I am sitting inside as I write this, watching the raindrops fall outside my window. This past week was the hottest and driest at the farm so far this year. Our crew slugged through it, so that we could get our fall brassicas in the ground before the deluge, on top of our succession plantings of lettuce, basil, cucumbers, summer squash, and beans. The early morning hours of Wednesday found the three of us—Kenneth, Seth, and myself—down at the Parkland, transplanting Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and cabbage.

 

Interspersed between sticking our hands in the sandy soil and dousing ourselves with sprays of cold water, we also did a lot of weeding, which is best done before a big rainstorm. The hot, dry weather made pulling weeds inspirational, as we knew the crops would not have to share the rain with galinsoga or purslane, two of the farm’s more pernicious weeds, and also, that we would not return from our weekend to face weeds that had grown inches taller in a few days. Now, we can enjoy the cool wetness and spend time with the tomatoes in the cathedral greenhouse, which have patiently awaited our attentions.

 

Through all of this, our dedicated work for share crews continue to do whatever we ask of them, all with a smile and the utmost trust that their work will pay off down the road. Sharers have also answered our calls for reinforcements. You all have been doing your work hours, which has made the difference and put us on the plus side of weed management.

 

Volunteers have come out in big numbers this summer, as well. These are people who come to work in the heat, for no other reason than love of the farm. I would like to thank them by name, as they are a special group, many of whom work quietly behind the scenes, going above and beyond the call of duty, employing their special skills to keep the farm running.

 

Frann Bennett: Most people know Frann as our administrative assistant. She takes care of countless details so that we can give out food to 165 shares each week. But did you know that she also manages the herb garden? She spends countless hours weeding, mulching, and taking care of the herbs, making it a beautiful, serene place to be.

 

Sara Abramowitz: Sara is our volunteer coordinator, but also does many other miscellaneous jobs. She is always ready to take something off the farmers’ plate, so that we can concentrate on field work.

 

Salvatore Lampis: Sal did most of our early spring seeding, mowing, harvesting. He helps keep the farm looking neat and tidy.

 

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Moving the cathedral greenhouse

Rick Lawrence, Eric Brockett, Scott Grebb: Besides building the greenhouse last year, moving the big, cathedral greenhouse this year, and laying irrigation, these guys will tackle anything mechanical, structural, and time consuming.

Nina Kornstein: Nina brings us coffee (or tea, hot or cold, whichever we prefer) every Friday, no matter what. This is a much-anticipated weekly ritual, which the farmers appreciate greatly. Thank you for taking the time, Nina!

Laying bio-degradable mulch

Laying bio-degradable mulch

Jonathan Hunt: He helped us with the heavy planting and laying biodegradable mulch. He did a lot of crawling on the ground with us!

Yin Chin Kravchenko: This lady has great farming sense and weeds faster than any of us. She teaches us the ways of her country and also brings us delicious snacks to boot.

Richard Tizard: Richard finished his required sharer work hours weeks ago and has been showing up a few times a week, “just to help out.” He seems to know when we need him most and comes to the farm, ready to do whatever we ask of him.

Gus Ramgren: Gus contributes his great enthusiasm on Saturdays, taking on any task with vim and vigor. We love having him at the farm!

 

Thank you to everyone, for making the farm a beautiful place to be. Please continue to do your work hours throughout the summer, and why don’t you pack a sandwich and sit with us around the picnic tables for the noon lunch break?

 

Susan