In a matter of what feels like over night, we have had to close our doors, cancel all workshops, clinics, lessons and activities we had planned for the spring and probably the summer at this rate...
We have had to sequester ourselves within our homes practicing physical social distancing from farm members, friends, neighbours and family... We wonder...when will we even get a glimpse of what was normal to us again? The horses do wonder why they haven’t seen any of their favourite two leggeds lately. They know something is definitely not right.
Sigh...
Well, I’m here to tell you that gardening and farming are not cancelled. We on the farm are moving forward with cleaning up, seeding and planting. Planning for new gardens, fixing some fences the horses put lots of pressure on, and creating new spaces around the farm is keeping us very busy. Plans for a new outdoor goat pen for the girls, and maybe some containment for the naughty chickens who like to explore dangerously far from the watchful eye of our LGD Piper.
We are taking this forced down time to spruce up, and get ready for when we are able to do more.
We will sadly be unable to give tours or enjoy visitors for right now. But we are excited to maintain our veggie and fruit production on the farm as an essential service, and we have put protocols in place for everyone’s safety. Farm gate pick ups can be arranged ahead of time. Or, Sanitized baskets can be packed and delivered for free to your home in Pontypool farmgate to porch! With social distancing In mind of course.
We are very fortunate to be a very diversified farm, so that we don’t have all of our eggs in one basket so to speak. The loss of a lot of our farm’s income and activity this spring hurts. But we can still offer other areas of the farm to our community as we all navigate our way through this mess.
We are investigating an efficient way to order virtually for our members and friends for the on farm markets starting in June. Also, a faster way to let all of our CSA members know what is in the share each week plus any add ins they may like to have like fresh eggs from our naughty free ranging hens!
Now a parting thought...
There are going to be some rough times ahead, but also some positive outcomes or..a silver lining so to speak. People are finding each other again, learning to care for one another...Practicing long lost skills....Also...wow. People are learning how to cook again and in doing so, Rediscovering small businesses and farms in their communities. Cool.
Please stay safe and healthy...so on the other side of this we all can reconnect in person. Sending you Hugs, light and love... and a very beautiful abundant spring.
Your farmer,
Laura Boyle.💕🌱
