The Parable of the Groundhogs

The Parable of the Groundhogs

If you have passed by the farm recently, you may have observed the white wooden plank held tight along the bottom of the gate with rocks. If you’ve come up close to it, you may have even noticed the odd musky smell. It’s organic groundhog repellent, and it doesn’t...
On World Environment Day

On World Environment Day

Yesterday I was out on the farm with a young helper, and we tried to identify the visitors who had snacked on our crops. Groundhogs had chomped on the freshly weeded beans and kale; birds had pecked at the juicy ripe strawberries, and I have no idea what got into the...
Earth (Day) Worms

Earth (Day) Worms

My son hates worms: he thinks they are like disembodied intestines in shallow graves. As we plant cabbage seedlings on the farm, the quiet evening air is punctuated with his exclamations of “Ew, gross!” and “Sooooo disgusting!” In some areas, particularly in northern...
Joy in the Air and the Mud

Joy in the Air and the Mud

The farm brings me joy—usually. But sometimes it is just plain depressing. I stopped by the other week to check on things after one of the many recent thunderstorms. I wandered over to the squash plants, which were covered with vivid yellow flowers. But when I parted...
Farm Girl At Heart (by Nonniekaye)

Farm Girl At Heart (by Nonniekaye)

Growing up on a farm and ranch in central Texas instilled in me a love of nature. I spent my summer days running through the fields, riding on the tractor, feeding the cattle, moving hay bales and playing in the creek. We would work as a family to accomplish the...
Weeds, Bugs and Beauty (by Lisa C)

Weeds, Bugs and Beauty (by Lisa C)

Driving into church and glancing to your right, the farm looks pretty wonderful. Orderly rows, mowed grass paths, tomato cages standing tall, like a postcard of an old-fashioned Victory Garden. It doesn’t just look wonderful, it is wonderful. When you enter the garden...