With this nice weather, we've been keeping plenty busy on the farm - planting, seeding, making beds, weeding, and trying to get organized for the start of the CSA next week. We started the week off by attending Rosso Pizzeria's annual farmer and winemaker appreciation luncheon. John Franchetti and his incredibly gracious staff welcomed a packed house of farmers, grape growers, winemakers, and other local agricultural professionals. We were served dishes prepared with local ingredients grown by farmers who were present and were poured wine made by local winemakers from locally grown grapes. It was such an experience being in the company of at least one hundred other individuals who have devoted themselves to producing local and sustainable agricultural products.
We really are so very lucky to live in a county where we are blessed with a diversity of high quality, locally grown products, foods, and beverages. I can't think of anywhere else in the world where such a variety of fruits and vegetables are grown, where so many different varieties and styles of wine are made, where such interesting cheeses and dairy products are created, and where such a diversity of animals are raised humanely and sustainably. Here in Sonoma County, we do much more than auto parts and wine; we do everything!
I was reminded yet again of how special this area is when I found myself in front of the downtown mall staring at the ground. I don't go to the mall very often, in fact, I typically avoid it at all costs. Yesterday, however, I happened to be passing through and noticed that in front of the mall (by the big hand) the pavement is engraved with notable quotes about Sonoma County's natural and agricultural blessings. Sonoma County has long enjoyed fame for its unique climate and environment, which makes it so well suited for growing most anything. At one point, back in Luther Burbank's day, Santa Rosa was the most popular tourist destination in California. People from around the country and even the world flocked to Santa Rosa to see Luther Burbank's gardens and miraculous horticultural accomplishments. When I'm dying of allergies because of all the pollen in the air, I try to remind myself that the high pollen count in Santa Rosa is a symptom of its beauty.
Here are some pictures showing how much work we've done on the farm over the past couple of weeks. The landscape changes quickly, doesn't it?
Then: Cover crop. Now: Summer squash and lettuce.
Baby broccoli turns into adult broccoli.
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