13T10:29:00.000-04:00

Carolina Farm Stewardship, Eastern Triangle Farm Tour will be September 18-19 this year, and High Ground Farm is, again, one of the 24 farms, which will offer a tour, and goods for sale from the farm. It is a wonderful way to connect with the many farms that supply the delicious vegetables, eggs, fruits, meats, and cheeses for local markets, restaurants, and grocery stores in the area.

A ticket may be purchased online, at a Triangle Whole Foods Market, or on the day of the Tour at the first farm you visit. It is a celebration of farm life, and all the wonderful produce brought to you by the farmers and the land. A lovely day of adventure for you and your family and friends!

The Summer, a Flurry of Produce !

2010-08-13T09:42:00.001-04:00

The summer is a flurry of activity: Tomato gathering, cutting basil from the kitchen garden, gathering eggs from the soft and gentle hens, washing, and packaging the bounty...and taking them to the waiting Chefs, and Whole Foods! My kitchen is more often, than not, littered with basil leaves, tomatoes waiting for me to freeze for the winter; jars, baskets, labels, and ribbons.

The usual events of country living unfold daily: Hens sitting on eggs, Thomas stalking mice in the barn, a Copperhead spotted in the Periwinkle thicket, crows whooping down on the maize yellow pears high in the ancient pear tree, the sound of a Bobcat cry jolting me from deep sleep, a face to face meeting with a coyote in the back pasture, and of course Calum always at my side to see it all.

There is such wonder and beauty here!

AUBURN Java Chicks at High Ground Farm

2010-05-27T22:29:00.000-04:00

3 weeks ago I received a surprise call from Tim Christakos, who works at the Museum of Science and Industry, in Chicago. For years he has been collaborating with Garfield Farm to carefully breed the Java Chicken. He is responsible for bringing back the thought to be extinct White Java...AND NOW the very rare AUBURN JAVA which is making a come back. I was delighted to hear he had some extra Javas including the AUBURN Java. These beautiful chicks are doing well after a rocky start due to being lost between Chicago and North Carolina...OH MY. I have 4 Auburns, and one Black Java with a Auburn gene which was tagged at the Museum. I will keep careful records and let Tim know what happens as they mature, and have offspring. I had 4 Auburn's hatch from my Black Java stock (also out of Garfield Farm stock) this spring. The rooster was black but had a recessive Auburn gene. It takes many people who are dedicated to maintaining breed standard, and a careful breeding program to promote this wonderful breed, the Java.

The pasture fence is completed

2010-05-27T22:15:00.000-04:00

After weeks of work, the 3 acre pasture is fenced! With the help of my sons, and anyone who would lend a hand, the tomato garden is fenced to protect from the deer AND the hens. The pasture is fenced to keep the hens in their space and out of the vegetable and flower gardens. What a ordeal it was before, with constant herding to keep them out of the seedlings!

The hens are so happy to be out all day the lush green grass, and Red Clover. They send the day scratching up worms, bugs,chasing butter flys and AHHhh yes, the dust baths. It is a pretty sight to see. They are so peaceful.

High Ground Farm Table Local Market Schedule May 2, 2010

2010-05-01T21:11:00.000-04:00

The High Ground Farm Table will be at Whole Foods Market in Cary, NC Sunday May 2 from 11am until 3pm. The Table will be brimming with cut herbs; English Roses; Heirloom Tomato Plants; Bird Houses, Bat Houses made from reclaimed cedar and pine; watercolor chicken and garden cards; "Hen and Chick" oil on canvas painting, and a limited number of high quality prints; AND OF COURSE there will be rich, delicious Java Hen eggs available in the produce section of Whole Foods Market. See you there!

Java Chickens featured on , " The Chicken Whisperer" on Blog Talk Radio

2010-04-13T14:08:00.000-04:00

Today I had the opportunity to talk about Java Chickens, on "The Chicken Whisperer" a Blog Talk Radio program, click on Link to the Right to hear the entire program. Such fun to share ideas about promoting the Java Chicken breed! The program also provides daily information on keeping backyard poultry, sustainable farming, and many other topics of interest for the small farmer.

High Ground Farm Table Local Market Schedule

2010-04-07T16:37:00.000-04:00

High Ground Farm tomato plants, Art, Birdhouses and Bags will be available at the Fuquay Fresh Local Farmers Market at Soil Toppers in Fuquay-Varina, Saturday April 10 from 9 until 1; Whole Foods Market, Cary, NC-Sunday April 11 from 11am until 3pm.

Heirloom Tomato Plants FOR SALE!

2010-03-30T08:18:00.001-04:00

The Heirloom Tomato Plants are BEAUTIFUL! Potted in organic 3 inch pots and READY for your garden! 3 dollars each.They are available by pick up from the greenhouse by calling John at 919-422-0308.

Heirloom Tomato plants are also part the High Ground Farm Table at Cary Whole Foods in Cary, NC Saturday April 3 from 9-3, along with Farm Bags, Farm inspired art note cards, oil paintings, and a limited number of chicken and chick prints.

Beginning in mid-April the High Ground Farm Table will be at the Fuquay Fresh @ Soiltoppers, in Fuquay Varina, NC. This market will offer LOCAL farm produce, art, and local music....a wonderful blend of local farm produce and talent! A great place for a family outing on Saturday morning!

Heirloom Tomato Plants...Spring is almost here! The Cherokee Purples,Arkansas Traveler, Homesteads, Brandywines are ALL thriving in the greenhouse!

2010-03-12T16:48:00.001-05:00

Snow at High Ground

2010-03-12T15:42:00.000-05:00

The Quiet and Peace was only enhanced by the beautiful downy snow in February. It was a lovely sight. The Chickens HATED it...they stayed in their cozy house all day!

Pastured heirloom hen eggs

2010-02-05T11:48:00.001-05:00

In High Ground Farm kitchen, beautiful pastured heirloom breed hen eggs are carefully inspected, cleaned and packaged. The yolks are dark orange, making a delicious meal, or any recipe better. Available at Whole Foods Market in Cary, NC, and this summer at a farmers market to be announced later.

UPDATE ON THE FARM

2010-02-05T10:26:00.000-05:00

We have been VERY busy on the Farm over the past month. Dan Jarman and I added insulation to the new hen house to keep the girls warm in all this winter weather. We also built a great fenced compose area under the trap door used to push out all the chicken manure and bedding. I am so pleased with this very useful detail. Clean out is quick with a push broom. Dan kept the flooring, and the trim around the trap door smooth so VERY EASY. I am looking forward to using this rich compose soil this summer to grow lots of Heirloom Tomatoes, and vegetables.

I have carefully selected Heirloom Tomatoes for the garden this year. Cherokee Purple, Homestead, Morgage Lifter, Orange Flesh Purple Smudge to name a few. The Tomato garden spot is being enriched with compose, and soon to be fenced. I am so excited. Hope to see you all at Whole Foods in Cary, NC. and the Farmers Market.

I continue to be inspired by this peaceful wonderful place...HIGH GROUND FARM. Chicken scenes catch my eye and have to be put on canvas. These works are available at THE FARM SHOP.

The New Hen House, “The Chicken Palace”

2009-12-09T13:39:00.000-05:00

"THE CHICKEN PALACE" is almost complete! The hens were moved in last week, and are VERY happy in their new home, thanks to Dan, President and Owner of Jarman's Construction, who worked closely with me to build this beautiful, and ingenious chicken house design. Dan is a wonderful carpenter and contractor with a degree from North Carolina State University in Poultry Science. This unique background was perfect for this project. We kept chicken psychology in the forefront as the living environment was designed. This nontraditional chicken house design is the result of my 30 years' experience in keeping chickens, with features to make the Keeper's job less work and to enhance the environment for the chickens' well-being.

Java chickens enjoy fresh well water everyday!

2009-10-26T07:29:00.000-04:00

Early Sunday morning breakfast at High Ground Farm was a mixture of corn, wheat, oats, soy, apples, pears, and greens!

High Ground Farm a haven for pastured Java Chickens

2009-10-12T18:56:00.000-04:00

The High Ground Farm house dazzles in the soft sunlight. It is considered a excellent example of rural farmhouse architecture from southwest North Carolina in 1860. The house has been carefully restored to this time period. Here time slows down.

HIGH GROUND FARM STORE

2009-10-12T17:02:00.001-04:00

Beauty, Calm and Quiet describes High Ground Farm. The new HIGH GROUND FARM STORE has been created for us to share this beautiful way of life. Visit the HIGH GROUND FARM STORE for farm inspired goods to bring to your home! Other items from the Farm will be added occasionally, so check with us from time to time to see what is new!

Heavy Canvas Java Chicken Shopping Tote

2009-10-12T16:58:00.001-04:00

Insulated zippered pocketed Java Chicken Tote

2009-10-12T16:50:00.000-04:00

High Ground Farm inspired Shopping JAVA Totes

2009-10-12T16:34:00.000-04:00

Inspired by High Ground pastured Java Chickens, these beautiful shopping bags promote chickens who are allowed to live naturally. This original screen printed sketch is by the owner of High Ground Farm. The screen printer is also a local artisan. All available from THE HIGH GROUND FARM STORE for your home.

Java Hens graze in the sweet clover pasture

2009-10-08T17:01:00.000-04:00

The hens were on there very best behavior as they grazed on the green pasture for all the visitors during the Carolina Farm Stewardship Farm Tour September 19 and 20, 2009.

Gentle Java Hens talk amongst themselves

2009-10-08T16:58:00.001-04:00

2009-10-08T16:51:00.000-04:00

2009-09-23T08:21:00.000-04:00

The Carolina Farm Stewardship 4th annual Eastern Triangle Carolina Farm Tour was a great success September 19, and 20, 2009. We had over 100 visitors who marveled at the beauty of High Ground Farm. The Java chickens were on their best behavior as they grazed in the pasture. The guests enjoyed original art inspired by High Ground Farm, including organic cotton shopping bags with Java Chicken sketches, oil paintings, and watercolor note cards. The Muscadine grapes, figs, fresh Java eggs, and fresh lemon pound cake were all in abundance for the visitors to purchase.

2007-10-23T12:42:00.000-04:00

The Java Chicken is the perfect homestead bird. Gentle, curious, social, excellent foragers, hearty, and devoted mothers.

2007-10-23T12:38:00.001-04:00

A beautiful Black Java Hen and her chick

2007-10-23T12:00:00.000-04:00

A relaxed porch view of High Ground Farm

2007-10-23T11:01:00.000-04:00

View of the High Ground Farm house walking up from the barn

2007-10-23T10:57:00.000-04:00

A warm Spring day on High Ground Farm

2007-10-23T10:54:00.000-04:00

A Black Java Hen with her White Java Chick still on the nest.

A Black Java Rooster stands tall and on guard! Protective of his flock, but gentle with people.

2007-10-22T12:54:00.000-04:00

Big gentle Black Java hens graze in spring grass.

2007-10-22T12:49:00.001-04:00

White Java Chickens and Black Javas enjoy greens and spring insects for lunch!

2007-10-22T12:03:00.001-04:00

Java hens are excellent mothers. They are very broody in spring and summer, eager to sit on eggs.

2007-10-22T11:58:00.001-04:00