Pollinator Haiku
We work together
The bees gather and disperse
Flowers become food
Watching the bees buzz around the farm is a one of my favorite summer pastimes. Once the dandelions begin blooming in May, the food supply kicks in, and from there it unfolds into a colorful buffet of flowering plants for the bees and and other pollinators to feast on all season long. Currently, there is a blanket of clover blooming throughout the pastures along side a cheerful mix of annuals and perennials that dot the growing space. Based on my observations, there is plenty of food for the bees!
This season we built two beetle banks in between some of the raised bed plots with the goal of attracting beneficial insects to the growing space and increasing bio diversity. Yarrow, echinacea, zinnias, raspberries, marigolds, and chamomile are in the process of blending into a quilt work of color and texture. The bees know right where to go and just what to do. What we plant, they harvest. Bumblebees are the most entertaining to watch as their fuzzy round bodies bob between flowers. Today they were thick on an anise hyssop plant that is now in full bloom, with its purple spikes of tiny trumpet-shaped blossoms waving in the breeze. This seems to drive the bees onward with purpose. Abundance means lots to do! Further observation leads me to think that we are like the bees in many ways, flying around the growing space, collecting food and moving it into safe storage. We work together, side by side, gathering and dispersing.
In other news, we are excited to announce that we will be working with Ernessi Farms of Ripon to offer oyster mushrooms our members as extras through the remainder of the season. The flavor of oyster mushrooms is delicate and savory, with a hint of complexity on the finish. Some people say they have a slight seafood flavor, or a subtle anise finish (black licorice). Either way, they're best eaten fried or sautéed: we don't recommend eating them raw. If you are interested Oysters will be available by the pound and can be added to your share during the customization period. Ernessi may have other varieties available for us as the weeks continue, and if they are popular enough we will be able to offer mushrooms shares next season! Please let us know what you think.
And on a final note, your farmers will be stepping away from the farm for a few days to do some camping with the boys up in Door County. We are leaving the farm in the hands of the crew, so they will be taking care of your orders this coming week. We are confident in their abilities to manage the CSA, but please be understanding if it takes a bit of extra time to relay messages or questions related to your upcoming share delivery. Thank you!
Danielle
