Hello!
It is peak summer! We have so many wild flowers blooming. All the pollinator feed seed mix I tossed a couple years ago is really taking off. Elated to see an abundance of pollinators enjoying themselves.
Our goal is to grow food for humans. More importantly, the goal is to create an inviting and balanced Ecosystem for all. The uptick of wildlife and plant species is everything I could ever want. The plants are filled with the homes of birds and bugs. The dragonflies are in abundance swooping in and out of the orchard. Frogs and toads fill the pond.
It still has a few more years before we have balance. It’s encouraging to see it getting so much closer. Hard to see the failures and inconsistencies. We have a lot of invasive species and diseases to compete with. These are the reasons why a lot of farms spray. We promise we won’t though.
The beetles are enjoying the leaves of all the plants. We’ve instructed the kids to catch them and feed them to the frogs. The frogs are very aware of who feeds them. They emerge from hiding spots as the children come with their jars filled with twenty or thirty beetles. The bullfrogs instantly gobble the beetles up as they hit the water.
Unfortunately, still not getting a lot of rain. Which is bad for plant growth, great for weeding. That’s what we will be doing for the next couple weeks at volunteer time. Let me know if you would like to come help! Weeding this year mean more space for strawberry plant growth!
Phillip has gotten the sail shade up! It is much more comfortable during the mid day heat wave now. We have two shades up, there is the capability of a third shade if wanted. The deck is available for rent. Check out the details on the websites Event Space Rental section.
All the garlic is harvested, I think. If you want any, just head into the small greenhouse. Take whatever you like. Pay what you want.
The yams and corn are growing nicely in the big greenhouse. Fingers crossed they remain protected from all the things that love eating them. My brassicas and celery have been found by a rabbit I believe.
The grape vines we planted in the first year are rather filled with bunches of grapes! There are also a few bird nests within the vines. We look forward to having you forage grapes in a couple years. Wine making is also in the list of things we would like to do with this fruit.
Tea Time this Thursday at 2:30 on the deck. Reading The Tree Lady: The True Story of How one Tree Loving Woman Changed a City Forever followed by activities about garden design and plant adaptations. Will have a light snack, feel free to bring one to share or not.
Lastly, tonight at 6:00 p.m. we are having a get together with the Portland Ferment Club. All are welcome! Come share your favorite ferment food or drink, homemade or not. Bring a chair, bowl, cutlery, and a cup. Looking like clear skies to do Telescope observations after 9:00. Full Buck moon will be visible by 9:30.
Continue enjoying your summer, it’s going so quickly!
-Gwendolyn
P.S.
Thinking of hosting a 4th Astronomy Club opportunity here at the Farm. Similar to what I do at the library but with the Telescope available too and a potluck. Planning to do it on or near the New Moon. Will be for everyone. Look out for that update. Let me know if you have ideas or thoughts!