This seemed to be the morning mantra on Friday. It was Earth Day, and we were celebrating by planting donated blueberry bushes on the farm. The skies were clear, and most importantly, the sun was shining.
The day started with an early morning bird walk led by Carrie. As if on cue, a bald eagle graced us with its presence by circling above before Carrie even started her tour. She reports that the group identified 19 species of birds over the course of the 45-minute walk, including a Ruby-crowned kinglet and a Savannah sparrow. The farm is rich with edge habitat that was humming with birds!
John gave a talk on biochar, why we implement it here on the farm, and how we are compiling our own data on its use in our soil. He gave a demonstration on creating biochar and while it was burning Patty cooked up some blueberry pancakes!
David Handley, Vegetable and Small Fruit Specialist from the University of Maine shared so much valuable information with everyone about the planting and care of blueberries. David helped us to amend our blue clay soil with lots of compost and organic matter. Sulfur was added to lower the pH, and we mulched with aged wood chips. The blossoms all need to be rubbed off this year so the energy goes to the root system. The event was attended by many individuals and families, including a girl scout troop. It was a really big job, but went quickly with so much enthusiastic help.
The kids got to make seed bombs with Melissa, and she showed them how almost anything can be used to be a container to plant a seed.
On Saturday we had our usual fantastic crew of volunteers who always accomplish so much. Right now planting is a priority, as we have so many seedlings that are ready to go into the ground. The Saturday crew planted two full beds of a companion planting of 132 cabbages, 324 onions, 324 lettuces, alyssum plants at the ends, and a sprinkle of dill seed for good measure! They then mulched with the winter killed clover that we had raked off before broadforking. Since it is still so cold and windy, hoops and row cover were then added for protection.
We have been nurturing a willow wind break for the last couple of years. It is now tall enough that we were able to take prunings earlier this spring. We have been holding them in water until this weekend. Rebecca (resident willow enthusiast) had an idea for a willow arch that we all liked and wanted to try. Adelle was with us on Saturday and with the help of Shane and Pearce a trench was dug and the willows were planted, fed, and secured. I think it looks so cool even though it is not arching yet!
The Earth Day celebration was our first farm event of the season. We all think it went really well based on all the smiles as people were leaving. It was nice to see lots of familiar faces and to see new people from our community come and experience Growing to Give.
You never know what may happen by planting a seed or making a seed bomb!
Thanks everyone!
~Theda