New Bench at Koi Pond!
We have a new bench at Koi Pond! Danny and a helper built this sturdy bench. This large bench has seating for 4-5. What a great place to sit and enjoying feeding our Koi Fish or simply to enjoy the relaxing sound of our fountain. This is one of several places on our property to enjoy the peacefulness of nature!
We have at least one Pileated Woodpecker on our land this year. These birds have a predominantly black body, with a distinctive bright red crest. Frank and Etta caught a view of this majestic bird from the driveway. Farris was lucky to see the Pileated Woodpecker at Koi Pond and she was able to take this picture. We love sharing the beauty of nature with our guests!
We have just painted the exterior of My Roundette, the barn, and the chicken coop. The new color, Homestead Brown, has a rustic feel. These buildings truly blend in with the mountains. We are excited to share our updated facilities with our guests.
One of our favorite wildflowers is Joe Pye Weed. Shown here is Joe Pye Weed that volunteered in a flower garden at “Our House.” Joe Pye Weed is named for a Native American herbalist. Butterflies enjoy nectar from the flowers of Joe Pye Weed, and we certainly enjoy its beauty.
Terramonga (formerly Troyer’s) has amazing deli sandwiches and delicious baked goods. Frank’s favorite is the tasty Reuban and Etta loves the wonderful oatmeal chocolate chip cookies. This family-run business also sells fresh, local vegetables and meats. We recently had an enjoyable family meal with their chicken, squash, and new potatoes. We look forward to many more great meals made with their fresh vegetables and meats!
Today we visited the WNC Arboretum and we enjoyed strolling thru acres of cultivated gardens.
Of particular interest was the Quilt Garden, which showcases plants in a quilt design.
We also were amazed at the Bonsai Exhibition Garden. Shown here are some of our favorites – Gingko, American Hornbeam, and Trident Maple.
We plan on returning for the annual Winter Lights show!
Named for the pit boss’s Grandmother Lue, Luella’s Bar-B-Que is an awesome stop for BBQ, Ribs and more. Marietta enjoyed the Burnt end Brisket sandwich and Etta enjoyed the Smiling Hara BBQ tempeh sandwich. Frank always enjoys Eastern North Carolina BBQ. Visit Luella’s North Asheville location to dine in or to get catering for a lovely meal in your rental home.
The flower bed next to the chicken coop is now a garden for our hens. All of the plants, Marigolds, Parsley, and Kitchen Sage – are edible to the hens. Whether it is plants or dried mealworms, our hens always enjoy getting a snack. We feed high quality chicken food because a good diet adds nutrients to the tasty chicken eggs.
We got lunch from Trout Lily today. Farris got a pimento cheese bacon sandwich cooked by the grill, Frank an excellent burger cooked to order, and Etta a premade container Of Charleston Chicken Sandwich. We also got smoothies -one mango and mint, one banana and chocolate.
Trout Lily also feature specialty coffee drinks, handmaid bakery goods and specialty organic products + more!
Fresh Seafood stand Friday and Sunday (until sold out).
One of our favorite spring blooms are Azaleas. Seen here are the Azaleas in front of “Our House.” These Azaleas bloom 3 times a year (Spring, Summer, Fall). We also have Flame Azaleas, a native plant to the area, on our property. We find Spring in the Mountains to be a time of great beauty and renewal. We are happy to share the beauty of Spring with our guests!
