**Addie Broyles, food writer from the Austin American Statesman shows off her flower tattoo from the class this weekend.
Farm Stand at Big Red Barn, East Austin (8310 Canoga Ave., Austin 78724) Open to all, Saturdays, 10-12 Veggies, Flowers, Garden Plants and Breathtaking Beauty at our 1902 Historic Bergstrom Farm. SNAP accepted (soon!)
AND MORE!
Advance Orders via “REKO Ring” Place your order weekly at private Facebook page for touchless pick up on Saturday mornings.
Spring Veggie and Flower CSA Snapshot:
This week’s bouquets are unusually beautiful thanks to the wide variety of flowers beginning to shake off the rainy doldrums. Heirloom mums with spoonbill petals, pink strawflowers, dahlias, nigella and the first of the chim chim rudbeckia.
Pick up a bouquet at our farm stand or join the remainder of our 12-week Flower CSA (prorated from the week you join). You can also join for just June. Guaranteed to put a smile on your face, and help our flower farm to thrive!
Our Floral Tattoo Class was so much fun this weekend! We’ll do it again this Fall.
Hey Agrihood Supporters! Here’s a chance for you to help an initiative that has been proposed in Wisconsin that addresses the need for affordable housing. They would appreciate letters of support (see their website.) Read about it here.
* June 9th, be sure to attend our monthly Garden Club meeting, 5:30-7:30 at the Big Red Barn.
Notes From the Field: What A Soggy Week In Central Texas!
By Farmer Kalina
This week has been full of rolling storms and soggy farmers. As always, weather plays an important role in the way that we move about the farm. We adjust our plans, change our watering, planting, and harvesting schedules, and watch our local radar as if it is as important as national news. But, of course, we know that in Central Texas, especially this time of year, any plans made around the weather are pointless. This week I found myself sweating inside full rain gear as unexpected sun peaked from the clouds halfway through my morning harvest, and running to the barn with full creates of onions as I watched a lightning filled storm roll quickly my direction. Luckily I have learned to be adaptable and find amusement through these uncertain weather patterns.
It is important to find joy when working in these conditions. A good laugh over a boot sucked into the mud that leaves us with soggy socks, or a deep breath and smile when the wind changes and we’re hit by a cold hard gust, are key to continuing to do farm work throughout the changing seasons. That said, attempting to spend any time outdoors in August is not even a conversation I will humor. Noone is perfect and even I have my limits as I navigate an incredibily changing work environment. At times I get frustrated, we all do. Like when I arrive full of energy to tackle weeds or turn over beds but know any equipment used will just get stranded in the mud. Or when crops have to be harvested early because we can’t risk them rotting on soggy ground. It can be hard to take a step back and surrender to the plan the weather system has created for us.
That said, I am also grateful. I am grateful for the years of work and knowledge amassed by farmers before me. The guidance to make quick decisions while lightning is on the horizon. The ability to learn from the experience of those around me, rather than learning solely through the inevitable trails and tribulations that come with choosing to farm.
Sneak Peak Of The Week 10 Veggie Share:
Simple Skillet Green Beans - Enjoy the seasons first green beans with this simple and delicious recipe!
Grilled Zucchini with Cilantro, Lime, and Cotija - Try this recipe for a fun and flavor-packed take on grilled zucchini! Use your yellow summer squash too, and if you don’t have a grill, try roasting the spears!
Ultra Crispy Smashed Potatoes - You can’t go wrong with this smashed potatoes recipe! A real treat with our fresh yukon gold potatoes!