Saturday 20 July 2013

Naming





"Giving a name to the place we call home is perhaps one of the most important naming ceremonies we undertake." motherearthnews

I sort of buy into this and sort of not. Part of me thinks there is a touch of arrogance, or misplaced sense of ownership when we name something outside of ourselves. Regardless our little farm is going to have a name. As far as I know it hasn't had one up to this point.

Not much of a list but this is what we have so far:

 Blue Moon Farm, resurrecting a long used family name. Apt because, to me, it is a once in a blue moon find and it will work for the observatory we plan for the property. 



West Farthing, the location of Hobbiton. A district of the Shire in Lord of the Rings. I feel like I've stepped into the gorgeous movie set each time I see the new place. Described as largely removed from the goings-on in the rest of Middle-earth. Appropriate because, in the way of small places, the goings on around here can make one grateful for a refuge.

South Farthing, another part of the Shire. Considered ideal for growing pipe weed. If you know anything about British Columbia you will know to what I'm referring. 


 Meadowsweet Farm. I think the meadow is very sweet indeed. The meadowsweet plant likes damp places which PNW can offer in abundance.




Thoughts?

Farm sign above from http://www.blackforgeart.co.uk 

29 comments:

  1. I like Meadowsweet or Blue Moon Farm! You came up with some good choices.

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    1. These names pop into my head when I'm supposed to be doing other things. I'm such a daydreamer.

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  2. I love Blue Moon Farm. It conjures up a very pretty picture.

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    1. Its a name both my husband and I like although he thinks tacking on 'farm" is a bit of an overstatement.

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  3. I like all three - difficult choice - 'cos when you finally decide you're stuck with it. I always wanted to call my holding Forget-Me-Not Farm just never got round to it.

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    1. Forget-Me-Not farm would be lovely. Not too late-just stick up a sign.

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  4. All the houses in this area of the Cotswolds have names as we have no numbers. It is the only way of identifying the properties for visitors, deliveries and of course the postman.
    Blue Moon Farm for me too, and how exciting that you intend to build an observatory.

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    1. I think it is more of a British thing. City dwellings are rarely named here. Ranches, on the other hand, always have names which are then incorporated into cattle brands or sometimes vice versa. We lived quite close to the EP ranch. EP for the owner, Edward Prince, aka the Duke of Windsor.

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  5. Love Blue Moon and Meadowsweet. I think it is wonderful you are going to name you farm. I've always loved the traditions of homes having a name. Gives it a bit more permanence.

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    1. I hope it will be an easy reference for generations of our family when they reminisce.

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  6. Seems all of us like Blue Moon! It is a good name, restful and mysterious. I think that would work well. Jack

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    1. I hadn't thought of those two associations but I like them.

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  7. I vote for Blue Moon! We named Pondside for the ponds (surprise!). I like the idea of naming a place. I think we take better care of things/places with names.

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    1. Maybe we do. It does make a personal connection. I like Pondside, it makes it easier for me to imagine your garden.

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  8. I wouldn't recommend South Farthing unless you want to pique the interest of the authorities. Since you seem to be a Lord of the Rings fan, how about Lothlorien?

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    1. I might save South Farthing family shorthand for the back country farms.
      I think Lothlorien would work for the cutting garden. An ethereal retreat from the chicken coop and compost pile.

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  9. Ok...I have to say that my Meadowsweet and Blue Moon are my top 2!!! I know what you mean about naming things but I think when you have a spot like this that naming is sooo appropriate!!! I can not wait to hear what you guys pick!!!

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    1. I saw a nice moon and stars in metal work that would look good on the gate.

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  10. Oh I love Blue Moon Farm and you say you will have an observatory there?

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    1. The observatory is my husband's long held dream. We were looking at supersized sheds today to see if we could adapt one for stargazing purposes.

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  11. I love Meadowsweet Farms...we named our gardens or maybe our neighbors did...

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    1. I think having your neighbours name your gardens is rather nice, assuming it wasn't in reference to horse manure or some such.

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  12. Hi Susan, I love the idea of naming the farm. Personally, I love Meadowsweet Farm best, it has a rhythm to it, and sounds as if it belongs in a childrens book. Which means you and future generations might have wonderful adventures there, fantasy and otherwise.

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    1. A neat idea. I want to make a secret garden for the grandchildren.

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  13. Hi Susan!
    I love your name choices, but they do occur elsewhere. I would vote for something totally singular to your place. I don't know what to suggest, not really knowing the property. The place I live is called after the historic name of our house, and it IS terribly handy to have a name associated with it.

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    1. Just when I thought I could coast on this you set me a challenge. If only my brain was working. I can come up with names for other places-one of my best, for a B and B, was The Waddling Duck.

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  14. I like Blue Moon, too. Since you like fantasy stories and your husband is an astronomer, how about Stardust Farms?

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    1. Or Stargazer Farms? You could add Stargazer lilies to your garden.

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    2. I really like Stardust. How nice of you to use your brain on my behalf while mine is completely blank.

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