Greetings to all from Hidden Springs Farms,

     Spring is such a busy time at Hidden Springs Farms.  Forgive us from not getting our newsletter out in a timely manner.  Between goats being born, the garden being tilled, new kittens, lots of chickens, turkeys, and ducks, and everything else that is involved in getting the farm ready for the growing season, there is simple not enough time in each day to complete all task. 

   We have 11 boer goat kids on the ground now.  Everyone is very healthy and cute as they can be.  We are very happy with all of the kids.  The smallest one was 9 lbs!  Last year we took a hard look at our nannies and kept only the best for breeding.  We are so pleased with our results. 

 The end of April will be shearing time for the Angoras.  The boys, Megan, Betty, and Sampson are looking VERY fluffy.  Since we shear the goats ourself, we take our time and just do a couple each day.  This gives us the opportunity to update their shots, trim their hooves, and in general, spend a little time with everyone.  If you'd like to come out and watch us shear, just let us know and we will schedule a convenient time for you to visit.  This year we will be selling our fiber at the Tennessee Fiber Festival held in Dickson May 22 & 23rd. (visit www.tnfiberfestival.com for directions and times)  The fiber festival is a great place to visit.  There will be workshops and demonstrations and LOTS of fiber, yarn, and fiber art for sale.  If you come, be sure to stop by our booth to say "hi".

  Our CSA is just about full.  Thanks to everyone that signed up.  We will be sending out a CSA newsletter for all CSA members in the next week so you will know what is happening in the garden, with the hens, and of course, happenings at Gourmet Pasture Beef, our partner. 

    For those of you interested in Herb Gardening, don't forget our "Beginning Herb Gardening" workshop.  The workshop is offered through the Willow Oaks Center here in Springfield.  There are still some spaces available.  You can sign up by going to www.willowoaks.org  Our greenhouse is filled to the top with herb plants and the existing plants in the garden are doing very well.  So well, in fact, that we had fresh oregano and thyme in the kitchen last night.  There is nothing better then the aroma of fresh herbs. 

  One a final note, Miss Kitten delivered 4 of the most beautiful little kittens on Monday.  We will be looking for good homes for these little darlings in about 6-8 weeks.  If you are interested in a cute little kitten, let us know.  We will post some pictures and let you know if they are boys or girls once they are a little more settled.  Tiger Kitty also gave birth sometime last night.  As soon as we figure out where in the hay loft she has hidden the kittens, I'll be able to let you know about those as well.  See, Spring really is a time for new starts (and lots of kittens!)

Best Wishes,

The Staff of Hidden Springs Farms