Dries Farms

Pumpkin Mania

2011-10-28T11:38:00.000-07:00

Pumpkin Mania has come and almost gone. Sunday, October 30 will be our last day for apples and pumpkins. We have very few apples left...but alot of pumpkins. Pumpkins will keep for many weeks if stored in a cool, dry place. Store some for Thanksgiving for decorations, pies, or dinner in a pumpkin.

U-PICK IS HERE

2011-09-28T13:47:00.000-07:00

For all you U-pick lovers out there, we now open for U-pick Apples and Pumpkins. Hope to see you soon.

PUMPKINS & APPLES

2011-09-18T11:43:00.000-07:00

It's that times of year again....pumpkins and apples! We opened 10 days ago to sell corn, tomatoes, squash, watermelons etc. Next weekend....Sept 24...we will be selling apples and pumpkins. We have alot of apples this year and some really great looking pumpkins. Our hours are Thusday - Sunday from noon to 5 pm. We are also 24/7 self serve. If you need any more information, please see our website at driesfarms.com. Lavender is always here in abundance. See you soon.

2010-10-25T20:32:00.000-07:00

Last Week for Pumpkins
For some people, picking out your "one and only" true pumpkin in the whole world is a the highlight of the Halloween season. During the past two weeks we have had kids of all ages explore the pumpkin patch for the perfect pumpkin for either carving or using to decorate a porch or table. Like Crisi and her family, many of our "pumpkin scouts" have come from Ridgecrest, California City, Bakersfield, Palmdale and Los Angeles (in addition to the local Tehachapi-ites). Crisi said that she will be back next year and we hope you will too. And if you haven't come by yet, we will be open everyday this week. Come on down!!!

PUMPKINS AND APPLES

2010-09-29T14:48:00.000-07:00

This year we have pumpkins! And they are quite beautiful. We will begin selling pumpkins on Saturday, October 9. Check out our website for location and phone. If you are coming up to Tehachapi or if you want to come by on a weekday, be sure to call us first. (www.driesfarms.com).

We will also begin picking apples soon. There are not as many apples as last year and they are very late getting sweet enough to pick. Usually we need some cold night time temps to bring out the sugar, but the heat persists. Please call ahead if coming to pick apples.

FINALLY!!

2010-08-23T18:09:00.000-07:00

I realize that I have been remiss in updating my blog. Basically I took an 18 month hiatus from the farm after I "retired" to take a long vacation, visit family, take a break from life and have an adventure. When I finally got back to taking care of the farm again, I was discouraged by weeds and overgrown gardens. The raspberries suffered greatly and I have very few plants left. I am slowly taking charge of all my gardens. I still have lavender and will have lavender products in September. I hope to have the store open for September and October during apple harvest.

APPLE SEASON - Come and almost gone

2009-10-20T09:54:00.001-07:00

Apple season is upon us. We are in the last week or so of apple picking. We do have plenty of apples to pick (U-pick) or come by and pick up a bag of picked apples (we-pick). The address for the apples is 19670 Easy Street, Tehachapi, CA 93561. The weather is going to be perfect this next week for apple picking so come on up to the beautiful mountains.

NEW HAPPENINGS

2009-07-28T06:57:00.000-07:00

For all you raspberry lovers out there, I regret to tell you that we will not have raspberries this year. I will have the store open in mid-August for sale of lavender, lavender products and herbs. I am hoping that next year we will have more success. Margaret

A NEW YEAR

2009-04-15T11:40:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it has been exactly six months since I wrote in this blog.
WRT my personal life I have actually "retired" (if there is such a thing) as of February 27. I immediately got in my car to do some visiting and have ended up staying in Virginia with one of my daughters and her family (4 grandchildren). I will return to Tehachapi in June. This leads me into the farm and what is happening. I will have alot more time to devote to the farm and developing more products and maintaining the berries and lavender. So I am excited about that.... after being away for a few months, I actually AM excited about the farm! So look for more to go on this year and hopefully a bigger and better raspberry crop. And of course we will have lavender. Plan to visit the farm this summer.

Raspberry Season Over

2008-10-15T20:14:00.000-07:00

I checked the field tonight and there were no berries to be found. This is the end of a very disappointing season. Also, since no one is available to be at the store this weekend we will be closed. However, raspberry jam and lavender products are available by calling me or sending me an email. We can always arrange to meet at the store given enough notice. Have a happy weekend.

Slim Pickins

2008-10-10T13:43:00.000-07:00

The title says it all. There are very few berries out there. I have had a few pickers during the week and they did pick the canes pretty well clean; however, if you and the family just want to have some fun and a little adventure, come on by this weekend. I am sure that you will be able to find a few hidden berries. It will be on the chilly side so dress accordingly.

The store will be open on Saturday. I have raspberry jam, lavender products, lavender bunches, lavender bath tea and other lavender products. Also, I will be having a garage sale inside my store where it is nice and warm. Come by for a visit and some hot chocolate.

October 3 - Brrrr

2008-10-03T06:36:00.000-07:00

If you are coming up to Tehachapi this weekend, be prepared for cool weather. There are apple farms open and our store will be open. Raspberry picking will be available; however, it is alot of hunting for those ripe ones. Whatever you do this weekend, be safe and have a good time.

September 29

2008-09-28T20:33:00.000-07:00

Raspberry picking is now available 24/7. We were delighted to have many customers pick berries this past weekend. Even though the berries were scarce, most customers picked 1-2 lbs. With continued picking and warm weather, the berries will be more plentiful. Bring a hat and study shoes. If you bring you own containers, make sure that you weigh them before picking. There are foam boxes and directions in front of the store.

Sepember 26

2008-09-26T19:09:00.000-07:00

Conditions on the farm remain the same. There are some raspberries to pick, but very few. The store will be open on Saturday. Please come on by.

September 19

2008-09-19T06:46:00.000-07:00

WE WILL NOT BE PICKING RASPBERRIES THIS WEEKEND. Sad to say that at this point I am not optimistic about the raspberries bursting forth into any crop large enough for a 24/7 U-Pick. The potential is there, but the berries may think that winter is coming and they may begin to shut down. On the brighter side, in past years we have picked berries into November. So we shall not give up yet. The store will be open on Saturday for Lavender and I do have Raspberry Jam.

September 11

2008-09-11T05:42:00.000-07:00

Much to everyone's disappointment the raspberries are not ready for picking this week. The store will be open on Saturday.

Sept 5

2008-09-05T08:22:00.000-07:00

Raspberries are not ready to pick yet. Keep checking back.

Sat. August 30

2008-08-30T09:29:00.000-07:00

Did a search of the raspberry field this morning. There is alot of potential out there, but there is not enough activity to open for berry picking today. A person could probably glean a small amount of berries if they were very diligent. Let's hope for next week. And if you are reading this and you are someone who lives nearby, you are welcome to come pick for free today or tomorrow....happy hunting.

Week 4: Waiting and Watching

2008-08-23T09:26:00.000-07:00

The store will be open on Saturdays beginning next Saturday, August 30; however, the raspberries will not be ready. Many of my neighbrs are saying how their gardens are slow growing this year. Perhaps mother nature knows something we don't. Sorry to disappoint all my loyal berry pickers out there. Keep checking the blog.

Week 3: Raspberry update

2008-08-19T19:27:00.000-07:00

I will go out on a limb and say that we will have raspberries beginning Saturday, August 30. I will also have the store open that day and every Saturday until it gets cold. I will have raspberry jam and lavender and lavender products.....and maybe some surprises. Hope to see you then.

Week 2: Raspberry News

2008-08-12T21:06:00.000-07:00

Alot of people have been calling and asking about the raspberries. We are usually in full picking season by this time in the year; however we are at least a month behind. Keep checking this blog as I will update it weekly now. Whether we have berries ready or not, the store will be open on Saturdays beginning August 30. We will have jam and lavender products.....and hopefully berry picking by then.

Week 4: Slow and Steady

2008-07-27T01:49:00.000-07:00

The raspberries seem like they have slowed down their rate of growth. Perhaps it is much like watching water come to a boil....it takes longer if you watch it. We are still looking at the end of August for Raspberries which means that berry season will be about 6 weeks long and longer it the weather remain good through October.

Week 3: Raspberries

2008-07-15T18:29:00.000-07:00

A photo of the raspberry field shows how late we are this year. These berry bushes have another foot or two to grow before they will begin to set blossoms. We are hoping to have berries in about a month. Keep checking this blog to see when berries will be ready. The store will be open when the berries are ready. We will have plenty of lavender products and raspberry jam.

Week 1: Dirt and Dreaming

2008-07-02T19:09:00.000-07:00

One nice thing about memories is that they are there when you need them. While pulling weeds you can dream about listening to Beethoven at the Kennedy Center. While watering, pruning or deadheading flowers, one can dream of lying in the sand at Virginia Beach. While tromping around the farm hauling this and that to here and there, one can dream about cute little grandchildren's smiles and hugs. More and more I find myself dreaming....and hoping the farm will take care of itself.

Week 3: The 3 W's

2008-06-16T21:38:00.000-07:00

Six months out the year my life is focused on the three W's: weeding, watering and wildlife. That is pretty much all that happens between now and October/November. Once in a while there is a break in the monotony when I spray a little Round Up or fertilizer. Eventually harvest time comes and it is all worth while. Raspberries will be ready for harvest in August. We may have Gala apples this year if the deer and the bugs don't decide they want them first.

Week 1: Farm Miracles

2008-06-04T21:18:00.000-07:00

Desperation was pretty much my mood on May 23 as I headed for Utah and left the farm behind with mountains of weeds and a mile long list of farm tasks to be done. It wasn't life threatening, but I knew that this was a monumental task and I couldn't do it by myself. Long story short: Upon returning from Utah two of my former farm workers appeared looking for work. One I haven't seen for probably 5 years and one for 2 years. The miracle is that they both came when I felt hopeless and overwhelmed. The second miracle is of what they have accomplished in one week. 700 lavender plants pruned, 7 rows of berry trellis removed, weeds have disappeared, a long overdue task of removing T bars from 45 rows of now non-existent berries has been finished (that's 450+ Tbars) and the field mowed. There are some things I can do myself, but heavy work is not one of them. Tomorrow my farm helpers should have all the fields mowed, and one area rototilled. I plan to have them begin pulling down apple trees. I will whittle the orchard down from 600 trees to 300, keeping 5 rows of Galas, 5 rows of Braeburns and 5 rows of Red Delicious. The store and the barn also need to be painted this year. This weekend I will plant corn and beans and tomatoes. P.S. Really Strong Winds again the past few days. This IS the year of the wind!

May - Blown Away

2008-05-22T23:11:00.000-07:00

Consistent with true Tehachapi style May has been unpredictable. What should have been a good month for weeding and watering has been a month of wind and more wind. But last weekend progress was made: The well turned on and faucets checked for leaks and breaks. Drip lines are being flushed and checked for breaks. Beginning the never ending rounds of watering. All that has to come to a halt for a few days while I take the long weekend to drive to Utah for Lily's first birthday.

Week 3 & 4 - Status Quo

2008-04-25T12:10:00.001-07:00

The wind is relentless this year. I have no control over the weather, so I just wait. The apple trees are in blossom and look beautiful.

Week 2: Anticipation

2008-04-11T18:04:00.000-07:00

March was a lost month. Lost only to farm activities due to cold weather and windy, windy days and nights. It is impossible to work outside in the wind. For me at least. I think the painting is getting a little murky and overgrown with weeds so I must get out my paints! Better news next week I hope. I am anticipating the renewal process.

Week 3&4 - From Snow to Sun

2008-02-28T16:11:00.000-08:00

It is an absolutely gorgeous day for winter. Sun and clear blue skies is the reminder or things to come. I'm still frantically working on organizing my genealogy. Next week I fly to Virginia again to see grandkids (so they won't forget me!) I am sure when I return it will be back to the weeds and seeds. I am excited about spring. I hope you are too.

Week 1&2: Crispy Crunchy White

2008-02-12T17:10:00.000-08:00

Crispy, crunchy white. That was last week. This week the sun has melted the snow and warmed the earth. It is much like a typical spring day. It is a warning that I need to get out paper and pencil and seeds and make a plan. However, I am still organizing genealogy.

Week 4 & 5: Canvas of White

2008-01-31T09:50:00.000-08:00

The canvas the past two weeks has been white...not because I haven't "painted" anything, but because it has been snowing off and on for two weeks. This has caused me to go into hibernation and seek for solace within my bookshelves some of which are filled with genealogy in need of organization. I have decided that is where I am going to be for the next month...deep in pruning my family trees since its too cold to prune apple trees. Pruning will always lead to healthier trees and a better crop. Does the same rule apply to family trees?

Week 2/3: Farm Photography

2008-01-19T10:56:00.000-08:00

Last week I read an article about taking photos of your garden. This idea intrigues me and I think it is my first stroke on my canvas for the year (see last week). Taking photos of things growing or grown and of interest around the garden adds to the creative process of planting, growing, and harvesting. Look for some of the photos I take during the year on this blog.

Week 1: A New Beginning

2008-01-07T17:10:00.000-08:00

A new year always spurs one on to new resolutions and organizing and planning. The year stretches before us like a blank canvas waiting for us to paint our dreams and desires onto its waiting whiteness. This is the time that we do the creative planning of what will be on that canvas as the year unfolds.....so dream on everyone.

Week 2: Merry Christmas

2007-12-09T16:40:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas! See you in January with more farm news.

Week 1: Raspberry Jam

2007-12-01T15:51:00.000-08:00

Made 100 jars of raspberry jam a week ago and it is already gone...sold. I will continue to have jam available until all of last year's berries are gone.

Week 4: Thanksgiving

2007-11-22T19:03:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone. Gratitude is the most exquisite form of courtesy. (Jacques Maritain 1882-1973, philosopher)

Week 3: Website Update

2007-11-15T16:10:00.000-08:00

I have added the process for making lavender essential oil to my website, http://www.driesfarms.com

Week 2: Lavender Varieties

2007-11-08T10:35:00.000-08:00

I grow two varieties of lavender. One is lavandula x intermedia 'Grosso' and the other is lavendula x intermedia 'Provence.' Both varieties have 24" long stems. Grosso has fat, dark blue-purple buds which make it ideal for dried bunches and loose lavender. The fragrance is heavy and spicy with a hint of camphor. The buds of the Provence variety are light purple and when dried are very light in color; however, their frangrace is more sweet and delicate than Grosso. Most of my lavender oil is made from the Provence buds.

So you see, not all lavender is created equal. When buying plants, ask what variety it is. Is it lavendula or true lavender.?How tall does it get? What kind of spike head does it have? What color is it. What does it smell like? Be sure you know what you are getting.
Margaret

Week 1: Distilling Lavender Oil

2007-11-02T15:44:00.000-07:00

Since distilling lavender oil takes my undivided attention, I now turn to making oil all winter. This works out perfect for the oil because it takes 3-4 months to "cure." I'm not sure that is the right word. Most oils will have some extra odors from the plants that come along for the ride during the process. It takes several months for those odors to evaporate out. The first time I made oil it didn't smell so wonderful. Then I read about letting it sit to cure and sure enough in a few months it had that intoxicating, relaxing fragrance.

Week 4: Closed for the year

2007-10-25T18:09:00.000-07:00

We are officially closed for the year. The store is open by appointment so please call ahead. I continue to ship lavender bunches and other products during the winter and spring as long as the supply lasts. I hope to have my shopping cart up within the month so you can order gifts for Christmas. You can always call me to place an order too.

What's happening on the farm? We continue to get ready for winter...that is the cold and hopefully rain and snow would be good. I will also be stocking up my wood pile for cozy fires in the days to come.

Week 3: The Winds of Change

2007-10-18T10:16:00.000-07:00

The cold and the high winds have let us know that winter is right around the corner. I thought we would be able to squeeze out another weekend of raspberry picking; however, that is not going to be happening. The store will be open on Saturday from 10-12.

What's Happening: I am picking the last of my tomatoes and a few pumpkins. I'll be putting things away for the winter and draining water from pipes and drip lines to keep from having the valves and pipes break like they did last winter.

Week 2: Chinese Proverb

2007-10-10T19:04:00.000-07:00

CHINESE PROVERB: Life begins the day you start a garden.
Even though fall and winter are in the air, your garden for next year begins in your dreams and heart now. Plan now and you won't be caught off guard when the warm days of March and April begin pushing up tulips and daffodils.
WHAT'S HAPPENING? We have had so many cool nights and days that the raspberry leaves are beginning to shrivel up. The berries are small and clumps of berries are few and far between. The store will be open on Saturday as will be the raspberry field for picking. Families looking for a little adventure will find it fun. This will probably be the last weekend for berry picking.

Week 1: Raspberries and Rooting Lavender

2007-10-03T15:56:00.000-07:00

Raspberries: This weekend is a GO for raspberry picking. It may be a little on the chilly side, but hopefully there will be lots of sun. Don't forget to bring a jacket. I picked berries this morning and found that there are still plenty to pick. The treasure hunt is well worth it.

Rooting Lavender: Every year our customers ask for lavender plants. Because of your requests, I am rooting lavender cuttings - about 500 in all. I don't want to get too confident about this process because in the past I have not been to successful at this. Time will tell and I'll keep you posted. If you have any tips for me wrt to rooting woody plants, please pass them on to me.

Today on the Farm

2007-09-29T19:33:00.000-07:00

Today was a busy raspberry picking day on the farm. Many visitors to the farm are from out of town who have come up for apple season. Raspberry picking is a happy experience for families and many children go away with faces smeared with raspberries....yum.

The raspberry U-Pick will continue on a week by week basis depending on weather. Hopefully we will have raspberries through October. The U-Pick is available 24/7. Instructions and containers for picking are in front of the store. If you want lavender or products from the store, please come on Saturday between 10-4.

This blog will keep you up to date on the condition of berries for picking. Margaret Dries