The Greenhouse

OK, so I kind of love my greenhouse.

The first time I toured the Glendeven property, there were many things that I liked about it -- the grounds, the rooms, the views, the state parks surrounding, the proximity to the Mendocino village -- but one thing clinched the deal. The greenhouse.

I'm not ashamed to say this either.

The greenhouse is a little building built by Glendeven's founding inn-owner, Jan DeVries, under the watertower, next to the pump room. At the time I first saw it, it had a full watering system already in place, but only had empty pots stacked neatly on the shelves. It was a little paradise just waiting to happen.

Last year I planted a number of things in the low planter and also stocked the pots with fun plants.

But this past winter, I went kind of crazy with the hanging begonia bulbs and then had to find patience. Well, now they're doing very well. They're thriving. And it all makes me pretty happy.

The greenhouse is a little jewel right in the middle of the property. It's a little hidden, which makes it feel even more special. Make sure you take a minute to find it when you're here.

-- John

Mendocino Music Festival

When chatting with guests, I'm often asked how we came to be in Mendocino.

About 15 years ago I was on a solo bicycling / camping tour of the northern Pacific coast when I happened upon Mendocino. I'd planned to stop for just a few hours for lunch, but when I arrived into town, I saw the huge white tents and 'discovered' the Mendocino Music Festival. I ended up staying for three days (instead of 3 hours) and had a wonderful time.

In all the years since, I'd always wanted to get back to Mendocino to enjoy the festival. It was always on my to-do list, but I never was able to make it.

So when we were looking for an inn to buy, I knew Mendocino was a fantastic spot. Romantic, stunningly beautiful, with fine dining, rugged outdoor activities and all the arts represented -- it's an all around world-class location. So when we found Glendeven Inn, I knew this was the spot. In all the world, this was where we wanted to be.

We ended up closing the deal last year in August and taking over the business during the time of the Music Festival. And this year by planning ahead, we were able to donate and support the Festival in a few different ways.

Last night, Glendeven Inn sponsored the coffee for the festival as seen in this (bad) image taken on my mobile phone.

It's good to be here on this one-year anniversary, and Mike and I are looking forward to seeing and hearing the remaining Festival shows of this season and to many, many more years in Mendocino.

--John

Chickens

"If you don't want to find me, don't look in the chicken coop." That's what I tell folks. I like it in there.

About six weeks ago, our new chickens started to arrive. They were two days old at time of arrival, and they came in three batches. We got every kind of laying hen and we'll have a lot of different kinds of eggs in every color you can imagine. Farm fresh eggs! Unfortunately, we have to wait months before they're laying, but it's going to be worth the wait! We have Barred Rocks, Aracaunas, Buff Orpingtons, and many many others. It's the Noah's Ark of Chickens. Essentially two of each.

We even got some Chinese Silkies just for fun.

We're using the old coop of the farm which is set back in the northeast edge of the pasture, and it's built like Ft Knox. No predators will get in for sure, which is one of the big potential problems in keeping hens.

It's very fun to go the coop and watch them work-out the pecking order, scratch around, and fuss.

Soon they'll be able to get out into their yard, but for now they're still too small. We worry about the neighboring cats a bit. Stay tuned for more pictures (and eggs!!)

-- John