And all of a sudden, it’s the end of May! How did that even happen? It seems like just the other day we were putting the finishing touches on the Farmhouse Café, taste testing rhubarb pie and chocolate crinkle cookies, bustling around trying to get all the details in order for the soft opening. It was a pleasure meeting some of you that evening. Thanks for attending, we were so encouraged by the turn out. I was there with my three boys and, trying to keep track of them, I didn’t get to chat with too many of you, but it was still fun to see your faces and welcome you to a new season. I did get another chance to meet more of you face-to-face at the Mother’s Day picnic. And what a fun day that was! We had a beautiful warm day, you dressed up for photos and everyone seemed so happy. It was an absolute joy to watch families together enjoying a picnic and the beautiful show of blossoms that were blooming on the trees.
 
           As I had the pleasure of growing up on the Davison farm, I have so many wonderful memories roaming the orchard slopes, hanging out with the goats (Grandpa used to call me the “Goat Queen”) and just being a kid on the farm and in the dirt. It just feels right seeing others enjoying the farm too. It makes all of us in the family humbled at the privilege of being part of your family outings and traditions. Sometimes it seems like there is so much bad news in the media, the future feels grim. But when I see friends and family together and kids running through the grass and getting dirt on their knees (and maybe even Applelanche on their shirt), it encourages the soul – things are as they should be!   
 
My husband, Kevin, and I live on our Grandview farm in Armstrong. This is where our new hail net was just installed, as well as where we grow some of our other Davison fruits and veggies, strawberries being not the least of these. Lately, my boys have been running out to the field to check on the progress of the berries, no one is as excited as they are. I can tell you the strawberries are swelling on the plants, ripening every day – which means very soon the first sweet fruit of the season will be upon us! We are bursting with excitement waiting for them. My brother, Lance, is checking them daily as well, and with this hot weather we’ve been having this week, we are hoping to have our first pick for this weekend. Yah! Stay tuned on Facebook.
 

Sometimes I feel a bit repetitive in these letters to you. But can somebody say thank you too much? Please know that we mean it. Thank you for supporting our family farm. I can’t say enough how we feel privileged to farm. We absolutely love it. And we can do it because you support us year after year and in each season. Thanks for coming up and spending your days with us. We are so happy to be able to share the beauty of the farm with you.  
 
Looking forward to seeing you more in June. Strawberries are imminent, but ‘Donuts for Dad’ & sweet cherries won’t be too long down the road either,  we’ll keep you posted!  
 
Laura Shaw,
For the Davison Family

In place of a recipe video this week, we would like to share a video about our hail netting which is currently being installed to help protect our orchard. Turn on the sound and enjoy.

Coming to Davison Orchards - "Donuts for Dads". Treat Dad to a day at the farm this Father's Day, Sunday June 16th, with a free donut and orchard tour as well as lawn games and a special Farmhouse Cafe menu just for him. There is no registration required. Gather the whole family, grandparents too, and spend the day at Davison Orchards.