Planning for Spring

We anticipated a post-holiday respite and yet the phone is already ringing in the new year.

January is nearly half gone and the tour groups are scheduling for February and March. Of course we think the best tours are in the other three months of the year. We'll do our best, though, to accommodate visitors who won't be able to take advantage of the sights and sounds of the orchard and gardens. Maybe the scents in the vinegary itself make up for the other sensory lacks.

In mid March we'll be doing our vinegar talk at the East Ottertail Horticultural Day in Perham. We were presenters in this fantastic garden themed day last year. It was a terrific event; one to get the sap flowing in gardeners' veins. Joe Bergeson will be the keynote speaker, sharing his thoughts on combining annuals and perrenials. Call the East Ottertail County Extension Office for more information 218-385-3000.

As to the vinegar production: Ron's been harvesting vinegars and making wines to eventually convert to vinegars. Our supply is up and the forecast looks good.

Hampton Market in St. Paul now carries Leatherwood Vinegars as does LaRae's Coffee and Gift shop in Long Prairie. The Cooks of Crocus Hill (St. Paul) have been tasting, and smacking their lips. Negotiations continue. As always, the Whole Farm Co-op www.wholefarmcoop.com continues to sell our vinegar through their drop sites.