Village Gardener: Community Gardens, CSA’s and garden markets

by Georgeanne Vyverberg –

Late February and my garlic is poking up through the mulch of leaves and straw. This is my signal that Spring is about to make her grand entrance, but I look around and see nothing but a snow-covered landscape. It’s nearly another month later until I notice birdsong and tree buds swelling and then flowering, that I allow myself to dream of this year’s gardens. I plant some seeds and walk my gardens daily looking for the appearance of some of the hundreds of spring flowering bulbs I’ve planted, and then there they are…crocus, snowdrops and even a few precocious daffodils.

I have a scant half acre lot in the village and count myself lucky and in fact I chose this place because of it. I have in two years built quite a few gardens. However, I am daunted by the lengthy process of digging and making more new beds. So, I am looking at other ways of having nutritious food while I continue to slowly make more gardens at home. Last year I was too late in finding out about a Community garden plot here in Honeoye Falls. This year I managed to get one. This will be a first and new experience for me although while transitioning from my little farm, I did manage to have some garden space in a couple of my generous friend’s gardens. But they were many miles away and my plot in the Community garden is very nearly walking distance but walking through the village with a hoe over my shoulder and a trowel in my back pocket might be a strange sight indeed.

I met with Wendy Horn, who serves on the Honeoye Falls Conservation Board and is the Community Garden Manager. She generously spent nearly two hours explaining about the gardens and other aspects of the village and its thoughtful process in making a Community plan several years ago. In 2014 their Community Vision included promoting a Heathy Lifestyle and a Community Garden was one of the suggestions in achieving those goals. An area on town property was selected and some 30 garden plots measuring 10 by 15 feet were built. These became available in 2016. The garden Plots are surrounded by electric fence to ward off deer and water is available. The Village also supplies a generous pile of composted leaves and wood mulch. It is highly suggested that only organic methods be employed by the gardeners. What could be more perfect? Everything you need at hand including the camaraderie of fellow gardeners. I’m excited! Wendy assigns plots and people can keep the same one from year to year which is really nice to feel this sort of ownership. She is also available for advice especially for those new to gardening.  There is some thought to pairing up newbies and experienced gardeners so if you have never done so here would be the perfect setting to learn. Plot applications for $25 are available at the Village Hall. There will be a group meetup soon.

Okay so a garden plot is not for you. You work and have little time and energy for it, but still you want nutritious food grown in a sustainable manner. Then maybe a CSA would work for you. CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture. These are member supported farms, where organic and pesticide free vegetables and animals are raised. Many of these farms are run by young, enthusiastic folks completely devoted to growing food and improving farmland. It’s a business but one they are passionate about and supporting them means supporting a fruitful earth. A member pays for their share before the season begins and this helps the farmer to buy seeds and other supplies to begin. On appointed days you pick up your share at the farm. Its all cleaned and ready to go. Some farm pick-up days are more of an event. Take Bubbaloo CSA for example.

They are located on Egan Road between Honeoye Falls and Lima. A long dirt road takes you along pastures where pigs, cattle, horses and Heritage donkeys graze peacefully. Dave and Anna Kirkwood purchased this 18-acre property in 2009 and opened their CSA in 2014. Their two youngsters Lucy and Bubba greet and act as hosts to everyone but especially the children. There is a giant sandbox and play area and much visiting with the dogs, cats, chickens, sheep and horses and in particular the charismatic mini donkeys and often a musician or two are starting a sing along.  The Kirkwoods are planning a Kids Club of members during the summer with organized fun events which will include painting a mural on one of the barn walls and some archaeology digs. Also, every fourth Friday will be adult members night with music and campfires and perhaps a wine or beer tasting. So, it’s more than great food, its building a real community.

Bubbaloo Farm, which gets its name from a combination of nicknames for their children LuLu and Bubba, is planning an open farm tour on April 28th from 1-4. Don’t miss it!

 

Another fantastic way to get fresh vegetables is of course taking advantage of the many Farmer’s Markets in thearea you live. These are often scheduled late afternoons and evenings and weekends. Again, these can be fun outings. Many of these gatherings have music and activities for children. Almost every town and community feature a Farmer’s Market. One of the biggest around is the Brighton Farmers Market which takes place in the parking lot of Brighton High School on 1150 South Winton Road. The Summer market begins Sunday May 13 from 9-1. The Winter market takes place at Brookside Recreation Center 220 Idlewood Road from 1-4.

There are so many other markets and Owl Light News lists many

market locations and times throughout the summer*. One of the neat things about these local markets is that you get to meet YOUR farmer and you will no doubt see your neighbors and forge closer friendships. Food has that ability to foster community. Many of the world’s cultures are bound by food.  Growing, harvesting and sharing it.

So, you see there are many choices. Eating local and healthy is a matter of choice which benefits everyone.

* See page 10 for information.