Hi everyone!
It’s been a beautiful spring with so much to do here at Lynch Creek Farm. Since it’s been awhile since I’ve written a newsletter, I thought it would be nice to share what we’ve been up to. First, however, I want to let you all know that I’ve been thinking a great deal about our customers and everyone touched by COVID-19. This has been such a challenging time and my heart goes out to everyone who has been impacted by the pandemic. I hope this Farm update finds you well and gives you some insight into farm life while brightening your day a bit with a touch of humor combined with a little reality.
Some people have asked what we do during the 9 months we are not creating and shipping our fresh holiday products. You might assume we’re kicking back and relaxing, right?....Well, there is a little of that in early January (we do need a break), but the bon-bons quickly run out and then it’s time to focus back on Farm business. Spring is a busy time on the Farm here in Shelton, Washington. In fact, the Farm is our family home and is separate from the nearby wreath facility where we make and ship our holiday products. Yes...they are two different places. Due to the pandemic, I’ve mostly been working from home instead of the office, right beside my wife Tracey (yes….she’s my new co-worker!). In fact, Tracey (co-worker/wife/self-appointed project manager) has been busy assigning tasks to her new found farm-hand Andy (that’s me!). She has really taken to her new role and is quickly excelling at providing direction.
Right now it’s dahlia time on the farm. Each year, we plant several acres of dahlia tubers (14,000 dahlia plants to be exact) that bloom from early August until October. The field, full of blooms, is a sight to behold. We love sharing it with the community all summer for U-Pick flower picking.
One of my wife’s favorite projects was directing me in the building of a new goat fence on our property (when I say “favorite” projects that again might be another lie!! :) We did stay married during the fence building process but it was touch and go for a bit. Apparently, I needed a lot of direction! At least the new fence is up and our goats Gilibert, Chuck, Daphne, and Little Oliver are happy. Now they have more space to roam outside the big red barn.
Speaking of the barn, we are currently in the beginning process of restoring the 100 year-old barn to its former glory. Actually, “we” refers to my wife telling me what the barn will eventually look like, and how I will go about making it look that way... That’s for another newsletter which will be coming soon!
Additionally, we greatly expanded our berry garden and added tayberries, marionberries, boysenberries, honey berries, blueberries, and strawberries, because who can have too many berries in the summer? Plus my daughters Natalie and Georgia will need something to do this summer if working in the dahlias doesn’t keep them busy enough (they both work in the dahlia field, for real!).
The entire Lynch Creek Farm team and I continue to prepare for an exciting 2020 holiday season. We’ve already designed many new wreaths, centerpieces, and tabletop trees that we know our customers will love. Our bow-makers continue to tie bows, and the team is planning for another amazing season ahead. Fun fact - did you know we have 13 ladies who tie bows all year round for the Farm! Those beautiful bows are all handmade.
I hope this letter provided a little insight into life on the Farm, from my perspective of course. We’d love to hear from you to know how you're holding up, so please reach out. Until next time, take care of yourselves and stay healthy!
Andy Hunter
CEO/Farm-hand