To expect a vegetable farmer to tend to his/her flower gardens is like asking a shoemaker to repair his own shoes: both belong to the realm of wishful thinking. Indeed, following years of criminal neglect, tree-sized weeds and plants gone rogue, we have come to accept that our gardening abilities fall far short of those of the farm’s previous owner, Mrs. Blackwood — a master gardener hors pair, known and remembered fondly as such by many of the locals.
We have sought redemption for our horticultural shortcomings through Olivier, our very own garden hoe and rake wizard. In just a few weeks, he has wrought wonders in our flower beds by the sweat of his brow (and back-breaking work). In a floral game of musical chairs, he has patiently de-constructed, then re-constructed, our gardens — helping them recover something of their former glory, in keeping (we hope) with the original intent of our dear Ella. In fact, so satisfied have we been with Olivier that we have decided to open a few new flowerbeds (further justification of the farm’s name, we figure). Those of you who come for the méchoui will be able to admire a work in progress.
On another note: corn will be back with a vengeance in your baskets this week, aided and abetted by last weekend’s heat wave. It’s all good, particularly when compared to the previous year’s disappointing (due mostly to poaching by birds and raccoons) corn harvest. Perhaps there is a form of natural justice after all. Unfortunately, we’ve had no such luck with our tomatoes: too much rain means mildew, in our fields as well as in those of many other farmers.
Not much else to report, except perhaps a reminder that our annual méchoui is fast approaching — on August 30th to be precise. We hope to see many/most of you then at the farm. Drop us an e-mail to confirm your attendance, the number in your party and whether you plan to bring a side dish or dessert. Cheers.