Clagett Farm Notes

U-bar!

Thank you to all for the wonderful potluck party last Saturday at the wash station. I was blown away by a huge surprise gift: a u-bar!

Here I am trying to explain what this weird looking thing is. The u-bar is an excellent hand tool for tilling soil, and it's much easier to use than it looks because it works on gravity: a person steps on it and the long tines go in. It's similar to a broadfork, but heavier and with longer tines. It is often used in biointensive farms and gardens. Where can you buy it? You can't. It has to be made by a good welder. That's what makes this gift so special.  Without me knowing anything about it, volunteer Sean O'Harra was approached by Clagett Farm colleagues and asked whether he can weld such a thing. He said, sure. And Sean not only made one, but two! One I'll take to Vermont, the other stays here at Clagett Farm.

The man behind Tricia McCauley is Sean. Roshani is on the right. Wonderful volunteers and good friends of the farm.

What about the weblog changes?

A while ago I wrote that "very soon" the look of this weblog will change because it will be moved to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation system. Well, changes have been made but the process is not yet complete. It may take a few days or it may take a few weeks.

Our farm family just became a little smaller

One of our dear and long-time CSA members, Marissa Irwin, just passed away.  She and her husband, Hans Verolme, have been members since they moved to the area eight years ago, and have become the type of old friends offering deep support and encouragement that makes our jobs so much more fulfilling.  With Marissa gone, and Kolya leaving, who will convince us to grow so much arugula?

Marissa died of ovarian cancer at the young age of forty.  She was a conservation biologist, and an activist and supporter for other women with cancer.  We're so glad to have known her. 

Party!

Just a reminder to all of you that next Saturday, July 8th, the farm is holding a party and you're invited!

Back in July of 2002 Kolya found  us on the farm and asked for a job, hoping he could learn enough to start his own farm someday.  Well four years later he's ready to make his dream a reality!  We're so indebted to him for having transformed us into a stronger and jollier farm, that we'd like to throw a party in his honor.  We'll start the grill around 3pm, and celebrate into the evening.  It's a pot-luck, so if you're up to it, bring some food or a beverage.  If you happen to bring your own dishes, it will save us some paper products.  See you then!