This Week at the Farm: What Will April Showers Bring?
Strolling through the greenhouses on a cold and rainy day is like walking through an oasis. Colorful flowers, wonderful smells, and warmth are a nice reminder that sunnier days will be here soon.
The greenhouse staff laugh non stop as they transplant herbs, seedlings for the cut flower garden, impatiens, mandevillas, etc. while coming up with ideas for social media posts (mainly plant puns). Want to join them? We’ve decided to hire another full time seasonal greenhouse staff member. Apply here.
The good news about April and the steadily increasing temperatures is that our production crew is finally getting to plant directly in the ground – arugula, radishes, and more lettuce went in the hoop houses this week. We expect to have freshly harvested greens by the time we open, so you can start using your CSA Card right away.
You’ll also have a wide variety of farm-made products to choose from, including plum, blueberry, and strawberry preserves. Our seasonal kitchen crew started this week and they’ve jumped right into making food products for the start of the season. (They’re looking to add one more person to their team! Apply here.)
In case you missed it: we’ll be opening the farmstand an hour earlier this year. New hours are: Monday to Saturday 9-6, Saturday 9-5. The Hello Cafe is open daily 8-5.
INTRODUCING OUR EDUCATION PROGRAMS MANAGER
There’s no getting around it, I am really going to miss being the Education Programs Manager here at Cedar Circle Farm and Education Center. I’ll still be here, sure, but I won’t be the guy in the garden trying to get kids to play with sow bugs or experiment with tasting different types greens or challenging toddlers to eat asparagus. It is a bittersweet transition for me. The sweet part is that I have the privilege to hand off the fun and learning to a remarkable and caring young woman. After a VERY long search, we found Meredith. (Actually, she found us!) I can’t tell you how lucky we feel to have Meredith joining the team here at Cedar Circle. Her values as an educator and her passion for sharing her love for exploring agriculture and the natural world will be easy to see when you come to the farm for an education program this year. We hope you don’t wait too long to make it out to the farm to say hello to Meredith and the rest of the new and returning staff. –Eric Tadlock, Executive Director
SPRING EDUCATION PROGRAMS
We’re excited to announce three spring education programs, starting shortly after the farmstand opens!
- Little Farmers – Drop-in class for ages 2-5 and their parent(s) or guardian. Tuesdays from 10 to 11 AM, starting April 30.
- Homeschool Farm Science – Soil, plant, and human nutrition for ages 6-11. Single classes on May 8 and 15, and a 4-week session starting May 22. Wednesdays from 1 to 3 PM. Join us for an Open House between 1 and 3 PM on May 1.
- Cooking for Middle Schoolers – Sweet and savory baking for ages 11-14, inspired by The Great British Bake Off. 6-week session starting May 7. Tuesdays from 3:30 to 5:15 PM.
If you have questions about any of our program offerings, contact Meredith.
OPPORTUNITY FOR HIGH SCHOOLERS!
Is your high schooler looking for a fun way to spend their summer? We need Junior Counselors to help with our Summer Day Camp. This is a great (FREE!) opportunity for mature 14-17 year olds to make lifelong camp friends and to grow as leaders and mentors while working with elementary aged children! Commit to one week or all 7 weeks of camp.
SUMMER CAMP WAITLIST
There are only a few spots left in our Summer Day Camp – July 15-19, July 29-August 2, or August 12-16. Click here to register for one of these weeks or to join the waitlist for a week that’s full.
GARDENING TIPS: BULBS
In addition to dahlia tubers, we’ll also have freesia, gladiolus, and ranunculus bulbs this spring.
Freesia can be grown in the ground or in a container. They have an amazing fragrance and their bright colors make them a wonderful addition to any garden (or bouquet!). Plant 2 inches deep and 4 inches apart.
Stay tuned for information about the other bulbs, for sale in the farmstand in just a few weeks!
UPCOMING
April 27 – Opening Day! *Café opens at 8, Farmstand opens at 9
April 30 – Little Farmers drop-in class, 10-11 am.
May 1 – Homeschool Farm Science OPEN HOUSE, 1-3 pm.
June 1 – Last Day to sign up for a Produce Plus Card
