Friends of the Gainesville Organic Blueberry Farm

Hello Friends of the Gainesville Organic Blueberry Farm!

Thank you all who worked so hard before the season this year and all year last year to keep the blueberry bushes happy and healthy and productive, and in so doing help keep the farm a farm! The barnyard gardens were more productive overall this summer than they have been since the last farmer (Jeff) left, and hopefully they will keep getting better!  Hi Jeff – we miss you!  But unfortunately due to a mid April freeze most of the berries were frozen while still small, making it a very lean crop this year. Many people were able to find productive patches of ripe blue beauty, sometimes in thickets, reminding us that with a farm that big there will always be something to pick, and how much work there still is to do there. (Send me a reply with how many pounds you picked, and where – Im dying to know!)

For inspiration it is good to look at the 2 bridges patch to see what is possible – I have high hopes for a great crop there next year. And dont worry if people call you crazy for working so hard in the berry rows – it is a very sane way to take your power in this crazy world – to work for something you wish to happen instead of against something you dont want to happen. I think of it as perspiration therapy with peer counseling, aerobic workout, social networking with the creme de la creme, and bonus organic blueberry work trade with heavy bragging rights when the berries come in – and I sleep so sweetly and soundly after work parties! Wouldn’t you like to be able to tell younger generations that you did your best to insure our community’s sustainability and high quality of life, by taking a leap of faith and being the change you wish to see in the world. If you want to have a farm in your neighborhood – go help out on your neighborhood farm – while you have the chance!

So c’mon out to the farm this Saturday! I will be by the barnyard gardens with plenty of tools and the desire to perspire! You bring lots of drinking water, long pants and sleeves, gloves and a hat. As always kids are welcome but please leave pet friends at home. Please try to arrive within a half hour because the gate is tricky to open and close. Lets give those berry bushes some elbow grease and TLC – we’ll be glad we did when the berries ripen next year!

Hope to see you down on the farm!

maureen
PS bring a bag or 2 if you want to collect some passionfruit, elderberries or lotus seeds which are all ripening now, and try rooting some of the cuttings we prune and let me know how it works – this is how blueberries are usually propagated!

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