Good afternoon, Farm-ily-
Fall is still playing hide-and-seek, but today it is hiding behind some truly beautiful weather! I can almost forgive the thermometer for reading above 80 when it comes with these cornflower blue skies, sweet breezes, and dry air. Farming is joyful work on days like these.
Speaking of farming... we spend a lot of our time writing, posting, and sharing about what goes on at Willowsford Farm, but it's not often we get to visit some of our CSA partners and watch them in action. Today I drove to Purcellville with the car windows rolled down, to Greenstone Fields flower farm, on a mission to pick up our flower bouquets for this weekend's shares. The driveway to Barb's farm is so like our own, crunchy gravel surrounded by tall grass and silver-covered high tunnels rippling slightly in my peripheral vision. Just like us, Barb has an affinity for black dogs; I was lovingly greeted by the best furry welcoming squad. Her open workshed was filled with an entire sunset worth of color, from coral to deep purple, and I can't wait for those of you with flower shares to see what we loaded into my trunk. Barb grows every stem herself from start to finish, and all the love and freshness shows in every bouquet.
A few months ago, I made a similar trek to Warrenton to see our livestock partners at Whiffletree Farms. Jesse Straight and his family manage animals the same way that we do, raising them on pasture and rotating them to regenerate his fields. The view from his porch is worthy of the word "vista": a sea of green dotted with cattle, hogs, and poultry. You can positively feel the health and happiness of his herds.
If you look closely, you'll see that Loudoun County and Northern Virginia remain home for many diverse and thriving small farms, anchoring all the important new developments and amenities to centuries of agricultural history. How lucky are we, to live, work, and play in an area that offers us the best of each? We're very lucky to be able to connect you with the great farmers and friends that enrich our CSA offerings. The Willowsford Farm-ily is an amazing network, one that grows richer each day.
Eat Well Today and Be Well Always,
Ashley, Collin, John, Lex, Rory, Nate, James, Alexandra, and our animal crew
