Malheur Mars

Malheur Mars

14 March, Monday

Snow, 36 degrees

Winds 11 mph, NNE

The first post of the gardening New Year was to have descriptions of the garden and planting activity in our jardin potager, but alas, the weather has been a difficult friend this past month. The beds have been too wet to work but we look forward with hope to the days soon when we can prepare the beds and begin planting. The seeds are ordered and although we direct sow most of the vegetables varieties, a few of the varieties have been started and are ready for transplant. This time last year, the cabbage, leeks, and spinach had already been planted but the rain and snow have made it impossible yet this year.  We are hoping for improved weather soon, as our seeds and transplants are prepared and ready to be sowed.

On Saturday, March 26, 10 – 4 PM, come and visit our jardin potager at historic Fort de Chartres. Join us as we step back in time and watch us begin the work of gardening in the Illinois Country.  Volunteers as l’habitants, prepare kitchen garden beds with some reproduction tools and plant heirloom seeds of vegetables, herbs, and flowers that might have been grown in this Upper Louisiana region. Celebrate the approach of spring with the age old activities that bring the promise of future harvests of spring, summer, and fall seasons. Thank you to Silvertree Forge, Jas. Adams, Proprietor, for making the primitive gardens tools we use at the heritage garden. If interested, please visit the Participatez page of our garden blog and request contact information regarding Silvertree Forge.

Please note this list of events this spring at Fort de Chartres and travel to the Illinois Country:

• March 26, Garden Day at Fort de Chartres, 10 – 4 PM (details above)
• April 1, 2^nd Annual School Day Event, sponsored by Save Illinois History. Registration required.
• April 2 – 4,  Colonial Trade Faire and Rifle/Musket Frolic at Fort de Chartres
• Kids Day on May 7 th from 10 am to 4 pm, 18^th century activities and more! (information soon to follow). This event sponsored by Les Amis de Fort de Chartres (The Friends of Fort de Chartres).