
Ashley Weaver of Bat House Garden. The business sells small batches of solid lotion bars and soaps created mostly out of ingredients the business owners grow themselves.
A typical day for Napa natives Ashley and Leif Kelly-Weaver means getting up before sunrise and letting the chickens out; heading to the garden to compost, preparing soil, and creating “lasagna beds,” which mimic how the forest floor works, and helps bring the worms to the yard.
And there’s a lot of harvesting, Ashley Weaver said.
The Weavers each comes from a long line of gardeners, and have decided to make a business out of it. Not just because they enjoy it, which they do, but also because the right kind of gardening is good for the planet and the creatures on it.
The business’ unlikely name – Bat House Garden – is a nod to both a departed family member and mentor, and a misunderstood but important pollinator species, Ashley Weaver said.

Leif Kelly-Weaver of Bat House Garden.
Married four years, Ashley, 30, and Leif, 29, have no children, but do care for six cats and nine chickens, she said.
“We both grew up in the garden, so naturally we started this small business adventure out of our love for dirt and respect for this earth, being in the garden, and providing food for others,” Ashley Weaver said.
“Here on our little less than an acre of a property in Napa Valley we are aiming to create a safe-sustainable garden for ourselves and others but, most importantly, the native pollinators and other wildlife.”
The other side of the enterprise is the small batches of solid lotion bars and soaps the couple creates mostly out of ingredients they grow themselves. And they’re working on growing the remaining ingredients they now have to outsource, like beeswax, she said.
“We make them using dried flowers and essential oils from the yard,” she said, adding that the plan is to eventually use wax from their own bees for turning them into bars.
“We started doing the soaps and lotions because I started having gardener hands, and I needed something to help with that,” she said.
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“There are only the four ingredients, shea butter, olive oil, beeswax and essential oil. Some of the olive oil comes from Leif’s grandmother, and the shea butter is outsourced, but the rest of it, the essential oils and dried flowers, come from here. We do our own steam distillation here to get the essential oils from the flowers.”
Weaver said she’s worked to create lotion and soap bars that are “very moisturizing” while not being too oily or leaving an oily residue.
“I also have super sensitive skin, and it’s been nice to be able to create something that works for that, too,” she said. “I don’t like to use a lot of chemicals, so we created more natural products.”
A main focus is creating a haven for pollinators, like bees, birds, butterflies and bats, Ashley Weaver said.
“We’re growing fruits and veggies, with over 12 trees so far,” she said. “People seem intrigued and tickled that we chose the bats as our mascot in honor of (her mother-in-law, who passed away in 2014) and an underrated pollinator around here.”
Weaver said she and Leif, who also works in a Marin tobacco shop, also hope to educate people about the vital importance of pollinators, and ways to be kinder to the earth that sustains us.
“If we don’t have bees we don’t have food,” she said. “We wanted to create a safe place for the pollinators around here. It’s all horse pastures and vineyards around here.”
Family members help when they can, including Leif’s grandmother, Carole Kent who lives nearby and Ashley Weaver’s mother, Kimberly Cross who also frequently lends a hand, she said.
“She’s my right-hand lady when my right-hand man isn’t here,” she said. “We’re a husband and wife with a love for dirt. It’s a family effort; to be sustainable and happy in these crazy times. The family that grows together stays together, is what I say.”
Kent says the Weaver’s “created a little Eden back there,” inspired by her daughter, Leif’s mother, who passed away nearly seven years ago.
“It’s very beautiful, and very natural,” said Kent, a master organic gardener for 20 years – through a free, science-based UC extension program in support of the home gardener.
“The Bat House Garden is an absolutely calming, delighting, real connection and appreciation for the natural world and learning how we fit in,” Kent, 75, said.
“We’re not apart from it, we’re part of it. It’s a grounding experience. Makes you feel like we’re all in this together. I see them as good caretakers of their garden, which is brimming with life. It’s a delight to see young people doing this.”

Bat House Garden goodies. Shoppers can find more at bathousegarden.com.
Surrounded by oak trees and with beautiful views of oak-covered hills, the Weavers have “made the stay-at-home orders more than bearable – quite delightful,” Kent said.
“They do regenerative gardening – trying to improve the soil’s health. For me, the goal would be to leave the earth a better, healthier place and I believe that’s their goal, too, and to make products that are natural. The way I see them behaving is very much in harmony with nature. To make a safe place for insects and birds, which are hugely important for the earth.”
No pesticides or chemicals are used on the property which features peaches, nectarines, pomegranates, figs, apples, lemons, mandarins “and a bunch of rows of raspberries – fifth generation – that came from (Kent),” Ashley Weaver said. “Also salad greens and, in an ode to her, cut flower bouquets of native wildflowers.”
The garden also includes shooting stars, wild larkspur, monkeyflower, miner’s lettuce, which like many of the other plants they grow, is edible, as well as lupine, fairy lantern, yarrows and others, she said.
They hope to sell little bundles of those flowers, too, “to help educate people,” she said.
With the pandemic’s restrictions and the fact that they’ve been at this for only a short while, the garden part of Bat House is only available to family and friends, though that is expected to change when it can be done safely, she said.
The couple bought and moved into the property about four years ago, after spending many years on Leif Kelly-Weaver’s grandmother’s Curry Lane Wombat Farm.
“Then we moved here and started our own little thing,” she said. “Our plan was to start a family business; to grow fruits and veggies, to donate to the food bank to provide fresh produce for people, which is a huge hole that needs help filling.”
With COVID, they are only able to have family to the garden, and they do local deliveries to family and friends, but eventually hope to open it to the public.
The lotion bars and soaps are available for purchase on their website and are sold in a store called Inti on First Street in downtown Napa.
“Working in the garden brings me a lot of joy and connection to fond childhood memories,” Ashley Weaver said. “It gives me an opportunity to give back to the land, which gives to us; to do our small part to give back to the earth, so it can give to us all.”
The Weavers are working toward the day that they can open the garden to the public and offer for sale and education, the produce and flowers they grow, along with the lotion and soap bars, she said.
“It’s mad gratitude to be able to be in this space and do what we’re doing and the respect for the way the earth works,” she said. “The importance of our soil. I think about that a lot.”
Watch now: Add These Three Plants to Your Garden to Keep Mosquitoes Away
Photos: Love Your Pet Day 2021
Nita & Mowgli

"These two are siblings, their parents are good friends and they get to have play dates all of the time," said Jenna Wagner of Napa. "Mowgli is the queen of cuddles and Nita is the rambunctious one."
Sawyer

Sawyer is a 2-year-old Golden Retriever who is trying very hard to comprehend what social distancing means, says Josh Daclan of Napa.
Tabby

"Tabby loves to go for walks," said Lucy Perga of American Canyon. "He's very social and friendly. His original name was Prince Harry but we call him Tabby for short!"
Dorothy

Dorothy is a farm kitty who enjoys the finer things in life, according to owner Aura Maffettone of Calistoga.
Rory and Peaches

Rory and Peaches are Bearded Dragons. "Rory is a cuddle bug," said owner Nicholas Bentley of Napa. "His favorite treats are dandelions! Peach is 1 year old and is up to explore everywhere and everything!"
Wynton

"Fresh air & long walks are keeping us both sane," says Brandyn Scott of Napa.
Leonardo DiCatrio

"Leo is in his terrible twos," says owner Rosie Orozco of Napa. "He loves watching birds, chasing squirrels through the windows and lounging in the sunlight. Lately, he’s really enjoyed spending extra time with his parents as they work from home. He was adopted from the Napa County Animal Shelter almost two years ago."
Missy and Melody

Missy is a Boston Terrier, and Melody is a Corgi-Chihuahua mix. "They are inseparable! They can’t go anywhere without the other. Missy will be 1 year old in April and Melody turned 2 in February," says Amanda Bentley of Napa.
Alfalfa

Alfalfa is a 16-year-old miniature donkey that was rescued by Deassa Binstock of Napa a few years ago.
Scooby

Scooby is a Yorkie Terrier who is always looking for the next squirrel or bird to chase in his backyard, says Klarisse Moncada of Napa.
Pumpkin

Pumpkin enjoys playing fetch with owner Mariann in Napa.
Sophie

"Sophie came to us as a foster at only 5 weeks old," said Roberta Solomon. "We were initially worried that our 12-year-old Maltese, Alvin, wouldn't be happy with a puppy. Fast forward, and they adore each other. Even at 16-plus, Alvin still tries to play with Sophie!"
Gray & Red

Red & Gray are glad social distancing rules don’t apply to roosters, says Brandyn Scott of Napa.
Champ

"Champ is always a Mini Goldendoodle full energy," says Jose Jaramillo of American Canyon. "He is a playful and social puppy!"
Pandora

"Our little furless girl, Pandora, became part of the family 3 weeks ago and has already brought our family so much joy through this crazy period in time!" says owner April Moreno of Napa.
Mr Brady Belvedere Ames

"Mr Belvedere is so loved!" says Eddie and Laisha Ames of Napa.
Gulliver

"Gully has been part of the family since he was 10 months old," said Mary Palmer of Calistoga. "He is trained to ride and drive. His favorite treat is an mint."
Laela

Laela the Yorkie, owned by Josie in American Canyon, loves playing with her toys and cuddling.
Junebug

Junebug is a fun loving, crazy French Bulldog who always wants to play, says Colleen Harder of Napa
Marbles

"Marbles is a shelter rescue, adopted as a kitten," says Ellen Frediani of Napa. "He taught himself how to fetch, is very entertaining (he's the highlight of his Fur Mommy's Facebook page - she thinks he needs his own, as he definitely has a following), and is constantly at her side."
Black Chin & White Fin

"The boys have been practicing shelter in place forever, so this is nothing new for them," says Brandyn Scott of Napa.
Mac

Mac enjoys mundane household tasks, says Rian Lindley of Napa
Wriggley & Minnie

"Wriggs and Minn are here to bring a smile to your face during these tough times," says owner Grace Prescott of Napa.
Harley

"Harley was a feral kitten when we rescued him," said Anna Kirgiorgis of Napa. "We quickly became rescue fails as he won our hearts."
Darla

Darla likes to come in and beg for meal worms, says Angie Thornton of Napa. "She definitely rules the roost!"
Toby

Toby just wants everyone to love him all the time, says owner Mandi Robledo of Calistoga. "He loves to be outside. He likes to kiss your face and nibble your nose when he’s sitting next you."
Otis

Otis is "probably the best dog in the world" according to Cameron of Napa.
Pancha & Pancho

Pancha & Pancho are Shih Tzu puppies born on Valentine’s Day! "They came at a perfect time as they are a great stress reliever during this shelter-in-place!" says Sam Olson of Napa.
Henry

"Henry doesn’t understand personal space," says owner Aura Maffettone of Calistoga
Sharkie

Sharkie, owned by Jason Legg, was named after the San Jose Sharks mascot.
Lou

Lou, owned by Jason Legg, is named after the San Francisco Giants mascot Lou Seal.
Ollie

Ollie is a 7-year-old Chihuahua and has been Napan Jerome Wilson's best friend ever since they found each other three years ago at a San Francisco animal shelter.
Gus

"Nobody is more thrilled to relax at home all day than Gus," says owner Cristy Kaer of Napa.
Lili

Lili loves camping, fishing and adventures, according to owner Niki Meyers of Napa.
Aeronaut

Aero loves water, especially puddles. He also loves his play buddies, classes at the Napa Valley Dog Training Club and field trips, says owner Marilane Bergfelt of Napa.
Bosco

Bosco loves treats and attention, but hates having his pictures taken, says owner Marisol Simpson of Napa
Alizé

Alizé is a 6-year-old German Shepard. She loves walks, chasing flies, digging, and her favorite snack is cheese (from her Kong), says owner Evelyn Flores of American Canyon.
Maya

Maya loves going to Alston Park.
Hope, Maya, and Meadow

This is Stephanie Renee's "Quarentine Life" with Hope (on lap) Maya (pug) and Meadow (floor).
Winston and Sam

Winston, 2, and Sam, 13, love camping, outdoor adventures, and hugs, according to owner Lea Ronald of Napa.
Jack

Jack is 16 years old and so cuddly. "He loves everyone!" says owner Amanda Bentley of Napa.
P2, Seeley and Booth Herdell-Hintz

These three amigos P2, Seeley and Booth live in St. Helena with Kathleen Herdell.
Kobal

Kobal is an 8-month-old Siberian Husky puppy who is super sweet and loving, says owner Tianna Murray of Napa. "He loves to play fetch and tug of war. He is a goof ball who is always bouncing off the walls."
Emme

Emme is a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel who loves to snuggle. She lives in Napa with Wendy OBrien.
Olive & Brutus

Olive and Brutus are litter mates who were dropped off by their mother in our daughter's garage, said Fred and Shari Bonds of Lake Berryessa. "He's a moose and she's a petite little girl. Both are good snugglers during these trying times."
Buster

Buster likes to hang out in his peaceful place, says Monty Sander of Napa.
Blue- Sebastian

Blue loves that Mom and Dad are working from home and staying healthy, according to Samantha Santos of Napa. "Plus, he can’t deny he’s been in a superb mood with the extra attention and bones he’s been receiving!"
Polo

Polo has bad hips, but that doesn’t stop her from playing tug of war, according to Ashanti Garcia of Napa. "She’s a Scorpio and never stops giving people kisses."
Gus Gus

"Gus Gus is a tiny rescue pup with the biggest heart!" according to Jessica Tahsler of Napa
Luna

Luna is an active dog who loves to hike and steal food, according to Paul Cooke of Napa
Sierra

Sierra loves her family, but she doesn’t play well with other dogs, says Lori Mihalache of Napa. "She’s crazy for water, playing fetch and chasing squirrels."
Bella

Lorie Moody of Napa says Bell is "the best dog ever!"
Maya

"Maya is 19 years old, deaf and has learned some sign language," said Lynn Krynen of Napa. "She has one of the sweetest dispositions I’ve ever seen."
Babygirl

"She is the queen bee in our house!" said Grace Judy of Napa. "She follows my husband everywhere. She loves getting her hair cut twice a year!"
Cat & Curry

Cat has pretty blue eyes, an Curry is pure black with no white on him, says Brenda Cahill of Napa.
Coco

"Coco will drive into ANY body of water, even if it's only a mud puddle," writes Kari and Jeff Prather of Napa.
Max

Max is full blooded Minpin, and he is a fun dog to have, says Mark Barstad of Napa.
Dolly Parton Holland

"Dolly is a one-and-a-half-year-old bundle of love," said Samantha Holland of Napa. "She’s the sweetest girl, and we are so thankful for her."
Jager and Bear

"Jager was born and raised here in Napa," says Dave Perazzo of Napa. "His cousin Bear is visiting from So Cal is with him."
Louie

Louie loves to snuggle on the couch and is very playful with his toys, says Naomi Jacobo of Napa.
Morgan and Brooklyn

"Morgan is 4 months old. Brooklyn is almost 4 years old. Best buddies ever. I title this photo, 'Opposite yet symmetrical,'" said Sue Osborn of Napa.
Menina

"We adopted Menina last November and fell in love," says Leisa Matthes of Napa. "She is so sweet and funny! We are doing some agility training with her during our shelter-at home. It's a great way to pass the time!"
Felix

Felix, formerly of Napa. Submitted by Eric Apgar of Mansfield Center, CT
Lacey

"This is our part-time kitty that we love so much. She spends a lot of her time with us, getting lots of love, treats and relaxing," said Dianna Sherwood of Napa.
Regie and Scooby

"Regie and Scooby are both therapy dogs at Valley Oak High School who are currently sheltering at home," says Angie Markle of Napa. "They're missing all the students and staff they love so much."
Lily

Lily is a 9-month-old French Bulldog, and she is stubborn to a fault," says Sean Atkinson of Napa. "She is excited to meet strangers and other dogs. Sleeps 95%, eats 4%, and plays 1%."
Maximilian

"Max is a character!" says Grace Hoffman of Napa. "Funny, naughty -- a big love bug and so floofy! He never stops talking!"
Mr. Pickles

"Mr. Pickles is a spicy little cuddle bug and a big momma's boy" says "When asked how much he likes having his humans home all the time, we got this reaction!"
Smokey

Smokey is enjoying having more time for walks, says Miguel & Paula Ayala of Napa.
Dizzy, Ralph, Deafie, Holly, Sassy, Buffy and Bella

"Our herd of seven - all loved, space to run, and too well-fed, according to my vet student daughter," writes Ailene and Paul Tarap of Napa County
Smudge

"Smudge was the friendly neighborhood stray who was adopted by her Fur Mommy after she was attacked by a raccoon," says Ellen Frediani of Napa. "She loves to cuddle, will purr if you even look at her and loves to chew the heads of her toy mice. Good mouser, that Smudge."
Kobe

Kobe is 5 years old and loves to just be chill, says Teresa Lindsey of Napa
Sofie

Sofie loves to guard the house, says Avery Flock of Napa. She barks at whoever walks by or rings the doorbell. She also loves a puppuchino from Dutch Brothers.
Fatty

"He started out fat, hence his name," says Wendy Thornton of Napa. "Sweetest, most loving cat ever, but with definite trust issues."
Gus

"Gus is a 110-pound lab that’s full of love," says Randi Golding of Napa. "He loves taking naps but is ready to leave for anything at the drop of the hat! Hobbies include carrying around shoes and reminding mom that it’s almost time for dinner."
Roscoe

"Roscoe is the sweetest knucklehead," says Abbey Howard of Napa. "We adopted him in November of 2019. He has a seizure disorder but doesn’t let that stop him. His favorite toy is the kids laundry baskets which he tosses in the air!"
Laini

"Laini is so mellow," says Eleanor Wood of Napa. "I look at her, and I calm down."
Dexter

"Dex loves to go on long walks and will warm anyone's heart with his sweet disposition," says Marie Bekele of Napa.
Hunter

"Hunter is a cuddle bug and loves to be around people, especially his four-legged best friend Phoebe," says Elise Negueloua of Napa.
Plex

Hello my name is Plex, and I'm your local sweetheart. I love to cuddle, eat , and play. I'm energetic and ultra friendly.
-- Submitted by Merilyn Avina, Napa
Shasta

"Shasta is an 11-year-old Siberian cat who loves being the only cat 'working out' with mom and being fed at 4 a.m.," said Kathleen Tong of Angwin.
Bailey and Mielle

"Bailey and Mielle are spending their days cuddling and playing with each other during this time of sheltering in place," says Angelina Mondavi of Angwin.
Leo

Handsome Leo was adopted from the shelter as a kitten. He’s loving, sweet and playful - everything you could want in a cat, says Veronica Jimenez of Napa.
Sparky

"Sparky is a lovable 15-year-old black lab who has been with us all his life here in Napa," said Yesenia Gonzalez of Napa. "He loves to join in on hiking and walks, and is a great swimmer!"
Wall-E

"This kitty was the only litter survivor," said Nicole Langton of Napa. "He is very sweet and snuggly! He belongs to my 9-year old-daughter and the two of them are like two peas in a pod."
Buddy

"Buddy is the best cat you could ask for gods gift to earth," says Anthony.
Guapo

"This little guy is really smart, very protective and loves to play with a laser pointer," said Maria Alvarado of Napa. "He is so spoil that he believes he's a baby. He always wants mom to carry him around the house. We love him so much."
Rickey & Reba

"Rickey is in the San Francisco Giants coat and Reba is in the San Francisco 49ers coat," says David & Karen DeRosa of American Canyon.
Rummy

"My 25-pound baby! Loves to cuddle with Mom, but doesn't like Grandma," says Taylor Lee of Napa.
Augie, Jet, and Cosmo

"Augie, Jet, and Cosmo love to make people happy," says Juliana Giovannoni of Napa. "They like playing ball, going to the beach, and sleeping."
Nitro

Nitro is our yard guard! Sits on the slope watching for anything that needs chasing away, says Kim and Chrysti Suenram of Calistoga
Chopper

Chopper loves to “re-charge” in the sun at our new home, according to Jamie Atkinson of Napa.
Oscar

"He's a big boy -- 22 pounds -- and loves to sleep and eat," says Sandra Halstead of Napa.
Gracie Ann Miller

"Gracie use to be a Chiweenie but got fat, so now she’s a Chiwubby," says John and Julie Miller of Napa County. "She’s also a pound puppy and the best thing that’s happened to us!"
Little Lilly

"Lilly runs the house," says Lilly's Napa owner. "She's a tad bossy. She keeps everyone in the house in line! She’s also a lovebug that has my husband wrapped around her tiny toe!"
Lexy and Cleo

Celebrating Mother’s Day together. Lexy is the first born from Cleo’s litter of nine. They love chasing balls and long walks, says Matthew Chan of Napa.
Ruby Loise

Beautiful and intelligent Ruby.
Submitted by Valerie Morris of Napa.
Frida

"Frida cannot resist a tennis ball," said Lis MacDonald of Napa. "Throw it and she will bring it back and drop it at your feet. She happily retrieves the paper every morning and will help carry the mail in, too. She loves to sit on your lap while you are watching TV."
Sadie

"She's sweet, loving, funny with a bit of attitude," says Valerie Myers of Napa. "My fur child."
Rosie

"Rosie is 12 weeks old, and we love her to pieces," says Chris Monnens of St. Helena. "Her favorite things to do are snuggle, chase her ball and get treats for tricks. She was a surprise ‘corona puppy’ gift for my 8 year old daughter."
Catch up on Napa County's top news stories
In case you missed it, here is a look at the most-read stories on NapaValleyRegister.com.
A mountain lion was spotted in a central Napa neighborhood earlier this month. There are witnesses and a video to prove it.
A woman who was sexually assaulted in a portable toilet at BottleRock 2019 has filed a civil lawsuit against the music festival's organizers a…
Napa County has received more than 840 complaints since its shelter in place order was lifted for the first time in June 2020, records show.
A deteriorating two-story concrete building in remote south Napa County wetlands once relayed news from Asia to the rest of the United States …
Experts say the spike is the result of a pandemic economy and far from normal. In the meantime, skyrocketing home values could displace renters.
An appeals court rules the Expo's offer to keep a model railroad exhibit at the Napa Expo — though at higher rent — renders an anti-eviction p…
Transportation officials are looking at creating 2 roundabouts on Highway 29 in Oakville and Rutherford.
The move would follow an earlier round of job cuts by NVUSD in early 2020, as enrollment continues to fall in the district.
Napa’s new card room, Ace & Vine, opened for business this past week. Take a look inside.
Some Napa school traditions manage to live on, pandemic or not. Like picture day.
You can reach reporter Jennifer Huffman at 256-2218 or jhuffman@napanews.com