RAMSAY FARMS: Garden Fever

Sunday, August 12, 2007

Garden Fever

This is my first year of not being on the local Garden Tour that is hosted the last weekend in July every year. Quite frankly after the very warm oct-dec we had and then very cold weather in jan-feb with no snow killed off many of my 10 year old established plants, trees and shrubs. even a 15 year old Green Ash tree succumbed to the winter. I can't afford to replace all those plants! I have over 1500 plants!

I haven't done the gardens justice this year. I've had more than enough work with the new sheep and goats and the BUSINESS to keep me preoccupied. I've hardly even remembered to water it. But the weeds sure look nice.

Special thanks to Candice for coming out and helping me make what I have left of my gardens look good. Since I won't embarrass myself with what the gardens look like this year (no dead heading, splitting or pruning yet this year) I will leave you with a few of my photos from garden tour the past few years. Unfortunately not a lot of things bloom the end of July for Garden Tour but it really takes that long for the gardens to look their best :)

Wow my gardens need help before you get here for the BBQ!!

2 comments:

Becky Utecht said...: Wow, Garrett, I'm impressed with your gardens! Very Nice! Things look so much greener there than they are here. And to think that you saw MY landscaping last spring, now I'm embarrassed!; August 15, 2007 at 7:23 AM
Gail V said...: Garrett,your gardens are beautiful. You are a man with many interests, it is apparent. and I find that it's my gardens, too, that have to give when the critters need tending-- my friend Mary and I loved looking at your carefully labeled plants and well-organized grounds.; August 26, 2007 at 11:24 PM

Who we are

Ramsay Farms is situated in the northeastern part of Ottertail County, near Perham, Minnesota. This family farm of 320 acres has been in the Ramsay family for five generations, dating back to 1892. Today our farm prides itself on our Simmental cattle, Shetland Sheep and BlueFaced Leicester sheep. We strive to breed animals that closest match the breed standards given to them, and mindful of production, health and longevity in our animals as well.

In spring of 2016, there was a purchase of 32 acres in Green County, Wisconsin to accommodate Garrett for his work in that region. The animals have for the most part been moved to that location. Both locations will work in tandem to continue educating and promoting these animals and this way of life.

From the Shetland Sheep Society

"Shetland sheep have for generations been noted for their very soft and well crimped fleece. The wool is the finest of all native breeds and shows an amazing variety of colours and patterns. There are 11 main whole colours and 30 recognised markings.

By selecting from coloured fleeces a range of naturally coloured yarn can be produced. This eliminates the need for dyeing and therefore retains the soft feel of the natural fibre and is favoured by those who prefer a totally natural approach.

Shetland wool fibres are of a simple construction witha central cortex covered by a thin scaly cuticle, and have an average diameter of about 23 microns. However there is a range from 10-20 microns for neck and shoulder wool to 25to 35 microns for britch wool. the average staple length is 3.5 inches. The amount of crimp varies, and is most important in providing the 'bounce' required for knitwear. There is a positive correlation between fineness and crimp, with wool of the finest quality being crimped at between 8 and 12 to the inch. Wool from shetland sheep is used to produce gossamer lace, the famous 'Fair Isle' knitwear, and fine tweeds. Pure bred Shetland sheep tend to shed their fleece in sprin. The growth of new fleece can cause a rise or weak point and where this is present the fleece can sometimes be plucked or 'rooed' by hand. The timing of this can be different in each sheep, however, it is worth taking the care to get it right as rooed fleece can be amongst the softest because the fibres have no harsh cut ends as occurs with a sheared fleece.

Shetland fleece can be handspun straight from the fleece or made into rolags and then woollen spun. It can also be sorsted spun by hand, used on a peg loom or handwoven. It also felts well using either dry or wet methods. When processed commercially the wool can be made into the finest lightweight worsted cloth or heavier weight, harder wearing fabrics and tweeds."

RAMSAY FARMS

Sunday, August 12, 2007

Garden Fever

2 comments:

A long time coming!

Fine Fleece Shetland Sheep Association

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