Twenty years a go we moved to our secluded valley in the Driftless region of northeast Iowa. We converted a small barn into our home, got the first of our Norwegian Fjord horses, and built a good life close to nature.
We have birds of every description, from red tailed hawks swooping overhead, pileated woodpeckers hammering in the trees, bluebirds calling from fence lines, and meadowlarks burbling in the hay field. We even have a mated pair of eagles nesting in full view of the house.
After looking for a new adventure, we decided to add growing elderberries to the farm. This natural superfood supplies antioxidants and anti-viral protection to the body. It helps prevent colds and flu and adds a natural boost to the immune system.
Elder orchard in bloom, late June
Foggy August sunrise over the elder orchard
Elderberries starting to ripen, early August