What’s been going on!

So we survived the wedding and all the associated responsibilities, the flowers looked great and everyone had a good time albeit much short on sleep.  This week the extra-curricular activities roll on.  Farm Aid is in Raleigh this week and our friends at Rural Advancement Foundation International (RAFI) had a large hand in getting it here and are major players in the week’s events.  Being on the RAFI board in turn means that we have some extra things going on too.

Farm Aid is more than just the concert on Saturday.  There are farm tours, workshops, dinners and gatherings of all types.  Much of what the Farm Aid organization is about is working with groups to help change farm policy and the food system to be better and more fair to farmers.  Yesterday was an interesting day with a room full of activists, many of them both in the farm community but also in the civil rights communities.  Besides some very impressive people and dynamic speakers the gist of the day was how do we take the lessons learned about organizing for social change from the civil rights movement and apply them to the food and farming movement.  Much to think about.

Today there are multiple farm tours which we will not be participating in, have to get ready for market, and tomorrow is the concert itself.  We will be going after market to take it all in, both the music but all of the attached booths and activities, I am sure I will spend some time in the RAFI booth talking with folks.  On top of it all my brother Jon and his wife are arriving today on their way to the beach.  Always great to have them here, I am sure another weekend short on sleep, oh well there is always winter.

Picture of the Week

Beautiful Yukina Savoy tucked in next to Zinnias and Plume Celosia

What’s going to be at the market?

Might be damp at market in the morning but fear not we will be there roasting peppers anyway.

The peak of peppers season the next few weeks.  Obviously lots of Red Bells and some yellow too.  Red, yellow and orange Corno di Toros, Cubanelles for salads, sandwiches and frying.

Peppers with little or no heat- Shishitos and Padrons for appetizers and Aji’s, the habanero without heat.

In hots there are plenty of Poblanos, Anaheims, Jalapenos, Serranos, Cayennes, Picante Pimentos and a few Pasillas, Piquillos and Espelettes.

Lacinato Kale is back along with tender white Japanese Turnips.  Yukina Savoy, a really tender spinach like green.  Lots of Sweet Red Onions, get them while we still have them.  Cilantro.  More of both the Nubia and Italian heirloom Eggplants.  Bring on the winter squash, goes with that snow theme- Spaghetti Squash, Butternut, Acorn and Sweet Dumpling; they go great with chiles!

The flower department is back with beautiful Hydrangeas and the second flush of Lisianthus.  Still a ton of Celosia with felt like heads and the radiant plume type.

As a reminder if there is anything that you would like for us to hold for you at market just let us know by e-mail, by the evening before, and we will be glad to put it aside for you.

Hope to see you all at the market!

Alex, Betsy and Jennie

If you know folks who you think would be interested in news of the farm then please feel free to forward this to them and encourage them to sign up at the website.