by Liz A

I went to the CSA farm today for my very first produce pickup. There was a very short PYO (pick your own) session, a few flowers, lots of fresh greens and some nice surprises. I kept thinking that if this produce were being shipped beyond a few miles, or if anyone was planning to eat it more than a few days from now, the farmers would have to select entirely different varieties to grow. (ERR & VT — I’m deliberately witholding details so that you can be surprised — that is, unless you want to know what’s in this week’s order in advance.)

I also want to mention that just being on the farm feels good. You’re asked to drive at no more than 2MPH, which is very very slow. But it forces you to slow down, breathe, and watch for chickens. Things smell good. We were able to greet Moira and Ari, the people who run the farm and grow our food. People are friendly and relaxed. It’s a nice contrast to the typical running around craziness that constitutes most of life, like a little bit of a breather in the middle of the day.

Afterwards, my farm buddy and I decided to pick up a few extra items (local asparagus, anyone?) We stopped off at another local farm, one that is famous enough to be mentioned on moderately fancy restaurant menus as a supplier. And I suddenly felt totally guilty, even though typically when I stop at that farm, it feels good to be buying from local growers. I suppose I’ll get over that part, too.

Oh, and I just discovered that the new website is up (all sorts of things sprout in the spring) — http://lindentreefarm.com/. It’s fairly straightforward. Moira says that she’s kicking and screaming through the process of creating the site, but perhaps there will be more eventually.