I love color, don’t you? Whether it’s clothes, decor, cookware, or paint, I adore all things colorful. One of the reasons I specifically love this time of year is because it’s when New England is at its most colorful! It’s also when we see the most “visitors” – some good, some bad, and some paws-tively adorable! Come on over and take a walk around my yard with me!
is a certified farmgirl at heart. She’s happily married to her beach bum Yankee husband of 20 years. She went from career gal to being a creative homeschooling mom for two of her biggest blessings and hasn’t looked back since. Debbie left her lifelong home in the high desert of Northern Nevada 10 years ago and washed up on the shore of America’s hometown, Plymouth, MA, where she and her family are now firmly planted. They spend part of each summer in a tiny, off–grid beach cottage named “The Sea Horse.”
“I found a piece of my farmgirl heart when I discovered MaryJanesFarm. Suddenly, everything I loved just made more sense! I enjoy unwinding at the beach, writing, gardening, and turning yard-sale furniture into ‘Painted Ladies’ I’m passionate about living a creative life and encouraging others to ‘make each day their masterpiece.’”
is a “MaryJane Farmgirl” who lives in a large metropolitan area. She is a lawyer who has worked in both criminal defense and prosecution. She has been a judge, a business woman and a stay-at-home mom. In addition to her law degree, she has a Masters of Theological Studies.
“Mustering up the courage to do the things you dream about,” she says, “is the essence of being a MaryJane Farmgirl.” Learning to live more organically and closer to nature is Rebekah’s current pursuit. She finds strength and encouragement through MaryJane’s writings, life, and products. And MaryJane’s Farmgirl Connection provides her a wealth of knowledge from true-blue farmgirls.
an old-fashioned farmgirl with a pioneer spirit, lives in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. As a “lifelong learner” in the “Live-Free-or-Die” state, she fiercely values self-reliance, independence, freedom, and fresh mountain air. Married to her childhood sweetheart of 40+ years (a few of them “uphill climbs”), she’s had plenty of time to reinvent herself. From museum curator, restaurant owner, homeschool mom/conference speaker, to post-and-beam house builder and entrepreneur, she’s also a multi-media artist, with an obsession for off-grid living and alternative housing. Cathi owns and operates a 32-room mountain lodge. Her specialty has evolved to include “hermit hospitality” at her rustic cabin in the mountains, where she offers weekend workshops of special interest to women.
“Mountains speak to my soul, and farming is an important part of my heritage. I want to pass on my love of these things to others through my writing. Living in the mountains has its own particular challenges, but I delight in turning them into opportunities from which we can all learn and grow.”
Dori Troutman is the daughter of second generation cattle ranchers in New Mexico. She grew up working and playing on the ranch that her grandparents homesteaded in 1928. That ranch, with the old adobe home, is still in the family today. Dori and her husband always yearned for a ranch of their own. That dream came true when they retired to the beautiful green rolling hills of Tennessee. Truly a cattleman’s paradise!
Dori loves all things farmgirl and actually has known no other life but that. She loves to cook, craft, garden, and help with any and all things on their cattle farm.
describes herself as a goat charmer, chicken whisperer, bee maven, and farmers’ market baker renovating an 1864 farmhouse on an Ohio farm. With a degree in Design, Mary says small-town auctions and country road barn sales "always make my heart skip a beat thinking about what I could create or design out of what I’ve seen.”
Rooted in the countryside, she likes simple things and old ways … gardening, preserving the harvest, cooking, baking, and all things home. While you might find her selling baked goods from the farm’s milkhouse, teaching herself to play the fiddle, or sprucing up a vintage camper named Maizy, you will always find her in an apron!
Mary says, “I’m happiest with the simple country pleasures … an old farmhouse, too many animals, a crackling fire, books to read, and the sound of laughter … these make life just perfect.”
is a budding rural farmgirl living in Palmer, the agricultural seat of Alaska. Alex is a graduate student at Alaska Pacific University pursuing an M.S. in Outdoor and Environmental Education. She lives and works on the university’s 700 acre environmental education center, Spring Creek Farm. When Alex has time outside of school, she loves to rock climb, repurpose found objects, cross-country ski on the hay fields, travel, practice yoga, and cook with new-fangled ingredients.
Alex grew up near the Twin Cities and went to college in Madison, Wisconsin—both places where perfectly painted barns and rolling green farmland are just a short drive away. After college, she taught at a rural middle school in South Korea where she biked past verdant rice paddies and old women selling home-grown produce from sidewalk stoops. She was introduced to MaryJanesFarm after returning, and found in it what she’d been searching for—a group of incredible women living their lives in ways that benefit their families, their communities, and the greater environment. What an amazing group of farmgirls to be a part of!
Suburban Farmgirl Nicole Christensen calls herself a “vintage enthusiast”. Born and raised in Texas, she has lived most of her life in the picturesque New England suburbs of Connecticut, just a stone’s throw from New York State. An Advanced Master Gardener, she has gardened since childhood, in several states and across numerous planting zones. In addition, she teaches knitting classes, loves to preserve, and raises backyard chickens.
Married over thirty years to her Danish-born sweetheart, Nicole has worked in various fields, been a world-traveler, an entrepreneur and a homemaker, but considers being mom to her now-adult daughter her greatest accomplishment. Loving all things creative, Nicole considers her life’s motto to be “Bloom where you are planted”.
Your garden is gorgeous and I just love the way you let Mother Nature lead the way
Most gardeners think of deer and rabbits as pests
Hi Charlene, thank you. I don’t mind the animals at all. I love to see them. Thanks for reading and commenting! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Love this! thank you for sharing
Hi Charlene, thank you so much for visiting the blog! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Enjoyed the lovely walk around your yard!! The deer have eaten my Hosta as well – two fawns, two mamas and two bucks (one four and one six point)…since we have woods all around us the Hostas do really well. I have found putting blood meal around them helps sometimes. Right now we have four raccoon babies and two parents that are digging in my pots on the deck so have to figure out how to deter them from doing that…may have to live-trap and relocate. We have a few butterflies that visit and enjoy my Buddlia. Thanks for the wonderful tour!
Hi Nancy, thank you! The deer this past year have been reminding of the game “Hungry Hungry Hippos”, munching everything in site. I thought maybe it was just me, that I did not use my deer spray enough, or that I got a bad batch. Then, the other day, I was in Tractor Supply to buy a new bottle of spray. This couple and their two children were in the aisle, and when I picked up the spray, they started a conversation. They were so friendly. Anyway, they are from another town and said the same thing, that the deer had eaten even things they normally don’t. (Hostas, however, are a deer delicacy). They reminded me of something I forgot this year…hair to deter the deer. I will be spreading hair around my remaining hostas from our haircuts, and when I vacuum up dog hair, out it will go instead of the trash can. It won’t keep them completely away, but I can try. I don’t mind the deer otherwise. I enjoy seeing them. Your raccoon family sounds cute, but that sounds a bit close for comfort. Have you tried the deer spray? It might deter them from your pots, or maybe some hot cayenne pepper? I use that in my pots at times, especially when the squirrels start trying to dig. I also love to use blood meal. I put it in the cutting garden, but will also try it on the hostas. Thanks for the tip! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Hi Nicole
I love your post, your visitors, your gardens, and the walk around to the porch. I could almost imagine walking beside you as we strolled along. The pictures are wonderful. I congratulate you on being a Master Gardener also; I think everyone should be a master of something they are good at. You have done a beautiful job with yours. I haven’t seen as many butterflies, dragonflies, lightning bugs/fireflies, as there used to be around here in years past and I miss all of them. We have a few bees but even they are not as numerous as they used to be. I worry that there is too much spraying of poisons on our earth and too many species are being harmed. We do have hummingbirds and I do make food for them and watch them. Our feeders are hanging on our porch and the little birds chase each other all around from feeder to feeder. I notice they like the wild flower area also that I planted earlier this year. Our veggie garden was a big flop with all the rain we had. I did get a few zucchini, cucumbers and tomatoes, but the corn didn’t make it, the cabbage and lettuce didn’t either. Not sure whether the potatoes will be there when we dig for them. Waiting to see if the sunflowers will make seed heads. Until next time, God Bless.
Hi Sandi, thank you so much! I agree with you…there is just so much spraying going on! The funny thing is, most bugs and insects in a person’s yard are just “flying through” and many are not going to lead to an infestation. I am sorry to hear about your garden. Ours has been a struggle this year with the weird weather, too. Everything is later than normal. I planted potatoes this year, too, as well as sweet potatoes. I hope mine are there, as well! Good luck! Thank you for reading and commenting! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
WOW! Can I just say amazing. You have created such an amazing, meditative, earth friendly space! Kudos to you! I would love to sit and chat in a garden like this. It is so magical and beautiful 🙂
Thank you, Jacqueline! When I started out, I honestly didn’t know what I was doing, as I had never gardened in a four-season area. I would go to a local garden place, see what was in bloom in the perennial section, and pick something each year. Over the years, I have learned what works and what doesn’t, and am still learning. That’s one thing I really love about gardening – there is always something new to learn! Thanks so much for visiting the blog today! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Just a BEAUTIFUL composite of Summer by you Nicole! This blog really uplifts the spirit and teaches us when we need it the most…
Hi Don, thank you ever so much! Your comment means a lot to me. ~ Nicole
I love the pictures in this blog! The dragonfly is beautiful and I have not seen one in years. The bunny and deer are so cute! The eggplant is beautiful. You see so much beauty of nature where you live!
Love,
Mother
Thanks, Mama. We have seen more dragonflies this year than we have in a long time, and I noticed one species I had never seen before, but he was so fast it was hard to get a photo. I can’t wait to eat that eggplant! Wish you lived closer so I could bring you fresh veggies from my garden! Miss you! Love, Nicole
Loved your walk around your yard…now out to mine to water my garden and free the chickens. It’s been very hot and dry up here in British Columbia but we’re hoping for a little rain this week-end to end this dry spell and bring back the green grass !
Hi Donna, thank you! This summer has been a strange one for us. Today it was so much cooler in the morning – almost like fall. Just a few hours later, it is warmer with rain on the way, but next week supposedly will be hot and dry. Crazy weather! When it gets super-hot and dry here, my chickie girls love cool treats like frozen peas and fresh mint. Thank you for reading and commenting! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
I just loved reading your blog. I am a Maine girl who relates to your descriptions of your home.
Thank you,Sherry Stine
Hi Sherry, thank you! I have been to Maine a few times and just LOVE it there! Such a beautiful part of New England, as well, especially right now! Enjoy the rest of your summer! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
what a comforting trip. thank you.
Hi Marlene, thank you. My yard is never going to be a “perfect” weed-free one, but I have tried to make sure something is blooming all of the time during the three seasons. Life sure does get stressful sometimes, especially nowadays, but the flowers and nature around us are just like you said – comforting. I am glad you enjoyed the walk with me! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
What a wonderful, beautiful reminder for us to always be aware of the world around us and it’s oftentimes overlooked beauty. The little creatures, flowers and growing things that are sharing our world with us are gifts that we should take time to notice and appreciate. I embroidered a pillow with the following saying that is a good daily reminder.. “God blesses us every day and it is up to us to notice”. Enjoy the rest of your summer.
Deanna, thank you for the comment! I love the saying you embroidered on the pillow! I have not heard that before, but what a great reminder! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Hey, Nicole — beautiful gardens! I live in a small semi-rural town in Western Oregon and we’re “blessed” with deer here as well (not counting “my” skunks, opossums, raccoons, etc.). In past years, the deer have only eaten the Hosta flowers, not the flower stalks or leaves. This year, not even the flowers for some reason. What it makes me think of is the Addams Family TV series where Morticia cuts the blooms off the rose stems. In their world, the flower detracts I guess LOL. It’ll be interesting to see if I get any potatoes as the deer have been enjoying feeding on the foliage. As for the raccoons…. Cute, yes. But just into everything! And so many babies this year. With the horrendous heat we’ve experienced this year, I’m always careful to keep buckets of water out for all of the faunas. Enjoy your beautiful place!
Hi Beth, thank you…sounds like you have a lot of “visitors”, too. I agree the raccoons are cute, but such rascals! Once, we had the grill going and were sitting inside the camper for dinner. I heard something outside by the bird feeder, so I poked my head out, only to catch a racoon on top of the grill, “helping” himself to dinner! He grabbed a hot dog and scampered off into the woods to enjoy it. Thanks for stopping by and sharing with me! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Thanks Nicole! Lovely walk and photos of beauty! We are having another severe drought year and so things are struggling to survive. I haven’t tried to plant a garden for years because of drought, pests and my health.
You are blessed and I thank you for sharing those blessings!
Hugs to you!
CJ
Hi CJ, I am so sorry you haven’t been well, and also to hear that your beautiful area has been going through such a drought! That is tough and worrisome. It’s good to hear from you, my friend. Thank you for “stopping by”! I hope things improve there and fall brings some relief from the dry conditions. Big Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
So lovely and colorful. Thank You for sharing.
Marilyn
Thank YOU for visiting, Marilyn! Have a great rest of summer! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
So lovely and colorful.
Marilyn
Hi Marilyn! Thank you! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Love your garden. I am missing the Monarch butterflies since there are only a handful that visit my Lantana plants in the last two years. Thank you for telling me the dragonflies won’t hurt you. One landed on me that other day and I jerked my arm to make him fly away. Next time I will be more patient.
P.S. I think I have the same yellow strainer as you. I use it for washing blueberries too.
Thank you for sharing.
Hello! Thank you! I used to be fearful of dragonflies, especially the really large ones. They LOOK like they could bite, but they do not. I wish I could show you the photo I just took this weekend. I “rescued” a dragonfly that was drowning. It sat on my hand for several minutes, flapping its wings to dry them. It was so amazing! The dragonflies little wings felt like a fan blowing! When its wings were dry, off it went, but hovered for a few seconds as if to say “thank you”. They are pretty amazing creatures and a great beneficial to have in a garden.
The Tupperware strainer is my favorite. I use it all the time, and I think I only paid $1.00 for it at a thrift shop. It is exactly like my mom’s, which she has used since I was a child! I love the shape and the sunny color. Another great and useful vintage piece!
Thanks for reading and commenting! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
This is one of the most wonderful blogs you have sent us! I am a country girl at heart, still have a small garden, fruit trees, and flowers on a small city lot. I am showing my age and not keeping as much going as in the past, so I so appreciate your sharing. My heart is there with you, Nicole.
Hi Barbara,thank you so much! Your garden sounds wonderful! I would love to put some fruit trees in. I did have a pear tree at one time that I had put in (never got around to adding a second) but lost it in a snowstorm. I have now put a small Japanese maple in its place as a focal point. I would love to plant some apple or pear trees, but I think I have waited because I know in my climate they are a lot of work! We will see. Thank for visiting the blog, and for your lovely comment! Enjoy the rest of summer! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
No apples trees here. Avocado’s; we lost our nectarine to the cold winter last year–can you believe it was cold enough to kill a tree in San Diego County? I grew up with pear and apple trees plus fogs in South Texas.
Barbara
Hi Barbara, yum! I love avocadoes! Sorry to hear you lost your nectarine tree this year. Wacky weather…my brother in Texas had beautiful fruit trees. He was babying orange and grapefruit and has such a beautiful yard. This year, the freak freeze they had ruined so much. He lost all his fruit trees, too. Just makes one feel sick. I still miss the pear tree we lost in an October snow storm years ago. I planted a beautiful Japanese maple there instead last summer and am happy that this year it is thriving. Next year, I think I will try again and add some fruit trees. Enjoy the rest of summer! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Thank you for sharing your gardens.
Hi Linda, thank YOU for “joining” me! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Hello Nicole, Thank you so much for taking the time to share your beautiful gardens and yard! I enjoyed the stroll very much–felt almost like I was there 🙂
Very therapeutic….Speaking of the deer, oh deer! It must be the deer who have eaten all of the leaves of a potato vine and also they seem to like the leaves of my morning glories. I use a concoction of vinegar, water and a heavy amount of peppermint and rosemary essential oils. This seems to work pretty well but; has to be applied nightly or nearly. At least it smells nice, if nothing else.
Thank you again for the garden stroll!!
Hi Tammy, thanks for the tip! The deer have been eating things this year that we never had them eat before, too… plants that are “deer resistant”. I guess “resistant” is the key word…notdeer “proof”. That’s okay, I have enjoyed seeing the fawns that have been joining their parents lately. The one that ate my hostas brought her baby the other day. So precious! Thanks again, Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Once again, I enjoyed reading your post. You are so lucky to have so many different visitors to your yard, even if a certain one did destroy your hostas. I am just now seeing butterflies at my house & thankfully my milkweed it blooming away too. And I now have two hummingbirds too. Happy end of August!!
Hi Denise! I think my deer friend who ate my hostas was eating for two…she was here again, but this time with a little deer in tow! So precious! I cut the hostas down to the ground and put some mulch on top and guess what – they bloomed again, though not near as big. And just yesterday, I saw my first bear! Thankfully, he was not in my yard, but he crossed my path as I was in my car down the street from my house. He was big, fuzzy, with shiny black fur, and FAST! It was truly a beautiful creature. (Just hope he stays down the street, lol). Thanks for reading and commenting. Enjoy your beautiful flying friends! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Nicole, Have not checked your post for a while since I am recovering from open heart
surgery. It was a birth defect which they JUST discovered, and I am not a young chick.
Bless all my doctors and also those who have given all to COVID patients. We live in a
wonderful country!!! What an unexpected joy to catch up and walk the paths with you in your yard. Wish you were my neighbor. Gorgeous flowers, delightful animals, herbs,
retro pieces…………not only have you shared JOY with us, but also the blog has great
hints & ideas. You have inspired me to start again next year. This year with much help, I have just managed to keep the weeds at bay and maintain some potted plants on my front porch. I have enjoyed it more this summer even in rain storms just like you. Friends have shared some great picks. When I started cooking again, I enjoyed delicious pesto, cold cantaloupe soup, best corn ever and even made tzatkiki!
THANK YOU for brightening my day and sending HOPE and wonderful ideas for next
year. Pamela – former New Englander and current rural KANSAN farmgirl
Hi Pamela! Thank you for this wonderful comment! Your comment means so very much to me. I hope you are recovering well from your surgery. Oh my! You dear farmgirl, sounds like you have been through a lot lately but are on your way to feeling better! If you still lived in New England, I would be bringing you some yummy dinner, a loaf of homemade sourdough bread, and flowers from my garden. I have never been to Kansas, but I have always thought it must be beautiful. Sounds like you have been cooking up some tasty treats lately! Tzatkiki is one of my most favorite things to make when the cucumbers are so available. Mine just started producing this week. Take care of yourself and I am so happy to hear your surgery went well and you are feeling better. Much love your way! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Awww………..Nichole, your message warmed my heart and made my Day! It is little things & kind thoughts that make our world a better place. They may not always get
noticed but they sure make a difference! Thanks for your lovely response. Much love back to you. Pamela