Welcome to June!
Are you in a bowl of birdsong like we are on these 6 acres? With the summer migrants now happily here and foraging for the early berries, the already abundant birdsong is just non-stop from before the sun rises until after it sets. It’s simply bliss for a “birdman” like me.
This update from the acres is arriving early this month, as Trystin and I prepare to embark on a special trip that will (intentionally) overlap with the summer solstice. Stay tuned for more on that intention, and why we will be away from these 6 acres on that special day.
Even with exciting days ahead of us, what is on my mind right now is gratitude. With our greenhouse growing plants and generating energy, and our new garden beds holding more than 100 flower and vegetable starts, the support and talent of our community is evident in every board of cedar and each leaf and flower.
This somewhat secret garden tucked into a bowl of southerly sun behind our home radiates with the energy of abundance, and we are grateful.
The next major update from these 6 acres will share the deeper story of how this 200+ square feet of terraced garden came to be (immense gratitude to those that the provided expertise, labor, and plants), and today I want to share last year’s solstice update that resonates with how we feel in this moment too. I encourage you to read through, especially if it's new to you. It's a reminder to me of how the Wheel of the Year leads us through both the familiar and the new.
And here a few quick updates from the past few months on these 6 acres:
We now have a battery powered lawn mower that is charged by the solar panels on the greenhouse (which also charges power tools, our phones, etc).
May and June are “peak growth” in the PNW, so some of our trails are a bit overgrown, but I hope to improve access by early July. The main trail is open and teeming with wildlife.
A few more trees and shrubs have been planted. And some ground cover too, as we begin to shift our focus toward the side and front gardens.
With sightings of band-tailed pigeons and common goldeneyes in recent months, we have now reached 107 species of birds observed from these 6 acres!
Fawn and fledgling season has begun! We have seen two newborn fawns so far (possibly 3) and the trails are hopping with fledgling robins.
The wild roses are in full bloom! Both nootka and bald hip roses are dazzling the trails with fragrance and color.
Some of these moments can be found in the gallery above, so please enjoy these fresh photos from these 6 acres (and these 2025 summer solstice reflections as well).
Thank you for your care, your partnership, and your heart for Earth. May the blessings of the season be abundantly yours,
🌲Zach & Trystin