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Glamping in SoCal's Wine Country Updated on November 29, 2023 There's nothing quite like sleeping under canvas, as many of us fondly remember from our scouting days. Fast forward a couple decades, and spending a half day gathering gear and filling ice chests while juggling kids, work commitments and charcoal isn't as idyllic as we remember. Years ago, when news of MaryJane Butler's Idaho canvas wall tent farm burst onto the scene in the 1990's, the concept of living a fancier, more fluffy version of her youthful account of sorting herself out in much needed isolation in a tent in the northern woods, resonated with many of us. Yes, we wanted to experience that, but with down comforters, WIFI and running water. Many of us are inspired by the pioneering spirit, but prefer our inspiration in small doses. MaryJane's Farm was the first glamping destination to offer a gentler version of her survivalist adventures, and travelers flocked to Moscow, Idaho to experience he

Carissa Plums, the Edible Hedge

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I was introduced to the Carissa Plum, aka Carissa Macrocarpa or Natal Plum 30 years ago by Rosalind Creasy's Edible Landscaping when edible landscaping was cutting edge. They're happier in coastal, zone 24 than here at Morning Song Farm in zone 22, but they're hanging in here on our farm. No commercial value, but I've always enjoyed the fruit. And the flowers infuse the surrounding breeze with the strong scent of jasmine. Who wouldn't want a Carissa in their garden? The cherry red fruit doesn't ship well, and is best eaten right off the bush. Although the fruit and flowers can appear year round, the best flush of fruit...enough to make jams or pies, is now!
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 Come on out and meet George and his crew. Peacocks and peahens are omnivores and enjoy small morsels of tasty treats. They don't have teeth of course, so can't do anything with a large offering. They LOVE raisons, blueberries, seeds, crumbled nuts, and most things that humans enjoy. We don't feed them poultry or eggs of course.

Alpacas love their treats!

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 Silverado and Dusty can have their brotherly arguments, but one thing they can agree on, is they love their treats. Silverado is the bossy one, and there's not anything we can do about that. He puts up quite a fuss if he isn't accorded the privilege of first right of refusal, so he'll usually butt his bro out of the way for the first tasty morsel. If there's two visitors offering treats, a few feet apart, there's nothing he can do about Dusty getting to enjoy a treat at the same moment he's enjoying his treat, so we recommend that if his bossiness bugs ya.

Kumquat Sorbet

Kumquat Sorbet   To start, make your puree: Puree 5 cups kumquats,   3 cups of filtered water. Hit puree for a few minutes, and then using the back of a wooden spoon, force through a sieve into a large pot. Toss the mass that won't go through the sieve. Add sugar to the liquid and then freeze, following your ice cream machine’s instructions.

Kumquat Corn Bread

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Other than having to make a batch of kumquat reduction, this recipe is as simple as a quickbread can be. To start, make your reduction: Fill a blender with kumquats, and then cover your kumquats with filtered water. Hit puree for a few minutes, and then using the back of a wooden spoon, force through a sieve into a large pot. Toss the mass that won't go through the sieve. Add sugar to the liquid in your pot to taste, and then gently simmer until the consistency of a thick syrup has been achieved. Enjoy the scent of cooking kumquats, there's nothing quite like it. Preheat to 350 F. Wet Ingredients: 1/4 cup of kumquat reduction, see directions above. (ave the remainder of your unused reduction for pancake syrup, beverage flavoring, an amazing Margarita mix, even flavoring seafood.) 2 eggs 1/3 cup vegetable oil (we use avocado oil) 3 Tablespoons of melted butter 1.25 cups milk Combine all wet ingredients and set aside Dry Ingredients: 1.5 cups wheat flour 2/3 c

Plant Lovers Getaway in Fallbrook/North San Diego

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Looking for the Best things to Do for Plant Lovers in Fallbrook/Temecula; North San Diego? Plant loving visitors from all over the world head to Fallbrook in San Diego’s North County, to enjoy both nature and nurture, as commercial horticultural excellence has found a home in the green hills here against the backdrop of soaring oaks, 365 frost-free growing grounds, and all that the stunning Santa Margarita River Reserve has to offer. Spring, 2018 has plenty in store for the plant loving visitor to North San Diego! Finch Frolic Garden Tour Sunday, March 18, 2018 ~ 10 am - 12 pm $15 per person 390 Vista del Indio, Fallbrook Offers a 2-hour class in how to plan your water-wise garden using innovative recycling tips and more. Come get inspired! RSVP to dianeckennedy@prodigy.com. Field to Vase Gala Dinner And Protea Tour April 7, 2018 $185-$205 Resendiz Brothers Protea Growers Rainbow, CA A once in a lifetime gala dinner celebrating the amazi