A gorgeous day with a true festival atmosphere, a multitude of vendors, and great entertainment made for a grand day for all who attended the 2008 Festival by the River in Fries VA.

Please look over the list. If there is ANYTHING you can do or donate please let me know by 5 pm Friday August 15th. We need your help.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………...

Saturday, August 16, 2008

Peter Pan at the Historic Rex

Doors open at 6:00 pm – Ticket Booth Volunteers and Concession stand volunteers need to arrive approximately 5:45 pm.

7:00 Pre-Show
7:20 Peter Pan
9:20 Movie End / Clean Up

Let us know if you will be able to help!

Volunteers to work the concession stand - Volunteers will be able to rotate in and out of the concession stand. Four max at a time.)

1. Jane Reynolds
2. Interact Kids?
3. Kim Osborne
4.

Volunteers to bring in baked goods for concession stand and/or individual bagged chips.

1.
2.

Hot Dog Buns (100 Total) 1. WE HAVE PLENTY!

Hot Dogs (100 Total) 1. WE HAVE PLENTY!

Mustard, Ketchup, Mayo - WE HAVE PLENTY!

Slaw and Onions

1.

Hot Dog Chili (8 cans total)- WE HAVE PLENTY!

Drinks - Donated by Pepsi

Volunteer to work the ticket window

1. Kay Cochran
2.

Volunteers to help clean up after movie

1. Willard and Frances Chappell
2. Terry Sartain?
3.
4.

Movie Fees & Advertising Package ($350) - Bearly a Memory and Snickerdoodles

Rex Facility Use - City of Galax


Prizes for Best Dressed Boy / Girl - Bearly a Memory


Sincerely,

Lynn Warf

Twin County United Way
121 West Grayson Street
P.O. Box 300
Galax, VA 24333
276-236-9070

www.twincountyunitedway.com

GIVE. ADVOCATE. VOLUNTEER. LIVE UNITED!

TCUW Mission: To increase the organized capacity of people to care for one another right here at home.

Thank You For Your Support!

Events for 2008


August 4th “Virginia State Peach Pageant” - Entry forms are available through the PC Chamber Office for Tiny Miss Peach, Little Miss Peach, Jr. Miss Peach, and Miss Peach. Winners will receive a $250 Savings Bond. The sponsor fee is $50. Time is 6:00 p.m. and tickets are $3.00 each. The PC Chamber can be reached at 276-694-6012.

August 9th “Country Gospel Jamboree” - Debbie Bennett and Bruce Trent are hosting a great line-up of entertainment this evening. Connie Strange from Marion, Indiana is the special guest gospel singer. Also, performing are The Southern Prophets. Time: 6:00 p.m., doors open at 5:00 p.m. Tickets are $10.00 each and children 6 and under get in free.

August 23 “The Hutchens and Virginia Sky” concert. Come hear the wonderful country sounds of our own Hutchens family. General Admission tickets are $10.00 for adults and $5.00 for children under 12. Time: 7:00 p.m.

Sept. 13 “Patrick County Jr./Miss Fair Pageant” - Come participate and enjoy the wonderful youth from our region. These pageant winners will be eligible to participate in the Miss Virginia pageant. The fun begins at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $5.00 ages 14-adult, $3.00 for 6-12 years, and free for those under 6.

Sept. 20 “An Evening with Buddy Holly” - Robbie Limon is back with another grand performance. Two one and a half hour shows at 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Tickets are VIP seating (front two rows on main and balcony center) $20.00, all others $15.00 general admission.

Oct. 24, 25 “The Unexpected Salvation of the Bent Bottom Band” - This dinner show is back by popular demand for the last time. Features local talent and hosted by Stuart Presbyterian Church. Tickets are only $10.00 each and show times begin at 7:00 doors open at 6:00 p.m.

Dec. 5 & 6 Christmas Special Dinner Show - More details to follow.

The Star Line Dance Classes taught by Sue Ann Ehmann. Tuesday mornings at 11:00 a.m. Cost $25.00 per month or $45.00 for two months.

The Star Theatre is available for rental for your class reunion, Red Hat group, business dinner meetings, wedding receptions, etc. Please call 276-694-7064 to reserve your special date and obtain rates. Email: startheatre@embarqmail.com
*Gift Certificates are available. Website: www.historicstartheatre.com for changes.

Issue No.5 Mid July 2008

Beagle Ridge News from the Farm

In This Issue
Natural fertilizers and what does NPK really mean?
August Schedule
Quick Links
www.beagleridgeherbfarm.com


I hate to open this newsletter with sad news but I just wanted to share the passing of Gregg's mother Eleanor. Many of you have met Gregg's parents at one of our open houses and if you met her you loved her. She has been ill for several years and is finally at peace and our focus shifts to making sure Harry, my wonderful father in law, is taken care of. I have been blessed with wonderful inlaws and thanks for all the prayers in this trying time.

We had planned to be closed in August to spend some time up in Ohio with his parents and now this is even more important. We will be open until this Sunday, July 27 and then will close until Sept 4th. unless you have made previous arrangements for a visit. We have classes scheduled in August and several groups on the calendar, so call if you would like to have your group visit at the farm and we will see if we can accomodate. We will then reopen Thursdays- Sundays until Garlic Thyme Oct 4th.and hope to see you then.

I just wanted to let everyone know we finally go the new web store up and running. As of this time I am still only running paypal for those of you who use credit cards, but am hoping to change that shortly. Almost all of our products are featured with pictures, a couple of the pictures show my lack of photographic skills, but I am working on it. So be sure to check out the store/products page on the website. www.beagleridgeherbfarm.com

We also have a couple of new products which will be available August 1st. Be sure to check out what is new.

Natural Fertilizer-Comfrey
If you haven't met Comfrey yet- you don't know what you are missing.
I am often asked about the type of fertilizer we use at the farm. Most of you know we do not use ANY at the farm. Well then, what do I use? Comfrey. Plants will deplete the soil, using up the nutrients, so a top dressing of mulch, leaf mold, manure or compost needs to be added yearly. We add new mulch or compost to some plants, and Comfrey to everything else.

Comfrey is a perennial, a bio-activator for the compost pile, a metabolism booster and a great fertilizer. We fertilize the gardens once a year with a Comfrey tea, Yes once and only once. If we had vegetable gardens, I would probably do it monthly, since vegetables do require a lot of fertilizer. The comfrey is high in potassium and magnesium (one of the necessary trace minerals) and makes the plants hardy against disease and drought. Now ther is a down side to this amazing plant, if you take it internally it can lead to miscarriages, this includes feeding it to animals. Do not feed it to your sheep, etc. while lambing!!!

The wonderful blooms in June are attractive to bees, and the large foliage makes a statement in the garden. This is when we cut the leaves and begin to make our compost tea. Here are the steps: Fill a 5 gallon bucket with Comfrey leaves (the new foliage will grow back in a couple of weeks; it will not however, rebloom). Now fill the bucket with water and lay it out of the way where the odor will not affect anybody. In a couple of weeks it will be ready to use. This brown gelatinous mess is fabulous. Add one cupful to 2 gallons and water your plants. I just happen to have a 2 gallon watering can so this is my measurement- not very scientific but it has worked for us for years.
We repeat this procedure until every plant has received a dose of tea. The remaining residue may be thrown into the compost pile. For those of you who would rather not go through these steps there is an alternative. Cut the leaves and throw them into the compost pile- they will speed up the decomposition of the pile, thus making rich compost quicker. Either way your plants will benefit.

The nice thing about this is that you can not burn your plants the way you can with a chemical fertilizer. That for me is a good enough reason, it is safe, it is natural and it is organic. So much for my Comfrey lecture!! Comfrey is available at the farm, two types, a Russian and a smaller creeping variety. I have only used the Russian for my Comfrey tea as it produces so many more leaves. Russian will get to 3' wide by 3' tall, blooms a bluish purple hanging bell shaped flowers, while the other variety is about 12" tall, spreads to 36"wide and blooms with a white bell shaped flower.

What NPK means? understanding chemical fertlizers

Plants need 16 nutrient elements to grow. There are the main elements NPK, which are usually required in large dosages and trace minerals, required in minute amounts. Unfortunately these elements are not always readily available in soil. That's why fertilizers usually contain these elements, listed as N-P-K. The N stands for nitrogen, the P for phosphorus, and the K for potassium.
They all serve a different purpose and together provide the necessary components for plant growth. Nitrogen helps plant foliage to grow strong. Phosphorous helps roots and flowers grow and develop. Potassium (potash) assists plants in forming starches and proteins, thus promoting plant hardiness, disease resistance, and a tolerance to drought and cold.
The three numbers listed on bags of fertilizer equate to the total weight (amount) of each substance contained in each bag. The first number tells you the percentage of Nitrogen present, the second the percentage of Phosphorus, and the third is the percentage of Potassium. The three numbers represent the weighted total of each element per bag. For example, a 100-pound bag of 30-10-10 fertilizer has a ratio of 3:1:1; where 30 percent of the 100 pound bag (30 pounds) is nitrogen, 10 percent (10 pounds) is phosphorus, and 10 percent (10 pounds) is potassium. The additional 50 pounds are filler ingredients often used to help you apply the product. These various element combinations help create the optimal blend for each purpose. Typically for most garden vegetables, well-balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of N, P, and K, such as 10-10-10, is all you need. Specific plants, such as grass, will appreciate more nitrogen in the spring.

August schedule

As you can see the gardens are in bloom. This picture of the habitat garden shows the butterfly bush in the foreground as it just beginning to bloom.



Our August schedule is as follows: As I mentioned earlier in the newsletter we will be closed except for classes and group tours.

August 16th we will have several classes: we will have the rain barrel class at 10 and a class on Harvesting and preserving your herbs at 1:00. Lunch will be available for those of you who will be staying all day, it will be a cookout lunch and cost $7.50.
Registration is required for classes and lunch.

The rain barrel class will include information on how and why they are important, how much water a barrel will collect and most importantly you will make and take home a completed rain barrel. Cost will be $50.00 and additional barrels will be available.
At 1:00 we will have the Harvesting herbs class which will run until approx. 2:30. Come and spend the day and walk the gardens, watch the wide variety of butterflies and be sure to bring your camera.

Speaking of cameras, I am working on a Photography in the Garden Class. Any interest out there? Let me know if I should pursue it, I for one am very excited and I hope you will be too.

Plants will be on sale this Saturday and Sunday. Since we will be closed I figure why not give you a price break and give me less to water while we are closed. Come see what kind of a discount is available. Roll the dice for your discount.
Be sure to mention this newsletter to get the dice.

Sincerely,
Ellen
Beagle Ridge Herb Farm
1934 Matney Flats Rd
Wytheville, Virginia 24382
276-621-4511

Beagle Ridge Herb Farm | 1934 Matney Flats Rd | PO 419 | Wytheville | VA | 24382

Mark your calendar to join Twin County United Way at the Historic Rex Theater, Downtown Galax, for Classic Movie Night!

This month’s feature – Saturday, July 19:
Twin County United Way in partnership with the City of Galax, the Historic Rex Theater and community supporters Terry and Debra Sartain will present Walt Disney’s 1937 first full length animated classic “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” on Saturday, July 19, 2008 at the Historic Rex Theater Downtown Galax.

2008 Movie Listing Below:
All shows will begin at 7:00 on and will feature newsreels, commercials and cartoons from the era the movie was first shown to give patrons an experience of what it was to go to the movies back then. In addition, starting at 6:00, there will be classic pre-show music playing in the theater and moviegoers are welcome to show up early for this rare treat. The cost for admission is $2.50 and refreshments, including hotdogs, popcorn and homemade baked goods will be available.

Saturday, August 16, 2008 at 7:00 pm
1953 - Peter Pan at The Historic Rex Theater in Downtown Galax
Presented by:
Bearly a Memory
Snickerdoodles
The City of Galax
The Historic Rex Theater
Twin County United Way

***************************************************
Saturday, September 20, 2008 at 7:00 pm
1944 - Arsenic & Old Lace at The Historic Rex Theater in Downtown Galax
Presented by:
The City of Galax
The Historic Rex Theater
Twin County United Way

***************************************************

Saturday, November 15, 2008 at 7:00 pm
1939 - Wizard of Oz at The Historic Rex Theater in Downtown Galax
Presented by:
The City of Galax
The Historic Rex Theater
Twin County United Way

***************************************************

Saturday, December 20, 2008 at 7:00 pm
1946 - It’s A Wonderful Life at The Historic Rex Theater in Downtown Galax
Presented by:
The City of Galax
The Historic Rex Theater
Twin County United Way


All movie and concession proceeds will benefit Twin County United Way’s 2008 Capital Campaign in which over 28 non-profit health and human care agencies receive needed funding to provide programs to residents in the Twin County area of Galax City, Grayson County and Carroll County. Programs include emergency fire and rescue, youth and seniors, relief and emergency care, health and rehabilitation and community service.

If you are interested in sponsoring an upcoming TCUW Movie Night or joining the 2008 efforts of the Twin County United Way please contact Lynn Warf at 276-236-9070.

Thank you for your support!

Sincerely,
Kim Rosenbaum
Twin County United Way
121 West Grayson Street
P.O. Box 300
Galax, VA 24333
276-236-9070
www.twincountyunitedway.com

GIVE. ADVOCATE. VOLUNTEER. LIVE UNITED!

TCUW Mission: To increase the organized capacity of people to care for one another right here at home.

Thank You For Your Support!

Stage Set for July 25 & 26 Beach Music Event

Groseclose, VA July 11, 2008 - Preparations are nearing completion for what is being billed as one of the largest beach music and oldies events ever staged in Southwestern Virginia. Set for July 25 and 26, BeachFest ’08 will present eight bands, many considered to be Beach Music legends, in Davis Valley Winery’s state-of-the-art amphitheatre.

The talent lineup includes the Tams, the Catalinas, The Embers, and the Fantastic Shakers, all of whom have songs on most top 100 beach songs lists. Beach Music fans who attend this event can shag to such classics as I Love Beach Music by the Embers, Be Young - Be Foolish - Be Happy and What Kind of Fool Do You Think I Am by the Tams, Summertime is Calling Me by the Catalinas, Myrtle Beach Days and Shakin’ the Shack by the Fantastic Shakers, and scores of other beach music and oldies hits.
The Carolina Beach Music Academy’s 2007group of the year, Jim Quick and Coastline will perform, along with Sammy O’Banion and Mardi Gras, the Entertainers, and the Kings.

“We have worked very hard to present a first-class event,” said winery owner, Rusty Cox. “We’re bringing in a dance floor which we will set up right in front of the stage for the shag dancers to strut their stuff and our big natural amphitheatre is perfect for just sitting back and enjoying the music and the performers.”
Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the gate for Friday evening’s performances, which begin at 6 p.m. Saturday’s performances start at 12 noon and tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the gate. The best deal is the two-day weekend pass for $25.

A variety of food, Davis Valley’s award-winning wines, and other beverages will be available at the festival. However, Virginia’s ABC regulations prohibit bringing in other alcoholic beverages.
Among the food selections is a perennial crowd favorite, Davis Valley Winery’s Famous Buffalo Burgers. Buffalo are raised on winery-owned farm property not far from the winery itself.

Beach Music is a phenomenon that began in the Virginia and Carolinas coastal resort areas as an outgrowth of Rhythm & Blues music. Beach Music began evolving into its own genre in the 1950s and really took its own identity when a dance called the Shag - with its own rhythm and dance moves - evolved out of bop dancing. Now, there are Shag clubs all over the eastern U.S.

Mr. Cox reports that beach music fans from several adjacent states have purchased advance tickets.

Davis Valley Winery’s official address is Rural Retreat, Virginia but it is actually located near the community of Groseclose, just 1.5 miles from I-81 Exit 54 between Wytheville and Marion, Virginia.
BeachFest ’08 will be held rain or shine and everyone is urged to bring their own lawn chairs and blankets. Visit www.dvwinery.com or call 276-686-8855 for details and to purchase advance tickets. Advance tickets must be purchased by July 18.

Performance Schedule:
Friday, July 25th
6:00 pm The Kings
7:45 pm Catalinas
9:30 pm The Tams
Saturday, July 26th
12:00 noon Jim Quick & Coastline
1:45 pm Sammy O’Banion & Mardi Gras
3:30 pm The Shakers
5:15 pm The Entertainers
7:30 pm The Embers
CONTACT:
Davis Valley Winery
276.686.8855
Web Site: www.dvwinery.com Email: davisvalleywinery@hotmail.com
Interstate 81 Exit 54 between Wytheville and Marion, VA. 1.5 miles from exit.

Historic 1908 Courthouse .
107 E. Main Street PO . Box 336
Independence, Va 24348
276-773-3711 July 10, 2008

Call for Artists – “Our Beloved 1908”, Independence , Va.

This is the centennial year for the Historic 1908 Courthouse of Grayson County in Independence , Virginia . Since this is the most recognized building in Grayson County with its unique architecture and prominent location in the center of town, it has been the subject of many photographs, paintings, and drawings.

In celebration of the 100th birthday of this historic landmark, the Courthouse Foundation is inviting all artists, young and old, amateur and professional, who have created an original likeness of the 1908 Courthouse to show their work in a grand exhibition from September 7th through October 12th this fall. There will be no awards given since each artist who participates is already a winner.

All interested artists are invited to bring one to three items to the Baldwin Auditorium on the second floor of the 1908 Courthouse on Friday, September 4, 2008, from 5:30 to 8pm; or Saturday, September 6th from 10 to 12 am. There is no entry fee, and no judging. All art must be easily wall hung, such as paintings, photographs, textiles, or drawings. Pictures should be no more than 32” x 40” including frame. All art work should have a tag with the artist’s name, address, and telephone number attached. Sale of items will be left to the artists. The 1908 Courthouse is protected by a security system.

An Artists Reception and opening will be held Sunday, September 7th 3-5pm. There will be no awards given. Each artist is invited to attend for a group photo and recognition for their ‘Beloved 1908’.

The Courthouse is open from 10 to 4 everyday except Sunday and the exhibit will be available for viewing during these hours. The exhibit will be featured during the Wine Tasting at the Courthouse on Saturday, September 13th and during the Fall Festival at the Courthouse on Saturday, October 11th. Artist will pick-up their entries on Sunday, October 12 from 3 to 5pm or the week of October 13th.

For more information contact the Historic 1908 Courthouse at 276-773-3711. Visit the web site www.historic1908courthouse.org; or send an email to president@historic1908courthouse.org.

Issue No.3 July 2008

Herbal News From the Farm

In This Issue
Critters in the gardens- good or bad?
Upcoming classes/events for the summer
Quick Links
www.beagleridgeherbfarm.com
www.xerces.com
Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Summer is here and the scent of lavender is on the breeze. It was great to see so many of you at Lavender Thyme in the gardens on the 21st. Gregg was unable to be with us due to both his parents being so ill and my heartfelt thanks to good friends who came and mowed, helped cook the lunch and even serve for us. My inlaws are on the mend and thanks for all the kind words and prayers. We are blessed to be surrounded by good friends.

We will be open July 3rd. through the 6th, in case you are traveling through for the holidays, be sure to stop by. By all means come help harvest the lavender and cut yourself a bundle to take home. Check out the coupon at the end of this newsletter and bring it with you this weekend.

As we move into summer, the Lavender harvest will begin the 3rd. Provence and Grosso should be harvested this weekend, the Twickle is still blooming. Unfortunately the Royal Velvet which we planted outside the shop should have been cut last weekend but with rain, we neglected it. This and the Grosso we planted on the back side of the barn were spectacular, and a wonderful surprise when it bloomed. I had planted these last fall in anticipation of blooms in 2009- I was thrilled to see it in full bloom this June. Imagine what it will be like next year.

Vera, Grappenhall, White Provence, Fred Boutin, Lady, Hidcote and Munstead will be harvested next. Yes, these are all types of Lavender. We have 14 varieties planted in the gardens and will be adding several types this fall. No matter where you live, there are lavender cultivars which are hardy for you.Just let me know how we can help you, I believe everyone needs Lavender in their garden. Don't you?

Fresh bundles of Grosso Lavender will be available for shipping on July 10th. If you have never experienced fresh cut Lavender you don't know what you are missing. The bundles will contain 100 stems, approx 18" long, wrapped in tissue and are only $14.00 a bundle. What a deal! All our "old" bundles will be replaced by this years crop, the scent is still wonderful but some of the color will fade after a year. Buds will be added to potpourri which will hold it's scent for years. Our sachets will be filled with fresh blooms which fall off during the drying process. Come imagine yourself in Provence for the harvest.
Critters in the Garden- Hummingbirds and more

I thought I would address this due to countless questions this spring about where have the hummingbirds and butterflies gone in my yard and why are they at Beagle Ridge? Well I can share why they are here!

Many of you have noticed that we have lots of them flying around the gardens and drinking from any number of plants but that we have NO FEEDERS. Remember, if you have feeders there is a major maintenance component and of course the need to be refilled. Since we don't live near the farm that is not an option. We decided years ago to let them rely on natural nectars, which is how they would do if the gardens weren't here. For those of you who can't imagine how a hummingbird would survive without your feeders check out the list of Hummingbird plants on the website www.beagleridgeherbfarm.com ( I will post this in the next few days) at the new link under the gardening tips link. I think you will be surprised the variety of plants which they need and many of them are natives.

Hummingbirds arrive in our woods when the native azaleas bloom, usually around the middle of May. We will see some earlier, who are traveling through (as they migrate back up north) and they will visit the Ajuga or even the Primroses in late April. Over the years we keep adding earlier bloomers now that we know they are here.

Another potential problem, is the lack of insects in gardens. I know I can see the confusion on your face - Yes hummers are major insectivores. At least 25% of their diets are bugs. If you keep "sterilizing" your yards with insecticides not only are you eliminating a part of their food source but you are poisoning them. I am not fond of bugs either but they are a very important part of the food chain and food web. Sorry the educator is coming out in me. School has been out for a month and I am still thinking in these terms!

How we handle insects is an important decision which we all need to make for ourselves. We do not spray at Beagle Ridge, and yes we have our share of "bugs", but in theory and usually, in practice we let the good bugs take care of the bad. As the Japanese beetles descend on us, we battle every year, each year the problem lessens. We hand pick them ( yes I do mean it the way it sounds) and I added Milky spore to the compost bin a couple of years ago. This seems to have helped because if you kill the adults there are fewer to reproduce and eventually their numbers will lessen. I am doubtful we will ever eradicate them but I can hope!.

Since we are discussing pollinators l would like to mention bees. I have customers who are scared to death of bees. Well I am VERY allergic to their stings, but over the years I have learned to accept them. I have nothing they want- no nectar, no pollen and as long as I don't have any perfume, scent on) while I am in the garden things are fine. They protect themselves with their stingers and if you don't swat, they don't sting. I know it is easier said than done, but so far I have been able to sit amongst the Lavender during the harvest and the bees will be all around me. Now why did I mention bees?

There is an amazing website www.xerces.org which I discovered while teaching our Master Naturalist class a couple of years ago. The decline in the bee population is astounding and yes it is a problem for us. Since fruits and many vegetables are pollinated by bees, we need to be concerned. They are responsible for the food we eat, this should concern us.
We don't have many honey bees in the gardens at Beagle Ridge but some day we hope to have hives.

Until that day we will rely on the various "other" bees, which include Orchard bees, Mason Bees, yes even Carpenter bees. By providing a nectar source you will attract bees, butterflies, wasps and even bats (night bloomers attract bats).There is becoming more public awareness of the importance of the bees, beetles,butterflies, moths, flies, birds, and bats that are needed to produce 80 percent of our flowering plants and one third of our human food crops. The National Academy of Sciences has reported that there is direct evidence of the decline of some pollinator species in North America. And, recently, Colony Collapse Disorder of honey bees has alarmed the agricultural industry.Did you know that worldwide, approximately 1,000 plants grown for food, beverages, spices, fiber, and medicine require pollination by animals?

By becoming aware of all the critters in the garden you can create a more dynamic ecosystem in the garden. Good bugs eat bad bugs (and some good ones too); some bugs like praying mantis eat butterflies, dragonflies eat them too. This is all part of that same food chain at work. Everything has a niche and for good or bad we need to allow the chains to work unbroken by us. When we decide who can and can not reside in our garden we are interrupting or breaking the chain and then we are constantly trying to fix it. Leave things alone in the first place and we will all be better off.

We do have the electric fence and I do draw the line at deer, groundhogs and the like, they can stay out. We have had three sets of doe and fawns this spring and lots of turkey poults too. As you can see Mama and baby would love to come have dinner in the garden.

We have bunnies which have babies and have lived their whole lives inside the gardens, they do nibble a bit and our customers are surprised I tolerate them. When they get a bit out of hand I sprinkle a bit of bloodmeal, an organic fertilizer, around the plants and they leave them alone and go back to the clover. This way we can live in harmony. By allowing a variety of life in the garden it becomes a magical place for us all.

Upcoming classes/events

Our complete class schedule is still in flux due to waiting for a response about the rain barrel supplier.
So far we have the following scheduled:

July 19- Herbal vinegars and oils- using herbs from the garden learn to blend the perfect herbal vinegars, marinades and dipping oils. Bring a container to take home your creations.

We are hoping to have the rain barrel class the following week- more as we get conformation. If you are interested please let me know because we will have a limited number of participants.

Although we will be closed in August we will be open for classes and groups by appointment.

August 16- Harvesting and preserving what you have grown- how to dry herbs and preserve the flowers from your garden and how to use them.

Sept 13- Fall decorating- Using dried natural items from the garden and woods make fall decorations for the home. All your materials will be included.

FInally we will have our Garlic Thyme on Oct 4th. More particulars on the web at www.beagleridgeherbfarm.com
and more next month.

For those of you who are coming from out of town, please go to our local friends link at www.beagleridgeherbfarm.com for a wonderful variety of accomodations. With 45 minutes we have Cripple Creek Bed and Breakfast Cabins, Trinkle Mansion, the newly opened Collins House Inn and the Davis Bourne Inn. With such a great selection of places to stay why not plan a visit to the beautiful Blue Ridge this summer?

Remember if your club or group would like to schedule a workshop at the farm please email me at beagleridge@gmail.com

Be sure to sign up soon to reserve your space in the classes.
Ellen

Well there's lots to do in the garden, so I had better get out there and get busy. We hope you have a safe and Happy 4th of July Holiday, wherever you are. Be sure to copy the copuon below if you will be coming through our area.
Herbally yours,

Ellen and Gregg
Beagle Ridge Herb Farm
1934 Matney Flats Rd
Wytheville, Virginia 24382
276-621-4511

The popular Thursday night jam sessions in Fries VA have found a new home. In the months since the terrible propane gas explosion that forced the closing of Shaylin's New River Trail Cafe where the sessions were originally held, they have resided temporarily at Big Daddy's Restaurant in Fries on Thursday evenings.

Thanks to local investors, musicians, and much planning, the Jam Sessions in Fries will move into the former Stretch-a-Dollar building on Main Street in Fries on July 3, 2008 and will include local musicians as well as many newcomers in the months to come. Everyone is invited to come and play, those just starting as well as experienced musicians. And if you just want to come and listen to the traditional music that is so much a part of the local area heritage, that's great , too.

According to a source involved with the planning and management of the new venue, extra amenities will be few in the beginning. This venue is a product of local effort and will require time to build, and will have to grow in steps. Creature comforts will be folding chairs, and refreshments will be limited to coffee, soft drinks, and a few pre-packaged snack foods in the beginning.

Given a little time, improvements to the music room such as a stage, lighting, and sound system for the performers, and more comfortable seating for visitors is planned.

Also in sight are plans to showcase other area bands and performers on nights other than the regular Thursday Jam Sessions in Fries.

In the not too distant future, a small cafe offering short orders such as hot dogs, hamburgers, and sandwiches, non-alcoholic beverages, and hand-dipped ice cream is a real possibility.

Future visions also include a full service restaurant open full time where you can come in, sit down, and order a real meal for yourself and family. This will all depend on the support of the community, tourists, and other visitors alike.

Mark Thursday, July 3, 6:30PM on your calendar now so you'll remember to join us for the Jam Sessions in Fries at its new, permanent venue. We'll be at the old Stretch-a-Dollar building. Just look for "The Crooked Road" banner in the window to find our traditional heritage music at its very best!

Admission is free, but donations will be greatly appreciated.

MEET NATIONALLY KNOWN AUTHOR, MARY KAY ANDREWS DURING LEAF AND STRING
FESTIVAL

Do you enjoy Food Network? Do you enjoy southern writers? Then please join us at Warrick Hall (next to the Galax Presbyterian Church) for a delightful evening with Mary Kay Andrews, speaking about her latest novel,Deep Dish. Meet two characters, male and female, of course, as they battle it out for the next southern cooking show on national television. Mary Kay's other titles, published by HarperCollins, include Savannah Blues, Savannah Breeze, Hissy Fit and Little Bitty Lies.

Dinner, catered by the Davis/Bourne House, will include adaptions of recipes found in the book. Grilled peaches with ice cream, shrimp spread and crab cakes, pork tenderloin with a blackberry glaze. How can you resist!

Please join Chapters Bookshop and the Galax Public LIbrary for this evening of fun, food and entertainment. It all begins at 6:30 Saturday, June 14. Tickets may be purchased at Chapters Bookshop, Stringbean, and the library. Call 276 236-9703 for details. And don't miss it!!

Get yourself A New Flow of Consciousness at the Creek, Chestnut Creek School of the Arts, that is.

Next weekend during Galax's Leaf & String Festival you'll have the opportunity to tap into your creative side, try something new, and learn how relaxing it is to create.

There is room left in these sampler classes and the price is right: Whittling, Knitting, Crocheting, and Guitar. A therapy session will cost you 3 times the meager fee of $25 for one of these classes.

Details are at www.chestnutcreekarts.org. Or call (276) 236-3500 and we'll give you the spill. Visit the emerging website, anyway. It's looking good.

Issue No.3 June 2008

Lavender Thyme in the Garden- June 21st

In This Issue
Personalizing a garden- garden memories
Open House June 21st
Quick Links
www.beagleridgeherbfarm.com
Subscribe to Our Newsletter!

Herbal Greetings from Beagle Ridge

What happened to spring? I believe we have gone from a fabulous wet spring to the dog days of summer. This last week has been in the upper 80's and 90's- which may be normal for some of you but in case you haven't noticed summer isn't supposed to be here yet! I hope this isn't a precursor of what is to come for the rest of the summer. We do not need a repeat of last year's drought.

The gardens have been magnificent, the Peonies which my mother has given us over the years are finally maturing and they are a wonderful addition to the cottage gardens. A shame they don't bloom longer- but the gardens are ever changing and that becomes the challenge- to not have "down time".

Our watercolor class was a success and the weather cooperated too. I will be adding the rest of the pictures of students and teacher to the website shortly. If you were unable to make it to this class, Andrea will be joining us again in the fall. Dates are at the workshop link on the website. www.beagleridgeherbfarm.com

I am reminded it is still spring because of the cycle of life seems to be all around us. I have seen three fawns, just this week and we have 4 nesting turkeys complete with their tiny poults, within earshot of the gardens, the rabbits have been prolific and there are presently two babies in the garden. Yes they are in the garden! They are plant specific and I have learned to surround the plants they like with blood meal- a great deterrent as well as being an organic fertilizer. The bunny's main diet is clover in the lawn and they hide under the Santolina, Scarlet honeysuckle or Mock Orange when they see you.

Our visitors have seen grey fence lizards, blue tailed skinks, Fowler toads and even a red spotted salamander all of which are out patrolling for bugs. Since we are organic we let the critters have free reign and our "bugs "are kept to a minimum. Same goes with the birds. Many birds will eat insects, so we start to slack off on the bird seed and they vary their diet and pull their own weight.

I have written in the past about the caterpillar/ butterfly life cycle and I wish you could see the variety we have at the present. We finally have the Monarchs back, but the Tiger Swallowtails, Mourning Cloaks, Fritillaries, Question Marks, Red Spotted Purple, Clouded Sulphurs, Commas are all over the garden. Red Admiral caterpillars are on the Hops, chomping away- Yes that is alright- we planted the Hops for the caterpillars. I have a strange unidentified one of the birch, and another odd one on the Red Twig Dogwood. I will add them to the list when I identify them. We don't have any on the fennel yet, but I am anxiously waiting. I have been collecting pictures and hope to get a whole section of these "flying flowers" on the website soon. You should have seen the huge Cecropia Moth we found on the willow last summer- Amazing!

Garden Memories- making your garden personal

Over the years we have received plants, cuttings seeds etc. from friends and family, passalong plants. This is what makes a garden personal and so very special.
We also have lots of herbs, perennials, butterfly bushes and a beautiful arbor from the garden of a dear friend Martha Guess, who was the consummate gardener. Her daughter Cindy was so generous with not only the plants from the garden but books from her library when her mother died last year. I hope when you look at your own gardens there are plants which remind of you of a special person or occasion. Gardens can be a lasting memorial to those who have touched our lives and still do.
Your garden is a reflection of your likes and desires- it is a personal choice and should give you enjoyment- so make it personal and make yourself smile.


Calling all Lavender Lovers!
Lavender is blooming- well some is blooming, like the Spanish in the picture, but the majority is fully budded and will be spectacular for Lavender Thyme in the Garden June 21st.

THe Royal Velvet we planted at the entrance to the shop is ready to bloom and even the small Grosso which are on the side of the building in the dirty rock have started to bloom. I can't wait!

Mark your calendar and plan on coming to spend the day with us at the farm for "All things Lavender". We will have a tour of the lavender and discuss the various attributes, along with planting, growing, cultivating and harvesting Lavender. Come prepared to cut a bunch of fresh Lavender to take home, $ 5.00 a bunch. If you want to learn to make a lavender basket or a lavender wand be sure to be there after lunch to watch - or participate and make your own. Speaking of lunch, Gregg will be cooking and reservations are required.

Lunch will be an herbal marinated and grilled Chicken breast, seasonal grilled vegetables, salad, dessert ( with lavender of course) and choice of beverages for $9.50. We have a limit of 25, so be sure to let us know if you will be joining us for lunch.
As always, feel free to bring a picnic lunch if you would like to spend the day, but rather not join us for lunch, all activities and demos are free. For those of you who would rather take a walk than talk about Lavender Gregg will be doing a nature hike up to the Big Survey ( so bring your husband and send him off with Gregg).

On June 26th, as part of Chautauqua, I will be teaching a class for Master Gardener Day on planting a strawberry jar, The class is $20.00 and includes everything- Yes, pot, plants, and soil. You will go home with a completed pot of herbs to harvest from all summer. You will need to register and pay at the Chautauqua office. June 28th we have a class of making herbal teas scheduled, here at Beagle Ridge. If you enjoy drinking herbal tea why not learn how to blend your own and use what is fresh in your own garden? This is a fun class with lots of tasting and even a couple sweets to nibble on. The class is $15.00 and will begin at 1:00 on Saturday the 28th.

We are hosting quite a few groups for luncheons and classes this summer and if you are looking for a unique venue for your meeting give me a call. We host senior groups, church groups, hiking clubs, birthday parties and of course lots of garden clubs. The farm is available for your group when we are closed to the public so you can have a private meeting and enjoy the gardens. You don't have to be a gardener to listen to the birds, watch the butterflies and enjoy the quiet. Keep us in mind!

Well I had better get out there and get to work.
Spring is for planting and I have been busy in the woodland garden. Come see what new additions we have made.

Herbally yours,
Ellen

Beagle Ridge Herb Farm
1934 Matney Flats Rd
Wytheville, Virginia 24382
276-621-4511

Chestnut Creek School of the Arts is poised to have a positive economic impact on our community. But it won't happen without your help. Please help us by taking the classes, spreading the word or giving generously. If classes are canceled, it is difficult to enlist the instructor again. Paul Hodges is conducting a two hour storytelling workshop as part of Leaf & String for Chestnut Creek School of the Arts. We must have at least ten students for this workshop to take place and have only one student registered as of today. Also, Paul wants at least one week’s notice to “call” the class- this means next Friday, June 6. Help!

Story telling with Paul Hodges, June 14 1-3pm
Introduction to various types of storytelling, with examples of different styles, subject matter, and themes. Everyone has interesting stories to tell. Gain skill and confidence in telling yours. Paul Hodges, actor, author and teacher, is a member of Imagine That! Storytelling Guild. Several of the stories he tells have been published in magazines and anthologies.
$25.00

Many thanks and have a GREAT weekend (AKA: No work stuff)

Chris Shackelford
Director, Chestnut Creek School of the Arts
P.O. Box 417
Galax, VA. 24333
Office: (276) 236-3500
Fax: (276) 236-2620
Cell: (276) 233-8340
chris@chestnutcreekarts.org
www.chestnutcreekarts.org

Spring Thyme Issue May 2008

Spring Thyme Activities at Beagle Ridge Herb Farm

In This Issue
Spring Thyme in the garden
Workshop schedule
Quick Links
www.beagleridgeherbfarm.com

I hope you are enjoying Spring, my favorite time of year, followed by fall. I realize you probably think summer is the time I should choose, but the heat really bothers me and in the middle of August I begin to wonder why I do like to garden. Now that only lasts about two weeks and then I am anxious for cooler days and begin planning for fall.
Enough of that. Spring Thyme, the purpose of this newsletter. We have a lot coming up and just wanted to remind those of you who have not been to the new website to see the Events Calendar, or the workshop schedule, that we have classes and our Spring Thyme Open House in May. Mark your calendars for May 10, 17, and 23rd and plan to visit us at the farm. Particulars for those dates are below.

The gardens are alive with various shades of green and the chorus of the birds at the feeders as they return from their southern winter travels. This time of the year I enjoy getting out and checking on the beds to see what is making a showing and the growth seems to explode from one week to another ( some things seem to make drastic changes daily). We had visitors from South Carolina last week and they commented that their spring blooms were over and even their azaleas are finished for the year while our Dogwoods are just beginning to bloom. What a difference there is from one region to another! May is VA is spectacular and even though you may feel your area is wonderful let me brag for a moment about the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains and invite you all to the Highlands here in Southwestern VA. Believe me, you will fall in love with the scenery and may not want to go home.

Weather wise we are only about a week ahead of schedule, compared to last year when it seemed like the Dogwood were blooming in April. ( Our Dogwood bloom around Mothers Day at our elevation). The woods around the farm are greening up and the Pinxters and Flame Azaleas should be perfect for the Open House May 17. Locals call these fabulous shrubs "Ole timey Honeysuckle" and the hummingbirds guard them jealously.

Our hummingbids have been back for more tham two weeks and they are enjoying the Ajuga ( yes I know it is on the invasive list), the primroses and the native scarlet honeysuckle in the garden. They have already begun their courtship ritual. For those of you who haven't experienced it they put on aerial acrobatics and with their high pitched squeak it is quite a site. We are often asked about not having hummingbird feeders, well we have plants for them instead. I am gone part of the week and I am concerned about the sugar water spoling, besdies they prefer the nectar from the plants. They will feast on any plant which has a tubular flower and even visit the lavender when it blooms.

Speaking of Lavender we have heard from many of you that you wanted to know about the Lavender we planted on the hill last fall. Well, we lost about 20%, and I believe it was from the rabbits ( yes Rabbits) not the Deer. I was supposed to get another 200 + plants to continue the planting and my supplier had some problems so we are still waiting. I am still hoping to get this planted before Lavender Thyme on June 21st. The Royal Velvet planted by the front door has greened up and the Grosso hedge out back survived very well ( we lost 4 out of 80). These are all outside the fence so it was an experiment to see if they wouldn't be eaten by the deer after all. The "deer proof"planting bt the bathrooms also looks good, with the sage wormwood and Elijah Blue Fescue doing quite well too.

Spring Thyme Open House May 17th.

Join us at Beagle Ridge as we celebrate Spring Thyme in the garden. All activiites are FREE, except for the lunch.

Saturday May 17th from 10- 5 we will have special activities at the farm. We will begin with a garden tour around 10:30, followed by Lunch. See details below.
As always feel free to bring a picnic lunch if you would prefer.
Take a spring wildflower and nature hike, look for trillium or new born fawn on the hiking trails,or stroll the herbal display gardens and watch the hummingbirds while sipping tea in the garden. Their will be lots of samples of herbal goodies and herbal tea to nibble on.

An Herbal Luncheon will be available, pre-registration is required $9.00 per person. Lunch menu includes a Chicken Salad on a croissant, two salad choices, dessert and beverage- vegetarian option available.

After lunch there will be a hike for those who wish, or you are welcome to shop until the demonstations begin around 1:30. Be sure to bring your camera and you are always welcome to hike the trails on your own ( after all you have more chance of seeing wildlife without a group).

The afternoon will include demos on container gardening ( bring a container and we will help you fill it), how to propagate your own plants, how to design with herbs in the landscape and lots more.

Plants will be available for sale and you are welcome to come for a while or stay the whole day, walk the gardens and watch the hummingbirds.


May Events

Mother's Day Tea and "Pamper yourself" classes May 10th.Pre-regiatration is required. Either call me at 276-621-4511 or email me at Beagleridge@gmail.com
We will have two things going on this Saturday:

Morning class-Herbal Bath Salts, Lotions and Potions- learn to make your own custom bath salts, pampering lotions and spa items- Pamper yourself for a change, bring Mom with you for Mother's Day. This class begins at 10:00 because we will have a Mother's Day High Tea at 2:00. Participants at this class may join us for a 25% discount at the Tea.

Afternoon class 2:00 PM Enjoy a High Tea for Mother's Day- Learn how to make all the wonderful treats and then eat them too. What a wonderful way to spend Mother's Day- even if you aren't a MOM.

Watercolor in the Garden- May 23 10-3
Andrea Morrison will be teaching another class for us this spring. Andrea lives in Ararat, VA and has paintings hanging in various galleries in the region. She has painted several garden scenes of Beagle Ridge and her talents are well known. An accomplished artist and teacher, she taught a wonderful workshop here at the farm several years ago and we are happy to have her join us to teach two workshops in 2008. Workshops will be geared to the participants, cover basics but will also challenge the experienced artist.

All supplies included for this fabulous class, $30.00.
Lunch will be available upon request $8.00
Pre-registration is required due to a limit of 10 in the class, call me at 276-621-4511 or email me at beagleridge@gmail.com
Don't miss this one.

I realize at this time of year we seem so stretched with family activities and other responsibilities. Try to take some time for yourself even if it is just to sit down with a good cup of tea ( okay coffee for you java drinkers) and plan something fun just for yourself. Planning is the first step and then make some time to fit it into your schedule. If you choose to visit us in your "spare time" we will be honored to have you.

herbally yours,
Ellen reynolds
Beagle Ridge Herb Farm
1934 Matney Flats Rd
Wytheville, Virginia 24382
276-621-4511



Beagle Ridge Herb Farm | 1934 Matney Flats Rd | PO 419 | Wytheville | VA | 24382

The Matthews Living History Farm Museum is excited to announce its Saturday, May 10th “Spring Fling” scheduled for 10:00am through 4:00pm!

Museum volunteers invite you to share this special day in remembering life in early 20th century Grayson County. Help us understand and appreciate the resourceful and innovative skills demonstrated by our forbearers!

Please join us in the following scheduled events:
ANTIQUE TRACTOR SHOW by local members of the Mountain Empire Tractor and Small Engine Club!
GARDEN OPENING by Master Gardeners of the Blue Ridge!
OLD TIME MUSIC by Roald and Ellie Kirby!
AUTOHARP Performance by Joann Redd!
BROOM MAKING Demonstration by John Alexander!
WEAVING, SPINNING, QUILTING and related Traditional Craft Demonstrations by Fiber Guild Artists!
SILVER SMITH Demonstration by Jeweler Karin Saul!
HERITAGE SEED PROGRAM and SWAP – bring YOUR seeds! We will have small packets of Heritage Flower Seeds available on a first-come first-serve basis including old time single holly hocks, black eyed susans, and cosmos.
SOAP MAKING Demonstration by Trish Hash!
HISTORICAL SOCIETY – Introduction to Genealogy Workshop!
Lots of great “fixins” for everyone!
AND Matthews Farm Museum SPRING LAMBS on display!!!


Contact: Sandy Troth 276-744-3352



Website: www.matthewsfarmmuseum.org

Penelope Moseley
Big Blue Magazine
www.bigbluemag.com
(276)733-9704