Most weeks are busy weeks, but some weeks are a little more busy than others. Last week was one of those weeks, lots of big days with lots to do. We even broke a few farm records!
On Tuesday, a visiting class of third graders did the entire CSA line, 456 boxes in all, the most boxes we’ve ever had a school group pack, at least in recent memory. This group took on the task with enthusiasm and got it done. Packing the boxes is a great lesson in following directions, teamwork, and taking turns, as the kids are usually paired up to pack a particular item. School groups love packing the boxes and the kids report it’s one of their favorite parts of their time at the farm. Several asked if they could come every day to help pack!
On Wednesday, our two-person sheep shearing team (Rye, ably assisted by Antonio) did 90 sheep in nine hours! Just in time for the warmer weather. If you’ve never seen sheep shearing in action, definitely watch this shearing video from last year. Now we’ve got lots of beautiful wool, which will be sent off to get spun into yarn.
Throughout the week, there was a lot of transplanting happening: basil, onions, peppers, tomatoes, and more. It seemed like there was always something being transplanted, often multiple teams going at once. Pictured below is the pepper team planting Jimmy Nardellos, a farm favorite.
It definitely was a record flower week. Mother’s Day week is always our biggest flower week of the year, and this year was no exception. The flower team, plus some extra helpers, picked and bunched 6,360 single variety and mixed bouquets, to go to CSA members, farmers markets, and stores. On Friday alone, about 25 people helped make bouquets at some point during the day. It’s a big effort that requires lots of supplies, people, planning, and time. It also requires saying no; we weren’t able to take on all of the inquiries we received. By the end of the week, some part of the of the field looked a bit picked over, but there still were flowers out there to decorate the table for Saturday’s Farm Dinner, plenty to pick for drying for fall wreaths and dried bouquets, and there’s still plenty out there to pick for this week, with new varieties ready, like sunflowers and Canterbury bells.
The planting and transplanting and harvesting and packing continues! Plus, weeding, animal care, and more!
Elaine Swiedler, CSA Manager
