Spectacular!
Farm Report – 6/19/23
I want to share this adjective that was used to describe “our” farm this week. One of our regular volunteers brought along two friends to volunteer on Friday. They had heard about G2G, but came to see it in person and to participate in some gardening. Spectacular was the word that they used to express what they were witnessing. Theda, “this is truly spectacular, so organized, so beautiful, you can see the love and care that this space is given.” I get to be the recipient of such great compliments, but it should not be just me to receive such accolades. I wanted to let all of you know this compliment really goes to you. Whether you come as a regular or occasional volunteer, a board member, a donor, or a business sponsor. Maybe you come, pick a bouquet for donation or purchase one of ours from Morning Glory. Maybe you come to the Farmyard Jam fundraiser and bring family or friends. There is so much support that we receive from MOFGA, the University of Maine extension offices, Johnny’s Seeds, High Mowing Seeds, and FEDCO. Our relationships with our gleaners, fellow farmers, MCHPP, Good Shepherd, and GoodWill Industries. I have probably missed a few, so please forgive me. Then there is this tremendous support from all of you who are out there in the world sending us good intentions. We all feel the pride that comes from so much support. Please join me in enjoying this compliment of being a spectacular farm!
Now to show some of our spectacular achievements this week.
Let’s start with peas. We sent out over 500 pounds of vegetables this week, and peas are now being sent out to the recipients. We have them planted in two tunnels and because Genevieve has been on top of our fertilizing schedule, they are extremely healthy and prolific. We should have peas for several weeks. Libby informed us she was not fond of shell peas. A culinary challenge!
This photo of Libby shows her new found love for fresh shell peas.
We had lots of gleaners on Wednesday, so we sent out lots of fresh food!
MCHPP is still processing our rhubarb and took another 56 pounds. Kathy and Peg loaded up the wagon and told me there is still a lot to harvest.
Neena started planting her Three Sisters project with the traditional Flint corn.
We had some familiar and some new faces join us from Harpswell Coastal Academy on Wednesday. What a lovely, motivated group! We were grateful they were willing to come work on one of their last days of the school year. Together they got the carrots weeded and also started more zucchini seedlings.
Megan started her internship on Monday and helped us get our potted dahlias in the ground. This got us started on getting the rest of the flower garden planted. It got transformed on Friday with the help of many hands. Cardboard was cut into strips, wood chips were laid, and lots of annuals planted. Now it really looks spectacular!
We had our first potluck lunch on Friday. Our theme was tacos. We all agreed it was, yes, you guessed it–spectacular!
Saturday brought lots and lots of rain. We decided it was time to start rescuing the cabbages from their shrouds of row cover. Warmer temperatures are coming, and we don’t want them to cook. Riley is showing the before, Mary the work in progress, and David was left to finish up.
Mary also enjoyed a friendly visit from a Viceroy butterfly–a totally spectacular treat.
Just so you don’t think I am a show off, here is a not so spectacular seeding project gone wrong.
Someone forgot to label these pots as cucumbers so when our sweet potato slips came in and needed to be held for a bit, they went right in these soil-filled pots! Sorry cucumber seedlings, sweet potatoes get priority in this case.
I am away from the farm next week. Am I concerned about being away? Nope! We have a spectacular team (you knew that was coming, didn’t you?) this summer, and I leave it in great hands.
I have asked the team to each write something, accompanied by a photo or two, which I can compile into next week’s report. This should be fun and interesting!
Always grateful,
Theda