As Grown by Thomas Jefferson at Monticello “Tennis Ball” Lettuce

It’s true! Heirlooms really do have a higher nutritional content than today’s modern hybrid varieties. Studies have been done at The University of Texas in Austin, by Donald R. Davis and his team. Their work has left us with a book called “Declining Fruit and Vegetable Nutrient Composition” and available to read online or from your local library. :

This season we’ve chosen two extraordinary heirloom lettuces to grow at the farm. The first, pictured above is a special lettuce grown by Thomas Jefferson at his Monticello Plantation. All research shows in his writings that the Tennis Ball lettuce was his favorite to grow. He claims that it was fairly hardy and did not require delicate handling and care.

Jefferson’s records indicate that he was growing Tennis Ball by 1809. Other writings claim this lettuce to be one of the most esteemed and oldest varieties that was favored for its crisp and sweet flavor.

Many of the early American Colonists found the Tennis Ball Lettuce to be good keeper during the winter months by preserving it in a salt brine.  I think I might like to try it that way one day, but for now…fresh is best I think!

Amish Speckled Red Heirloom Lettuce

Radianting with rich red pigmentation, our other esteemed heirloom, “Amish Speckled Red” has begun to be harvested fresh this week at the farm. Since studies have shown that vegetables with dark pigmentations hold greater nutritional value, this crispy sweet lettuce is sure to be a hit with your friends and family.

Hibiscus Hill Plantation

As important as the varieties we chose is the way in which we grow them. Heirlooms give all of us the opportunity to help support our environment in many ways. First and foremost, when grown with companion plants in  balanced and diverse harmony, no chemical fertilizers are needed. Nor are insecticides or herbicides.

This is the beauty of heirloom varieties because they were not bred with the need of such things as chemicals like our modern hybrids. They simply flourish with nothing more than   healthy soil, glorious sunshine and beautiful rain.

As many heirloom varieties are endanger of becoming extinct, we can all support the need of preserving such special vegetables and fruits. Here at Hibiscus Hill Plantation we take great pride in supporting and saving seeds for our future generations.

See you at the Farm! ~ Pamela

Hibiscus Hill Plantation

The opportunity for eating locally grown lettuce in such an array of variety is in huge demand. Since it is made available directly after harvesting, one could say you’ve sat in the field with fork in hand. It simply could not be any fresher than this!

You may find it as captivating as myself after investigating the nutritional differences found among so many types and varieties. Greens can get a bit complicated, but there are only 5 general types. Each of the 5 types may vary a bit with colors and shapes.

The main classifications are  Romaine, Looseleaf, Butterhead and Crisphead, and finally the Celtuce.

I found a really nice chart that compares different types of lettuce that is based on the USDA nutritional fact sheets. For a quick comparison visit “I Eat Good Real Food.” to see for yourself.

For me however, unlike so many others, find a whole lot of satisfaction in all of the diversity. Filling the salad bowl full to the rim with flavors and textures within the lettuce family is one of the most rewarding events of the cool weather growing season.

Fortunately for the consumers who continually give support to the local farms in their communities can such diversity be made available. Most of the unique varieties can only be grown for local families because it simply does not hold up to shipping across the country.

Photo by Pamela Kimsey

This also allows the farmer to help preserve the existence of many treasured heirloom varieties that face extinction in today’s marketplace. Many of which provide more nutritional value and extraordinary flavors.

As we begin our rediscovery of long forgotten vegetable varieties we might also find the scarcity of availability. Small farms continue to dwindle across America. Perhaps only those fortunate enough to grow their own garden would enjoy such pleasures.

What a boring existence it would be with only an Iceburg to chose from. I say buy local and keep diversity alive and well. Be sure to keep an eye out, for soon we will make available the mother lettuce, an heirloom that was once grown by Thomas Jefferson at The Monticello Plantation.

Cilantro and Onion Blooms Photo by Pamela Kimsey

FRESH, clean and natural are the beautiful beginnings as the promise of spring sets way at the farm. Part of the excitement is in watching nature unfold. For me however, the fun is not so much the crops that have been sown. Although the lettuces are adding an abundance of pretty ruffled green bouquets in the fields.

But more so as a natural grower, I find myself completely mesmerized by the orchestrated balance as it springs forth. As I observe a bit of new growth appearing on the many perennial herbs planted throughout the landscapes, my first herbal anticipation derives from the annual herb, Cilantro.

Why Cilantro, you might ask? Well, I could ask you to simply take a closer look at the photo above where the Cilantro is in full bloom. All of the white lacy flowers almost gives the appearance of snow flakes in spring. While it’s pretty growing throughout the farm amongst the onion blooms and wildflowers, so much more is happening! This delightful herb kicks in spring with a very special beneficial purpose.

Ladybugs Feasting On Aphids Photo by Pamela Kimsey

Exciting to me is that this herb is the first up and blooming, luring the ladybugs who are attracted to their flowers. They will lay many eggs along the way and soon after I will find them in many stages throughout the farm. The next thing to discover is the ladybugs moving in on various crops and feasting on aphids throughout the season.

The best way to attract Ladybugs to the farm is growing diverse. This basically means growing an array of plants that will attract beneficial insects and act as companions for all kinds of wonderful reasons..

It’s simple but yet complex harmony when nature takes its course.The sky is the limit when one participates in natural growing methods. It is quite exciting as well that it all works together so as not one pesticide or insecticide is ever needed. I find it imperative to grow a healthy farm, which in turn may grow a healthier you. Is this something important to you, too?

Aloe Vera with Stevia Photo By Pamela Kimsey

Cleopatra and Nefertiti have stood out in my mind as I’ve pondered the historical uses of this ancient herb. The Aloe Vera Plants were used by the Egyptian Queens down through the centuries. Herbs such as Aloe Vera were depended upon as part of medicinal and beauty treatments for so many different ailments..

What is quite fascinating is that Aloe Vera contains substances that help relieve stress factors within our bodies. While I can only imagine some of the stresses the Egyptian Queens may have endured, I’m quite certain that within our rapidly changing planet  we may be faced with a wider spectrum of problems. Perhaps some that many of us may have never thought of..

While there is an enormous selection of conclusive studies and research to be found through the International Aloe Science Council, simply put, Aloe has one of the widest ranges of health benefits to be found in most plants.

Aloe Vera is known to have 75 known nutrients: 20 minerals, 20 amino acids, and 12 vitamins. So what this means for us is that because of the wide range of nutrients, the effectiveness when taken internally increases the body’s ability to adapt to environmental and internal stresses.

Aloe Vera Blooming at the Farm

.So, if you’ve had a bad day, which from what I understand after reading through the book “Healing Aloe” it can actually consist of things in the environment, like pollution, or consuming unhealthy foods, or a hectic day at the office. These type of stresses might apply to anyone one of us on any given day. Could it be that Aloe Vera may hold the key to strengthening our bodies systems for enduring such things?

What does this mean for us at the farm? After reading through some of “The Green Smoothie Girls” recipe ideas that encourage us to add Aloe Vera in our diets, well, we certainly don’t want to consume Aloe grown with chemical fertilizers or any other type of chemical for that matter.

Aloe, being a succulent plant will store up its own nutrients, food and water naturally. Much like cactus plants will do in the wild. Only healthy natural soil and sunshine are all these plants require to contain optimum nutritional value for turning our bad days into a great day experience. I find myself viewing Aloe as being another one of those “keeping the natural simplicity” and “our food safe” scenarios that just might be the best option for us at the farm. How about you?

Farm Fresh Dill Photo By Pamela Kimsey

While herbs offer the perfect opportunity for natural health and wellness, there is the story of life where it grows on the farm. One part to be told of the plants picked fresh for your table. Also one that includes delicious ways of enjoying them. Then most importantly, the other that tells how it is grown.

Dill has been utilized for centuries, both medicinally as well as culinary., I especially love it fresh in potato salad! But I want to make sure I have plenty of seed heads when pickle making time comes around. I also want to have plenty for saving seeds so we can grow more plants.  But more than anything I want to make sure there will be plenty extra growing for the swallowtail caterpillars.

The Beautiful Swallowtail Butterfly Photo By Pamela Kimsey

I believe health and wellness comes in many forms. Not just something for your body and soul, but something that includes the environment in which your food is grown. This is the rest of the story of why we grow totally chemical free. One to be told of the beautiful butterflies, so they may fly free to do some very important pollinating.

. Dill gives us an excellent companion plant for growing with the cucumbers. Must be why pickles are so naturally yummy. It also works well when grown with all the brassicas, beans, lettuce and even onions.

There are several other flowers and herbs that will serve the same purpose to the Swallowtail such as Parsley, Fennel and even carrots. It is our hope to grow plenty for both you and for them.

Many reputable studies on the health benefits of Dill have been written by the Herb Society of America.The ancient Greeks used it to cure the hiccoughs and the Egyptians used it as a painkiller. While today’s researchers are finding it to aid with ulcers and indigestion.

The healthiest food we can offer from Hibiscus Hill Plantation is food grown naturally in well balanced diversity. So the next time you enjoy our fresh picked Dill, you might think fondly of the butterflies too.