CSA News from Windflower Farm
Delivery #11, Week of August 14th, 2018
This week’s share. You’ll get red ‘Magenta’ lettuce, ‘Red Norland’ potatoes, a bunch of large scallions, a couple of sweet peppers, various tomatoes, a ‘Genovese’ basil bunch, a ‘Tendersweet’ cabbage head, a small bulb of ‘German Red’ garlic, a handful of summer squashes or cucumbers, and either sweet corn, beets or eggplants, depending on your site. Your fruit share will contain our organic cantaloupes and Yonder Farm’s plums.
Notes from the farm. This week, Andrea, our membership coordinator, writes about our farm staff.
Every summer, Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) in Saratoga Springs, hosts the world class Philadelphia Orchestra in the month of August. Going to a performance or two is always a highlight of my summer, a welcome respite from the world of farming.
That being said, farming is never far from my mind even during a classical music performance. In fact, growing delicious food is a lot like making beautiful music – both require a group of skilled, committed people working together for a greater cause: a healthy, happy community.
So, without further ado, presenting the Windflower Symphony!
At the helm, Farmer Ted deftly conducts us with a carrot in one hand and a coffee mug in the other.
Ted’s son and concertmaster, Nate, graces us with the fundamental tunes and tunings of the tractors, pumps, and cultivators, and of honorable mention, the plasma cutter.
Julia, principal second violin (but first in field coordination) adds the strums, thumps, and hums of transplanting as well as the inevitable grunts of weeding, accompanied with aplomb by the American field crew strings – Bonnie, Sarah M., and Heidi.
The Medinas – Martin, Martin Junior, Jesus, Candelaria, Angelica, Salvador, and Daniel – all hailing from Mexico – compose our harvest, tunnel, and field strings. Among their many other stylings, the snapping of rubber bands on greens bunches and twirls of twine on tomato plants give force, depth, and resonance to each score, most assuredly, with Mariachi flair.
Leading our brass washing and packing section, Victoria on first trumpet, calls us to action. The exuberant renderings from her and her companions (Naomi, Angela, Sarah M., Heidi, and Bonnie) are, after much splashing, most reflective in the polish and shine of their vegetables.
At the ever ready on percussion, Aaron and Terry, marvel us with their workings of power tools and washers, of tractors and mowers, and of curious noises no one can pinpoint.
But where would we be without the bright, beautiful trills from Jan and Sara D., our flower flutist and oboist? Or without the sweet clucks of chickens on piccolos as they lay countless eggs, thanks to Alan Davis? Lest we forget the deep sound of a bassoon, rich and warm as a sun-ripened berry from Pete way out Yonder. Indeed, these woodwinds are far from optional.
Season tickets are available in the spring; please contact Andrea, membership coordinator. Our performances would also not be possible without the many who set the stage – our dedicated core group members – nor without Don and Naomi, who, literally, bring the show to you.
Last but not least, we must thank you, our audience, friends, and season-ticket shareholders. Your support feeds our passion and our bellies – your applause is always appreciated. Please join us on August 25-26. It’s time to celebrate!
Have a great week! Ted and Andrea
Central Brooklyn CSA 