LIFE'S BETTER IN THE MOUNTAINS

Sunday, June 22, 2008

Fields of Echinacea

On Saturday, Gaia Herbs held an open house. The company grows plants and manufactures herbal extracts on a 250-acre medicinal herb farm in Transylvania County. It was a beautiful day, so my husband and I opted out of the wagon tour and walked the farm on foot. It was gorgeous.


One of several fields of Echinacea Purpurea in bloom.

The farm is located in a peaceful valley with a great mountain view.

Ginko, whose leaves are used for Ginko Biloba.

California poppies (Eschscholzia californica).

Another Echinacea field. The larger white flowers in the background are Valerian in bloom.

One of many greenhouses on the property.

The ubiquitous story-teller.

If the claims are to be believed, this must be the healthiest bird around.

We did not tour the sterile manufacturing plant, preferring to stay outdoors and enjoy the day. In doing so, we overheard some really interesting conversations about the powers of the various herbal remedies. These folks have some satisfied customers who eagerly spread the word.

13 comments:

KGMom said...

Oh what a lovely place. Amazing that there is a place that grows lovely flowers and herbs--all for the purpose of health uses!

Shelley said...

Looks like a beautiful place to take a walk.

MicheleRF said...

Yes, that must be a very healthy bird. Lovely shots of the farm, I especially like the ones of the fields with the mountains in the background.

The Birdlady said...

Oh how beautiful!

Jayne said...

Makes you feel good just seeing it!

Anonymous said...

That is a very nice farm. It is a very romantic notion to live on a farm.

Kerri Farley said...

What a Lovely place to visit!! The view is Fabulous!

Susan Gets Native said...

*said in the Wicked Witch of the West voice*
"Poppies.....that'll make them sleep....popppppieeezzzz..."

NCmountainwoman said...

Donna - It was indeed lovely. The most pristine farm I've ever seen.

Shellmo - I loved walking around there. So much better than the crowded wagons.

Michele - Thanks. The mountains were beautiful that day. You can tell why they are called Blue Ridge.

Helen - Thanks

Jayne - Yes, just looking at all the rows was good medicine.

Science guy - I think we all yearn to live on a farm. But the reality isn't always that great.

Kerri - Yes, we sat by the creek and enjoyed the view.

Susan - Don't make me bring out the flying monkeys.

Ruth said...

Beautiful. Echinacea (purple coneflowers) grow well in my poor sandy soil. I leave some of the seed heads out in the winter for the birds.

Rurality said...

Oh that looks like such a fun trip!

Appalachian Lady said...

Sounds like a great place--glad I found your blog. Joan

Granny Sue said...

The field of coneflowers is so beautiful. What a lovely place.

And that storyteller! I know him! Tis a small world, isn't it? Doug Elliott is one of the best.