Avonlea Farm

06/13/2024

I guess we’ve got ducks now! We have actually had them for a few weeks but after a duckling tragedy I did not see coming, I’ve laid low with these guys until I was sure everyone was good.

03/16/2024

Introducing Bernadette! Our previous barn cat, Phil, has fallen in love with our neighbor and left a vacancy. Our new girl Bernadette is more than willing to step in!

02/28/2024

It’s been a while since I posted, but things are waking up around here!

10/19/2023

Received a box of tools from the mid to late nineteenth century today from my cousin. These tools belonged to my great great grandfather who was apparently a very good furniture maker. I feel so humbled to have the honor of being the next steward of these things that have been in my family for so long.

09/16/2023

Jump scare 🙀

08/26/2023

Vince the chicken who was unceremoniously dumped in our driveway after being used for paintball practice leaves for his forever home tomorrow. I’m amazed by the casual cruelty of people but then just as inspired by how others always rise to the occasion. Vince, I hope you have all the ladies (and new tail feathers) you want. We will miss you.

08/21/2023

Rush hour at

08/05/2023

I’m out in Utah visiting my dad. We are at a historic ranch, and it was super interesting to see how little chicken keeping has changed in 100 years.

07/29/2023

Rendering lard 🐖🐖🐖

Back in the spring, I traded a farmer a flat each of calendula and chamomile I’d started for several pounds of leaf lard. I’m just now getting around to trying my hand at rendering it. This is just over a pound of leaf lard, and I’m hoping to get 2 cups of rendered lard. I plan to use the lard in my soap making, and am hoping to create a farm soap with goats milk, egg yolk, and lard.

07/28/2023

One of the this years babies laid her first tiny little egg! 🌼

07/22/2023

Update on the dumped rooster: Vince (yeah we named him, so what) thinks we are heroes, has blown our bio security all to hell, and keeps watch over the coop and run. He’s very interested in the other chickens but also terrified of them. I’m probably going to have a hard time giving him up but that’s def the probable outcome.

07/09/2023

Let’s talk about dumping animals. This guy (who probably isn’t more than 6 months old) got dumped at my house today. He’s got paint on him, which I’m hoping is an accident but probably isn’t. He’s terrified and confused. I’ve set up a safe space for him but can’t catch him to put him in it. Until he’s contained, he’s a danger to the health and safety of my flock, my pets, and honestly maybe to us- he’s an unknown. There are so many alternatives to dumping- rehoming, a rescue, an auction, or your freezer. This is never the answer.

06/06/2023

Ma’am. Allison snuck in while I was doing chores today. Apparently the dogs have better water.

05/24/2023

Many of you will remember last year as the year of Ann vs. The Chipmunk. This year’s opponent is a bit more stealthy and is either a snake or a rat. Trying some herbal repellants before I go hard but man, last years chipmunk was TOUGH (remember the mothballs he REMOVED and LINED UP outside his burrow??). This one is scaring the chickens though and eating eggs.

05/10/2023

LULU CONTENT ❤️❤️❤️ I definitely don’t have a favorite chicken. It’s certainly not THIS chicken who stands on my feet until I pick her up then happily chirps all about her day. For sure not my absolute favorite.

05/01/2023

This time it’s plantain and oat straw soap- will be soothing and healing. My soaps often look exactly alike because I don’t use colors or scents on any healing soaps. I’m excited to try this after it cures!

04/29/2023

Dandelion Soap 🌼🌼🛀🏻🧽 Dandelions are traditionally regarded as anti-inflammatory, detoxifying, soothing, and firming. This soap was made with dandelion infused oils and dandelion!

04/28/2023

04/23/2023

Looking forward to seedling sale in a couple weeks, but in the meantime, I’m working on a direct sow garden for the front of the house

04/17/2023

Everyone who knows me knows I am OBSESSED with the history of my house. After an afternoon spent at the Portland Library, I discovered my house, number 20, on this index from 1938 (Connecticut volume of The Writers Project). CT Beautiful is a 1923 book available through Google Books. That’s our house, and those lilac bushes are still there!

04/04/2023

Spring updates!
Lots going on around here- starting off peas and lettuces in my new raised beds, developing plans for a side cottage garden, and above all, enjoying our view.

03/31/2023

I’ve started most of my own this year but this is where I’m going to finish out the garden!

Want to get seedlings and other growing items for your gardens and pots??

Come get some that were started with love and organic goodness.

**List of plants will be posted soon!**

1) Review the list (soon) and make a list of what you want to purchase (maybe while drinking a warm tea or coffee and really focused on your garden)

2) Come to the farm on Saturday to get your seedlings

3) If you have questions about plants message us or call Nancy before or during the sale

Email us if you have questions [email protected]

Our Seedling Sale is May 13th at 5:00 pm

03/28/2023

🐐🫧🐐🫧 So excited to report that I found a new source for fresh goat milk and soaps will be back soon

03/16/2023

I have a lap chicken omg 😍😍😍 I have dreamt of this day!!!

03/12/2023

Just in case anyone was thinking about getting a cat

03/09/2023

An interesting old photograph of our farmhouse. Although our farm is Avonlea Farm, we are located on the Abraham Bailey homestead, built somewhere between 1680 and 1774.