Sunday, June 16, 2013

Growing Patience at Restoration Farm


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.
The harvest will come and there will be salad days ahead.   

©2013 T.W. Barritt All Rights Reserved   

14 comments:

Deana Sidney said...

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.

Zany said...

So, it sounds like the farm is basically telling you to have a hamburger and fries today. Don't you think?d

Sam Hoffer / My Carolina Kitchen said...

You'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.

Have a lovely weekend T.W.
Sam

Lydia (The Perfect Pantry) said...

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.

~~louise~~ said...

As much as I yearn for every morsel of harvest, T.W, I think that sign says it all:)

I 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.

Axelle the french cook said...

Please, what do you mean by "distribution" ? Do you give your vegetables for free ?
Here too, weather is not the same as usual and fruits and vegetables are full of water and not very tasty.
Your asparagus are gorgeous ! :)

Rajiv Sankarapillai said...

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Nice post and beautiful pics.

Please visit mine too and feel free to add comments.

Thanks
Rajiv
www.magnificentdewdrops.blogspot.com
www.magicalpresent.blogspot.com

T.W. Barritt at Culinary Types said...

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.

outeastfoodie said...

The Asparagus looks Beautiful!

Gloria Baker said...

Beautiful work TW I love when they are growing! beautiful!!

Catherine said...

Dear T.W., I wish the whole world would read that sign and take heed.
I am sure the farm will do beautifully and the bounty will be even greater than before.
Blessings friend. Catherine

Velva said...

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.

Mother Nature will do her thing and if there is anything gardening teaches you is patience and to strive for balance.

Velva

Karen (Back Road Journal) said...

The cool, wet weather seems to have slowed everything down but the weeds.

Mary Bergfeld said...

I 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