After we completed our winter production of Christmas trees and wreaths, we began
2020 with a focus on forest restoration.
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The hardwood forest on the property is primarily oak-hickory, with a mixture of walnut, locust, dogwood, and cedar forming a complex upland forest ecosystem. The native Eastern Red Cedar tree (Juniperus Virginiana), while a beautiful native evergreen, is also an invasive species in disturbed sites, leading to large areas of single species monocultures and limited wildlife habitat. This spring we began a long-term reforestation project to selectively thin invasive cedars and replant native hardwoods recommended by the Arkansas Forestry Commission.

The restoration project is also designed to establish a trail system for access to the historic chimney of one of the early settlers in the hollow. The chimney of the “Democrat House” was most likely built in the 1880’s by Miles’ great grandfather, a local stone mason, helping his neighbor build a home. The neighbor, who was known locally as “The Democrat” later sold the property to our family and the home was then abandoned. All that remains now is the chimney, and the name “Democrat Hollow” that was given to the watershed.

The small disk of aromatic Eastern Red Cedar is from one of the many trees we have removed from an area damaged years ago by heavy equipment. Eastern Red Cedar wood is frequently used in cedar chests and closets to repel moths and other
insects in stored clothing. This is just our way of sharing with you a small part of the activities and adventures here at the farm.

Our first seasonal   from the  farm.

Our Christmas trees have matured to a point that we harvested a few for friends and family and then  crafted seasonal wreaths for those of you that couldn't visit during the holidays.    Becky included  a few handmade  quilted "bowl cozys".    This was a great experience and something we  hope to  continue.
 

The seasonal wreath is made from the native Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana) and boughs of Virginia Pine (Pinus virginiana). The Eastern Red Cedar is the most abundant evergreen in Democrat Hollow, widespread along the rocky soils and limestone outcrops of the property. We began growing the Virginia Pine, also known as the “Southern Christmas Tree,” five years ago. We now sustain a tree plot of about 150 trees on a six-year rotation, along with a small orchard, vineyard, berries, lavender, wildflowers, and bees.