The Key For an Autumn Weekend

I just came back in, after a delightful walk through the garden on an early Autumn day. How blissful is this, that Raven has returned the sun to the sky for us to enjoy the harvest time! I closed my eyes, facing the south and the Sun's afternoon rays. Oh yes, bathing in it is the correct term for this feeling. Wearing black like the Raven I soaked in the gold and breathed the sweetness of Nature's fulfillment, three better-late-than-never tomatoes in my hand. I had massaged rosemary, mint and lavender before picking the tomatoes and the heady mixture stuck on my fingers, the wind expertly stirring, gave me such a connection to the joy and gratitude of Harvest.

This Saturday, October 2nd., is our 4th. annual "Harvestfest" a farm tour that offers a cornucopia of Fall delights to enjoy, less than forty-five minutes from Tacoma, right out here on the Key Peninsula. Let me run down the list of Autumnal delights for you:

1. Bea's Flowers, 11819 Creviston KP N, Gig Harbor 98329

Here we have gardens, animals to pet, a performing goat (?) fresh produce and flowers, not to mention my dear friend Tweed Meyer will be in the garden to paint with kids.

2. Blue Willow Lavender Farm, 10615 Wright-bliss Road KP N, Gig Harbor 98329

Some planting-to-harvest demos, wreath-making classes available, and lots of wonderful lavender products, pottery and jewelry for sale.

3. Morgan Creek Farm, 11415 Bliss Cochran Road KP N, Vaughn 98394

Pumpkin patch, vegetables, flowers and greenhouses with floral arrangements and seasonal produce available.

4. Gentle Giant Meadows Ranch, 17307 68th. Street Ct. KP N, Vaughn 98394

I'm really looking forward to meeting the Shire horses here, which give the farm its name. There will be some Bluegrass music, hayrides and all sorts of things going on at Maureen and Greg's.

5. Marble rock Hoof Wellness Center, 8010 158th. Avenue KP N, Lakebay 98349 (Next door to the Art Barn)

Thirteen horses have overcome lameness issues at this most special place to learn and meet the horses. An equine photography show will also be here.

6. Barefoot Boys Garden, 16305 Pollack Drive KP N, Lakebay 98349

Here's the spot for a cider-press demonstration, Bee Lady honey products, a lavender field and a mock bee hive.

7. Trillium Creek Winery, 17812 18th. Street KP N, Lakebay 98349

Tour the vineyards, stomp the grapes (but not like Lucy!) visit the wine cellar and taste what's happening from TCW. Lakebay Pottery will be their guest.

8. Creviston Valley Farm~Event Headquarters~3421 Creviston road KP S, Longbranch 98349

From music to horse-whispering, sheepdog trials to tractor hay rides, this is the stop that has a gazillion things going on and lots of corn-on-the-cob to eat. The harvest is definitely in and ready!

9.The Fiber Art Show at the Longbranch Improvement Club, 5213 Key Peninsula Highway KP S, Longbranch 98351

This is the third annual "Threads Through Time" Fiber Arts Show. Included will be demonstrations of weaving, quilting, spinning, Kumihimo Braiding, cross-stitch, and knot-tying. Beautiful stage costumes will be on display. Feast your eyes here!

So, a little something this Saturday, for anyone and everyone, with an added plus of a beautiful Autumn drive in the country. How I love this time of year. From walking in my garden to walking the farms of the Key, sweet fulfillment dances on the air, and the harvest begins to gather grateful folks.

For more information on events, please call (253) 884-5746