Flowers in the Hedgerows

Each month we profile a different plant that is an integral part of our home Biodynamic ranch ecology at Frey Vineyards. Grapes are at the heart of our farm, but we also have a surrounding biodiversity reserve. Between the wildlands and the grape vines, we have transitional hedgerow zones.

April’s Herbal Highlight from the hedgerows are the Spring flowers! For the past several months, we’ve been enjoying the arrival of a glorious array of both wild and domesticated blooms. As soon as the sun starts to return after the Winter Solstice, there’s a procession of wildflower blossoms that lasts roughly until the Summer Solstice! Here, at the height of Spring in Northern California, we thought it sweet to celebrate some of these wonderful flowers.

Bud break just happened here at Frey Vineyards, which means that the grapes are starting this year’s growth cycle. In the vineyards, there are also lots of flowering trees that have been bursting with blooms. These were planted for their beauty and fruits: peaches, pears, and plums! In the nature reserve areas surrounding the vineyards, there are redwood tree habitats that enjoy more coastal wildflowers like trilliums and Calypso orchids. And the Oak woodland meadows around our rolling hills are home to many California poppies, native lilies, and other brightly colored blooms.