It was over 10 years ago now, just about this time of year when I first laid eyes on her and caught my breathe.
Casting my eyes over her graceful and quiet expanse I could hear her beckoning. I pulled the car over and let the dogs out and started to stride through the long grass moving deeper into the field letting her encompass me completely. Stopping and stilling myself and listening for a time before forging on through to the river. There the voice faded and so I turned back and looked again at that which was calling. She was so overwhelmingly beautiful, evoking so many questions within me, it was hard to focus.
For weeks she remained in my thoughts. A neighbouring farmer dismissed her, labelling her "swamp!" Others told me that no one wanted her and still others tried their hand unsuccessfully at making her work for them. Meanwhile, I had made my start farming just up the road at Martin and Greta's place.
And so, as she has done for a millenium, she stayed still and waited. She never left my heart.
It took four more years, but finally, on the first of April 2017 investing everything I owned at the time, I walked back to that very spot and once again stood still and once again, listened. This time, with signed lease in hand and every ounce of my being, I was at last, in a position to say, "I do".
A beautiful rich clay loam that is loaded with nutrients. She boasts of clean fresh water from our artesian well and a wide open expanse that invites full sunlight. Our silent partner for now 12 worked acres of organically grown vegetables and home to over 100 community gardeners who busy themselves annually in our allotment plots.
There are many challenges running a farm. More, if I am being honest with, and I am, then were anticipated. As fate would have it, I wasn't on this property more than two weeks when I learned that I was actually farming not 5 minutes from where my Great Uncle Bert farmed. This doesn't make life any easier, but when things get tough, it is helpful to know that these challenges are inline with my path and are they are mine to overcome. This is the journey.
Not a day passes that I don't look out over the field and smile with a grateful heart. She is a patient teacher and to my eye, she is perfect in every way.
This week's share boasts of a bounty that I think you will be pleased with. To keep things interesting we have brought in some pretty special stuff. There is a very special, locally bred fresh garlic coming from Indian Creek. We have our own fresh yellow onions, slicing cucumber, zucchini and even some patty pans and mix of eggplant. Beans are having a hard time of it but I think we will be able to provide without dissappointment. We are going to try. Lettuce, kale ofcourse ...ohhhhh and chard! (the early leaves are a bit buggy but it is still nice. Let's see ...what else....ohhh yes, we bringing in both celery and Tiger melons. These are not organic just so you know. Our own potatoes are going to be a bumper crop but it is too early yet. Our beets, I am afraid are a long way off, but I might be able to find some for those who are craving.
That is all for this week, enjoy :-)
~Michael
