Thin Spaces

Thin Spaces

At this time of year, we have the hardest task on the Cedar Ridge Farm. For almost all of our volunteers, this is worse than digging raised beds, pulling up deep-rooted weeds, or pushing wheelbarrows of compost back and forth to the plots. It is the difficult—almost...
The Treacherous Beauty of Ash

The Treacherous Beauty of Ash

“I have some bad news,” said the arborist. “Your ash tree is infected with Emerald Ash Borer and, in accordance with USDA regulations, I need to cut it down and take away all the lumber for burning. My heart sank. In addition to the cost and the loss of a huge...
Life and Death on the Autumnal Equinox

Life and Death on the Autumnal Equinox

Today marks the beginning of autumn—my very favorite season. On the farm, the early morning chill sharpens my senses. The flowers blaze in fiery shades of red, orange and yellow, enchanting a dozen butterflies. The freshly pulled carrots release a sweet, earthy smell...
Disclaimer: Results shown not typical

Disclaimer: Results shown not typical

The seed catalogues make farming look so orderly and easy: neat rows of weed- and bug-free onions and carrots. Eggplants ripe and dark with luscious foliage. Uniform-sized, unblemished green peppers. The photos never show groundhogs munching away on the cabbages,...