July / August 2024
The transition of seasons is slowly creeping over us on the farm. The days are getting shorter and the nights are cooler, but there is still plenty of gardening tasks and growing ahead.
Over the last month or so, we have had a lot of projects, pulled pounds of produce out of our fields, and created almost 50 bouquets! The challenges of pests and vermin still persist but we carry on. In July, we installed a spooky, pumpkin ghoul Halloween decoration to act as a scarecrow in one of our sections near our corn and melons to deter deer. We lost hundreds of poppy seed heads to fiendish opium addicted ground squirrels that learned to climb to steel them from on high. Our gladiolus sent up spikes of colorful blooms and the dahlias finally started gracing us with rows of gorgeous, multi-hued petals. We designed the floral bouquets for two events and got to share a little slice of beauty of the farm with friends and family (a literal dream come true).
We are starting the plans for 2025 and are sad to say that we likely will be pausing our produce CSA in order to focus on preparing the farm for our upcoming wedding.
However, this will also give us time to pour more energy into hosting some farm dinners, attend more markets, create more farm fresh products, and hold more events and workshops. This year we had to cancel all the farm feasts and fun classes, as well as numerous U-Pick and volunteer days, because we simply did not have the time. As the seasons change, we are reminded that this is actually a HUGE period of growth and change for us as a business. It is a chance to turn this into something more sustainable so that we can continue to do the things we love in the future. Thank you so much for supporting us on this journey because it is far from over. We are just getting started!
Next year, we hope to host you again for more meaningful community engagement and learning opportunities, as well as fun. There will be plenty of chances to volunteer and we hope you will continue to help us build our farm and turn our vision into a reality!
Upcoming Dates to Note:
Leave the city behind!
U-Pick Day - (8/17)
This Saturday from 4-6pm for $20 you can load up on as many flowers, tomatoes, and strawberries you would like! We will have a refreshing sipper and some snacks to nosh on before or after you pick your haul. Join us on the farm for some fun! CSA crates will be ready for pickup for those of our subscribers who have communicated they will be joining us. Hope to see you there!
4th Fridays at the Starline - August 23rd (Harvard)
There aren’t many “cool” things happening in the burbs, but this monthly summer occurrence is one we look forward to. From 6-10pm the Starline Factory has live music and open studio hours with a ton of art on view and for sale. Need a gift for yourself or a friend? Want to stroll with a drink and stare at art? Come on down! If the booze is really all you’re after, down the street is a local spot with tasty cocktails called Rush Creek Distillery.
Bristol Renaissance Faire - Closes Labor Day weekend (Kenosha, WI)
HEAR YE, HEAR YE: If you have never been to the Ren Fair - you are missing out! Pre-pandemic (circa summer 2019), my sisters and I had such a blast that we vowed to make it an annual thing. Then COVID hit and we have yet to return. We plan on squeaking in a quick visit in their final 3 weekends and highly recommend you do too! Apparently, they sell discount tickets at Menards.
Art of the Land - September 27th and 28th (Harvard)
We are members and big fans of the The Land Conservancy of McHenry County (TLC) and highly recommend you support them in any way you can. They are preserving and restoring the natural beauty all over our area. We missed this event last year and jumped at the chance to secure tickets when they went on sale because art and nature are pretty much what keeps us (Emily, obviously) alive! TLC will be taking over the Starline Factory in Harvard for a weekend, showcasing local art and artisans with live music, raffles, poetry, appetizers, a cash bar, and a photography contest. Did we mentions 30% of all art sales supports TLC’s mission. It’s truly a WIN/WIN!
Harvest Bonfire - Saturday, October 5th
We had so much fun throwing this last year that we knew it would become an annual thing. Join us for our 2nd annual Harvest Party! We will have plenty of appetizers and things to nibble on but feel free to bring something to share if you'd like. Last year we made this a potluck, and then prepared way too much food. We ended up with a SERIOUS feast but also some food waste. This year we plan on feeding the masses but will never turn down a little help along the way. If you are feeling inspired to bring something to share - please do! If not, just remember to bring your beverage of choice. We can't wait to show you the farm! Derek will be pressing cider again, and will hopefully be sampling last year’s bottled ferment. We will have plenty of pumpkins and produce for sale as well as U-Pick options to build your own bouquet. Cash or Zelle preferred. Farm tour starts promptly at 4pm.
Fermentation Fest + FARM/ART DTOUR - October 5 - 14th (Sauk County, WI)
Easily one of our favorite fall activities, this again combines the beauty of nature and art, but also adds food and cider! This is a choose your own adventure driving tour of the Driftless Area in rural Wisconsin. The landscape of rolling farm hills with leaves changing is stunning. Peppered along the route are outdoor art installations, pasture performances, and local farms to support. Does it get any better?!? Pick up a map in town and meander the countryside in search of beauty, art, and snacks. Don’t miss the DTour Food Chain at Witwen Park where you can shop, listen to live music, sip cider, and find delectable goodies of all kinds from pickles to baked goods and teas to tamales!
Spring Grove Farmers Market - Saturday, October 19th (Main Street Park)
Come support your favorite farmers at their FIRST market EVER! We have never sold in a market setting and would love to see your smiling faces approach our booth. If you come hungry, there is a local restaurant across the street that offers breakfast specials. Mark your calendars and bring the fam to our little, small town setup that happens every third Saturday from May through October from 9am to 1pm (8013 Main Street). This area is down the street from our house AND one of Illinois’ best state parks: Chain O’ Lakes! Not to mention, Richardson Adventure Farm is right around the corner and they just revealed their 2024 corn maze theme…It’s John Deere!
Final Volunteer Day - Sunday, October 20th
There are still plenty of things to do to put the garden to rest and this year we plan on doing it right. So much of setting yourself up for success happens at this crucial point in the year when farmers fatigue is full blown. Come enjoy some cooler weather and fresh crisp Autumn air with us from 12-4pm. We will certainly return the favor with farm goodies in the future.
The CSA is over halfway done! Final pickup/delivery dates below:
(8/18) PICKUP / (8/19) CITY DELIVERY
(9/15) PICKUP
(9/29) PICKUP / (9/30) CITY DELIVERY
(10/13) PICKUP
(10/27) PICKUP / (10/28) CITY DELIVERY
PSA: Our 4 year anniversary is 9/30 and we wouldn’t rather spend it any other way than delivering your fresh produce and flowers! We will be making deliveries then heading to a nice dinner to celebrate.
