Rainbows in the Snow

Heading into March we welcome the warmth of the sun on our backs, waiting patiently for the snow to melt and the pussy willows to open for another year. Spring on the farm is one of our favourite seasons. Colourful rows seem more vibrant now against the white snow blanketing our landscape. This is a beautiful place to live and work.  Please enjoy some of the breathtaking scenery we see every day.

Yellow Curly Willow and the rolling Northumberland Hills beyond.

Spectacular fire-orange Flame willow.

Hydrangea, Yellow Dogwood, Cardinal Dogwood and Flame Willow.

Rainbow fields of The Branch Ranch.

Yellow Dogwood and Flame Willow.

A March snow storm enhances the drama. 

The Lovely Pussy Willow

Some Pussy Willow inspiration for spring.

markdsikes.com

unebricoleuse.blogspot.ca

bhg.com

beautifulblooms.com

lizziefarey.co.uk

marigoldandmint.com

leafmag.tumblr.com

debbyschuh.typepad.com

Ilex Verticillata

Nothing says holidays quite like Ilex Verticillata, also known as Winterberry. This shrub is a species of holly native to North America. At the end of the season Ilex branches are covered in large, vivid red berries which attracts birds and brightens the winter landscape. In order to produce berries, a male plant must be present to pollinate the female fruit bearng shrubs. 

Ilex in fall.

Jill and Gina bring in the branches.

These berry laden branches are surprisingly heavy! 

Ilex and Magnolia

Ilex bundles.

Stick Heaven

Our sticks are extremely photogenic at this time of year. With cooler nights on the way they should continue to colour up even more and drop those pesky leaves so that the strippers can process bundles faster.  

Yellows and reds on the truck for delivery. 

Flame willow ready for stripping.

 Reds stripped and ready for bundling. 

Reds, Yellows and Cardinals.

The pile is growing!