Archive for the ‘Shop Local’ Category

« Older Entries
Newer Entries »

Deer Resistant Plants

Saturday, August 22nd, 2009

by Catherine Haug

As we are gardening, with the intent of preserving at least some of our harvest for the long winter; or we are improving our landscaping to be more sustainable, we want to ensure that we actually have a harvest and landscape. And that means doing what we can to prevent deer (and other critters) from decimating our plantings. Ways to discourage deer:

Remember that having flowers in your garden attracts pollinators; why not choose those that are deer resistant? Or if landscaping with evergreen and deciduous trees to help cool your home in summer, and warm it in winter (a sustainability goal), why not choose deer-resistant species?

I found a list of deer-resistant flowers and landscaping plants at Swan River Gardens the other day.  It’s not available on their website, so I typed it up into a pdf file for your reference.  To that list I added deer-resistant fruits, veggies and herbs that I got from other sources, and annotated those that are Montana natives, since growing natives is more sustainable than growing non-natives.

To see the entire list of deer-resistant plants, check out the pdf file: Deer Resistant Plants. The list below includes only deer resistant native plants. (more…)

Posted in Gardening, Landscaping, Shop Local | Comments Closed

Struggling Local Commercial Dairies

Thursday, August 20th, 2009

by Catherine Haug

September 27 update: The Daily Interlake featured this local dairy in today’s Sunday Paper: Milky Way. This article included some new information:

  • The new dairy will be called “Kalispell Kreamery;”
  • They will sell pasteurized, non-homogenized milk, cottage cheese, and ice cream in local stores, as well as at the dairy.

Our two local commercial dairies in the Flathead Valley are struggling, and it can’t all be blamed on the down economy.  Or at least that’s the message in a recent article in the Flathead Beacon: The Flathead’s Last Dairy Farms. (more…)

Posted in Agriculture, Community, Shop Local | Comments Closed

Avoiding Swine Flu Naturally: Update September 3, 2009

Thursday, July 9th, 2009

by Catherine Haug

September 3, 2009 update: added info on basil and holy basil (tulsi) for prevention and treatment of influenza.

August 15, 2009 update: addition of probiotic foods to list of ways to support your immune system, based on recent study published in Pediatrics.

July 10, 2009 update:  Flu.gov has information about the swine flu, and the preparedness plans of our government, in the event of an outbreak this fall.  I’ve added some information from this website in a new section of this post, titled Swine Flu Symptoms.

July 9, 2009 update:  a video of Dr. Don Beans:  What to Do About the Flu, as recorded on KGEZ radio, is available from Dr. Beans, a Licensed Acupuncturist and Certified Homeopath.  He tells me he’s working on a written version of this 2-hour recording, in booklet form, and hopes to make it available on his website, drbeans.com.  Contact Dr. Beans at 837-0310 or 863-9300.

Original post (April 29, 2009):

“Swine flu” is much in the news today, along with conspiracy theories about its origin. Without getting into all that, see below for some things you can do to support your immune system, and help you fight off the flu should you be exposed.   (more…)

Posted in Agriculture, Health, Shop Local | 1 Comment »

Locally-Grown: What Does it Mean?

Tuesday, June 9th, 2009

by Catherine Haug

In these tough times, many people are rightfully turning to locally-produced foods for their families.  In fact, there’s a boom in home gardeners, roadside stands and farmers’ markets.  And a few local meat producers are selling pasture-fed products directly to customers (no feedlot involved).

The reasons to buy local are many; here are a few:

  • Fresher and more healthful produce, meats
  • Riper and tastier produce
  • Helps the local economy
  • Has potential to create jobs

Locally Grown Processed Foods

But what about processed foods that claim to be “locally grown?”  Are they truly local? (more…)

Posted in Shop Local | Comments Closed

Local Restaurant Features Locally-raised Meats and Produce

Friday, May 22nd, 2009

by Catherine Haug

Several local restaurants feature local produce, including Showthyme, La Provence, and the Culinary Design Studio.  And now, another restaurant offers locally raised meats:

From The Raven newsletter:

“This summer we are focusing on Montana Growers.  We are serving Natural Beef, Chicken and Local Pork from Farm to Market, and we are thrilled to serve Ceres Bakery Buns – a FANTASTIC Bakery on Main Street in Kalispell.  Help us in supporting the local economy and healthy food!”

The Raven is located on the lake in Woods Bay.  Call 837-5472 for more information.

Be sure to check out the Farm Hands Map to help you support local growers.  The map includes farms, gardens, farmers’ markets, restaurants, and stores featuring locally-produced foods.

Who is Your Farmer?

Posted in Community, Food-Nutrition-Health, Shop Local | Comments Closed

Buy Local Flathead

Monday, May 11th, 2009

by Catherine Haug

Buy Local Flathead logo, http://www.buylocalflathead.orgThe downturn in our economy, coupled with the impact of climate change, are causing people to rethink where they spend their dollars.  According to a February 16, 2009 article in the Flathead Business Journal, a new grassroots group called “Buy Local Flathead” has organized to promote local businesses, and “raise awareness about the positive effects that buying locally has on our community.” (more…)

Posted in Community, Food-Nutrition-Health, Shop Local | Comments Closed

« Older Entries
Newer Entries »