From November 2024 through pretty much today, weather and its residual effects have not been kind to Lifesprings Farm and Aviary. A harsh winter storm began in November and dumped close to three feet of snow in one day. After that, the snow kept coming and coming and coming. It was accompanied by brisk, coldContinue reading “2025 Season Update”
Author Archives: Jeff and Rita
The Importance of Groundcover in the Garden
I spent my early gardening years working with dirt and a rear tine tiller. When that tiller died close to eight years ago, I had to change my method or cough up a ridiculous amount of money to buy a new one. Since money was precious (and is even more so in today’s world), IContinue reading “The Importance of Groundcover in the Garden”
Animal of the Month: The American Wood Duck
The American Wood Duck is found in most areas around the United States and the southern part of Canada. During the winters, they tend to migrate from the northern areas to more southerly ones. This colorful bird was once nearly hunted into oblivion. Habitat dwindled as well, which contributed to the loss of the WoodContinue reading “Animal of the Month: The American Wood Duck”
Animal of the Month : Smew Duck
The Smew is a striking little merganser found primarily in Eurasia (mostly Russia and Scandinavia), though some sightings have placed them in British Columbia, Alaska, and even the state of Washington. These sightings are fairly rare, however. Since no other duck in North America or even Canada looks close to the Smew, getting them mixedContinue reading “Animal of the Month : Smew Duck”
Babies in the Aviary
We have begun our summer season in the aviary and this year’s hatch is looking good. I thought I would share with you some of the little birds that are growing fast. There are still birds laying, such as the Baikal Teal. Jeff showcases this beautiful duck in his latest YouTube post at: https://youtu.be/37TPgDwgaOg
Visions of Spring Dancing in my Head
I have visions of spring gardening dancing in my head for real. Today is sunny but cold, only a high of 23o F. Spring doesn’t reach the zone we are in, 4b, until sometime in May. However, the dreaming goes on and with it, semi-plans memorized or put onto paper (or into a computer). DuringContinue reading “Visions of Spring Dancing in my Head”
My Version of Garden Planning
At this time of year, every homesteader or prepper seems to be planning their garden. They use charts and other tools to perfectly plan what they want to put in the space(s) that they have along with just where each plant will be. I’m not that organized. Last year, I put a lot of informationContinue reading “My Version of Garden Planning”
Animal of the Month – Tufted Duck
The Tufted Duck is a Eurasian duck that , in the winter months, is usually found across Asia, Europe, and Africa. It is a diving duck that will sometimes reach the eastern and western coasts of North America during the fall and winter migrating season, but this is lesser common. During the breeding season, theyContinue reading “Animal of the Month – Tufted Duck”
New Season – Swap Meets for 2021
We are happy to say that we will be at the following swap meets this fall of 2021: September 11, 2021 – Montrose Orchard, 12473 Seymour Road, Montrose, MI 48457 September 18, 2021 – Shipshewana Trading Place, 260-768-4129 October 9, 2021 – Kent County Youth Fairgrounds, 225 South Hudson St., Lowell, MI 49331 October 16,Continue reading “New Season – Swap Meets for 2021”
Animal of the Month – Canvasback Duck
The Canvasback Duck is a relatively large diving duck that is successfully raised in private collections, though its natural habitat is lakes and marsh areas across North America. In the winter, they migrate to the coastal shores and some inland lakes that do not freeze over. In the summer, they can migrate as far northContinue reading “Animal of the Month – Canvasback Duck”
Life-Springs-Farm and Aviary 