In some ways, this might be the most beautiful time of the year at the farm. September often has consistent weather and this year the weather looks exceptional for the next two weeks. We'll be harvesting corn, cucumbers, squash, beans, basil and maybe finally a good picking of tomatoes next week.
As far as the farm work we are training berry vines. Strawberry fields are being reconditioned and readied for next year's harvest. In a couple of weeks, the pumpkin fields will die down, exposing the orange treasures of October. I recommend walking the pumpkin fields regularly to watch the startling changes that take place.
Over the last few years there has been a startling growth in our u-pick business -- especially berries. But sometimes I feel I need to open up some of our other crops for u-picking: corn, beans, cucumbers and late season strawberries. I am thinking more about opening these crops for u-pick in the future. It's just another chapter in getting people to have a relationship with our farm which I truly value.
Although I find this season to be beautiful, I personally struggle with the transition. It's hard to describe the way I feel. In the beginning the farm is all fresh and new and the anticipation is huge. The fall comes and the energy changes. It becomes a period of acceptance of the fall season. The uneasiness I feel may also be related to pumpkintime which, at times, seems like a carnival. There are parts I love like picking pumpkins and giving school tours. But, I shy away from some of the things other farms do like haunted mazes and pumpkin shooting....
Thursday, September 11, 2008
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6 comments:
Fall, when the plants have all grown to giant size and there is so much to do to divide and move plants for next year, as I continue in my edibile landscaping endeavors. And to harvest, freeze, can, and dehydrate!
I'm planning a trip over for your corn! I miss those big boxes of great tasting corn!
Don, I am with you on this season; these beautiful fall days are what the word "bittersweet" was coined for. Thank you for keeping the farm a little less carnival-like.
I agree too -- the bittersweet simplicity is what I love most about the farm in fall. No haunted mazes nor pumpkin shooting necessary for us to come out, and keep coming back. A hayride and a caramel apple is just what (and all that) we're looking for :-)
Hi Don,
Thanks so much for being such a great help at the wedding day. Here are some early sneak peeks:
http://www.evrimgallery.com/Portland-Wedding-Blog/krugers-farm/
There is a picture of you on the tractor. I will send you more later.
Your blog is fun to read. I am discovering planting vegetables more and more!
We're very much looking forward to visiting your farm again this year. It has become a family tradition and I really enjoy all the activities there are to do and think that adding a ghost maze or pumpkin shooting would spoil the authentic feel. Our relationship with your farm is like dirt under the fingernails, good clean fun. Keep up the good work and see you soon.
Don, I often feel a tenderness in the fall season which touches upon my love and sense of unity with the natural world. My deepest hope for the world and the precious lives of our grandchildren is that we live with profound awarness as to our stewardship of our earth and manage with great care our environment. Kruger's is a gift in my life. I often come with my little granddaughter and we love being there. On a calm day it is most special, a peaceful place to experience the process of man and earth working together. Plus we get to come home and make bouquet's "boo kays" as Nora says.
Thank you for this,
Donna D'Orio
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