SNOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

At last, protection for all the plants against the cold fingers of winter. Not only does the snow form a blanket to keep the plants out of the cold wind and frost,  but,  it helps hydrate them everytime we have a warm spell. The wind sucks out moisture and dries the little guys into sticks. In Kamloops it can be a thaw, freeze cycle all through the winter but many times we get snow then cold. Mama nature has a way....................
http://www.laughingswanfarm.com/

Sleeping is not in the plan

We are not big on doing nothing so this time of year is about keeping our hardy perennials from freezing to death and preparing our lights for starting seedlings. Right after Christmas we will be starting various seeds so as to be ready as early as possible in the spring.
Ken organizes the lights and Shirley has the expertise in sprouting seeds no matter how stubborn they might be.
The greenhouse is heated but not to the extent of being able to grow stuff all year. We are working on that.
We are considering how to heat a greenhouse with a passive solar hydronic system and a wood furnice backup. This is not cheap even when we do all the work (as usual). Like our other projects, we spend a lot of time just considering the options and then moving to the best one.

September is a time for planning next years garden

Fast forward to spring 2012. Think how wonderful it is that you took the time last fall to visit Laughing Swan Farm, found the best deals in town for the healthiest plants, and had a gas doing it.
Now you can see those perennials emerging from the soil, already with established roots and ready to give pleasure to you and your family and impress the gardener next door.

Visit our site, contact us and let us know you are coming out to our beautiful spot by the river.
http://www.laughingswanfarm.com/

Summer planting is still possible

We sell lots of plants to professional landscapers and people just wanting to add to their gardens.
When planting in the hot weather it's helpful to water the hole before the plant goes in and make sure the plant itself is well hydrated before it's set in the hole. This should be done in the cool time of day, early morning or evening.

Visit us at http://www.laughingswanfarm.com/

New perennials

Yes we have got lots of exciting new perennials and everything is in bloom after a long cool spring. Book yourself a tour and come and see for yourself.
Remember that we are closed to the public unless you book a time with us first.
This helps us get our work done and you, have attentive help when you ask questions.
See you here.
Visit our website @ http://www.laughingswanfarm.net/

Get ready for planting

A late cold planting season has made many gardeners long for the warm days of May.
Well, after a promising May 1 we are back to cold and wet. It's going to change soon, so start looking for the plants and grasses that you would like to see in your garden this year.
Visit us at http://www.laughingswanfarm.com/

Laughing Swan gears up for the year.

The greenhouse is overflowing with new exciting plants doing what they do best, growing.
This year we have some new groundcovers that are so pretty to look at.
Our ornamental grasses are coming along with both mature plants from last year and lots of new varieties.
The perennials this year include lots of new types and many we have not carried before.
The Kamloops farmers market is only five weeks away, so we have lots to do to be ready for that.
Visit us at http://www.laughingswanfarm.com/ and start making your list.

Waiting for the Sun

On Monday we are getting lots more new plants, to add to the thousands already populating our greenhouse. Remember, there are many news grasses this year, great to add texture and beautiful focus in your garden.
Although it did snow last night the temperature is rising and it won't be long before we are dusting off our garden tools and looking around to see whats coming up.

visit our site @ http://www.laughingswanfarm.com/

Grow op

Today (Sunday 20 Feb 2011) we go to the Grow OP. A meeting between growers and chefs in Kamloops to find out what we can offer in local produce for the restuarants in our area.
Shirley has compiled a list and will soon learn how much interest there is in our offerings.

visit us at http://www.laughingswanfarm.com/

This year is going to be so... exciting.

This year we are growing some interesting new grasses from the tall-grass prairie: Melica, big bluestem, sweet grass, Indian grass, and others.
Also, in our perennial lineup we have some wonderful new Echinacea varieties that are so colourful it will amaze you, and perhaps make you wonder whether you should forgo the annuals and just put in more perennials! 
We also have many different varieties of Lavender, rated for zone 5, (down on the river is zone 6, and up in Aberdeen it's a zone 4).
We take great care in selecting plants and grasses that will do well in our environment because we want you to be happy with your plantings, and know that if we sell it, in will thrive here.
Come and visit us at the Kamloops Farmers Market, starting on Saturday  April 23rd  2011, 8 to 12 noon.
Visit our site to see what available this year.
http://www.laughingswanfarm.com/

http://www.kamloopsfarmersmarket.com/

New site

Our website is not completely finished, but finished enough so we can invite people to look and enjoy.
There are lots of photo's if you click on the names of plants or grasses.
We are pleased and excited that our website is pleasant and easy to navigate.
You can find it at http://www.laughingswanfarm.com/

Thanks, Ken and Shirley Wells

As you sow, so shall.........

Shirley is busy sowing seeds of all varieties. It's amazing how such minute seeds have so much life packed into them. All the seed trays are now under grow lights and things are popping up all over. We have bulbs thinking it's May, Narsissus and Tulips  are 4" high already. It's 10 degrees in the greenhouse during the day which switchs on many plants growing cycles.
The website is almost ready, the usual hurdles that accompany website publication.
Happy planting, from us at "Laughing Swan Farm"

Laughing Swan Farm

Shirley has been working hard on the website, and we are getting nearer to the launch.
It's amazing how much work is involved in website creation.
We will send out a blog as soon as we are ready to publish.
There are lots of new plants this year, we expect lots of interest from our friends and customers
.
All the best,
Ken and Shirley Wells.

Laughing Swan has started to build a website

We are spending some snowy weather putting together a website so our customers will have a way of finding what we have thats ready to sell, and can find other events that we are planning for 2011.
We really try to keep our overhead costs low so that we won't have to charge more on our plants.
If you look at the average retail outlet or nursery you will see just how much infrastructure you are supporting when you by from them. Our intent is to avoid many of these costs and keep our business plan simple and streamlined.
Here's a quote" if your outflow exceeds your income, your upkeep will be your down fall."
when we are up and running, our address will be; http://www.laughingswanfarm.com/ bookmark it.