The rhythms
of farming can be a bit temperamental.
Weather, water, soil and weeds – it all influences the eventual
harvest.
We’ve had a
little “farming frustration” here on Long Island. The 2013 growing season at Restoration Farm
got off to a slow start. Mentally, I’d
been preparing myself for the first distribution of vegetables in early June,
but cooler temperatures, rain, and a perennially wet spring field slowed everything
down. Our head growers, Caroline and Dan
made the decision to postpone the first distribution, giving everything just a
little more time to grow.
Don’t we all
wish we had just a little more time to grow?
Normally, at
this point, we’d all be up to our ears in lettuce, but instead it has been a
season of waiting. Patience is the
farmer’s virtue.
Finally, I
can take it no more, so I head out into the fields for hints of
encouragement.
A precious
bit of asparagus has been harvested.
The asparagus field and yield are small and not enough for the full
membership, so the luscious stalks are extra special.
The farm team
is busy, working diligently to whack those weeds into submission.
The lettuce
is now looking bright and perky.
The spring
peas are covered with blossoms, and there is just a hint of tender pea pods
peeking out.
Blackberry blossoms are beckoning.
And in the
greenhouse, those hot weather peppers are getting ready for their moment in the
sun.
Benjamin
Franklin once wrote, “He that can have patience can have what he will.”
I'm passing through the trailer at the distribution area, and I notice this slightly banged up sign hooked onto the wall. I don't know who hung it, or when, but its message seems to get to the heart of what's actually growing at Restoration Farm.
I'm passing through the trailer at the distribution area, and I notice this slightly banged up sign hooked onto the wall. I don't know who hung it, or when, but its message seems to get to the heart of what's actually growing at Restoration Farm.
The harvest
will come and there will be salad days ahead.
©2013 T.W.
Barritt All Rights Reserved
You know, my life changed when I began vegetable gardening. I respected food so much more and learned the pain and pleasure of patience and living with the seasons. It is a lesson that stays with you.
ReplyDeleteSo, it sounds like the farm is basically telling you to have a hamburger and fries today. Don't you think?d
ReplyDeleteYou're right. Gardening teaches patience. The asparagus look so pretty even though they are very few. You know I don't think I've ever eaten a freshly picked asparagus. What a luxury.
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely weekend T.W.
Sam
Gardening has also taught me to have a sense of humor, for Mother Nature does what she will, and sometimes you just have to laugh about it. Soon you will be swimming in salad greens, and wondering how you will ever eat them all.
ReplyDeleteAs much as I yearn for every morsel of harvest, T.W, I think that sign says it all:)
ReplyDeleteI suppose, like many of us, Mother Nature is feeling a bit sluggish this year. Perhaps a reminder that we all need to really stop and "smell the roses" or in this case to actually appreciate each and every moment before the final harvest.
Thank you so much for sharing, T.W.
Please, what do you mean by "distribution" ? Do you give your vegetables for free ?
ReplyDeleteHere too, weather is not the same as usual and fruits and vegetables are full of water and not very tasty.
Your asparagus are gorgeous ! :)
Hello, blog hopping and found your beautiful blog.
ReplyDeleteNice post and beautiful pics.
Please visit mine too and feel free to add comments.
Thanks
Rajiv
www.magnificentdewdrops.blogspot.com
www.magicalpresent.blogspot.com
Axelle - sorry to use such a strange term. The farm works on a share system. All the members purchase a share, and then each week, what is harvested is "distributed" evenly to the members. If the harvest is good, we get more - if not, the distribution is smaller. But everyone is investing in the overall success of the farm and gets an even share.
ReplyDeleteThe Asparagus looks Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful work TW I love when they are growing! beautiful!!
ReplyDeleteDear T.W., I wish the whole world would read that sign and take heed.
ReplyDeleteI am sure the farm will do beautifully and the bounty will be even greater than before.
Blessings friend. Catherine
The season has been slow...I feel the frustration too. On one hand, I finally was able to grow a good crop of tomatoes because our spring was extended. My eggplants and beans look awesome but did not produce much.
ReplyDeleteMother Nature will do her thing and if there is anything gardening teaches you is patience and to strive for balance.
Velva
The cool, wet weather seems to have slowed everything down but the weeds.
ReplyDeleteI love the cooperative aspect of the work that is done at Restoration Farm. That sense of community is hard to find these days. I hope all is well. Blessings...Mary
ReplyDelete