August 2007 - Vol.2, Issue 13

Windcrest Farm Newsletter www.windcrestorganics.com

Available at Matthews Farmer's Market on Aug. 4th

Heirloom Tomatoes
Cucumers
Squash
 
BEDSIDE BOUQUETS
Perfect for your nightstand!
Give that alarm clock some competition!
 
Catcus & Succulents
 
Periennial Herb Plants
 

 

Organic Gardening Supplies Available
Greetings!
 
Windcrest Farm Newsletter www.windcrestorganics.comWhen I purchased the property that is now Windcrest Farm in 1978, the only thing on the 14 acres was dirt and a small house. The property was a former soybean field so there was no trees, grass, shrubs - nothing! Now we are approaching our 30th year here and it is absolutely amazing to see how Mother Nature has clothed that naked ground - with and without my help. At times it seems like I spent the first 15 years planting and the last 15 years chopping, pruning and weeding!
 
One of the unexpected crops that Mother Nature has given us this year are the seed pods from our water lotus. Several years ago my dear friend Bev gave me a bucket of water lotus plants for the pond. Little did I know they would spread as they did! In the summer we get beautiful blossoms like the one you see here, but through the rest of the year, it ain't so pretty! Then I found out that the seed pods are valued for floral arrangements, so I now have dozens and dozens hanging in the greenhouse drying. Look for them in our "Bedside Bouquets" tomorrow!
 
SHIITAKE MUSHROOMS NEXT WEEK! I just checked the logs and after our 2" of rain last week, the Shiitake mushrooms are popping out! Please let me know if you would like to reserve some.
 
Still growing,
Mary
For Sale: Mantis ComposT-Twin
 
MAKE US AN OFFER! Sweet Union Growers gather at Windcrest Farm to exchange ideas and talk with Charlotte area chefs.
 We are expanding our operation and need to invest in more equipment. So we are moving out everything that isn't earning its keep. You can help our farm and yours with this handy composter. We outgrew this composter very quickly, but it is a perfect solution for a backyard. Used once and in excellent condition, this composter originally sells for $499.00 (plus shipping & assembly, which took my construction crew a couple of hours - without beer). Make me a reasonable offer and I will deliver with 35 miles of Monroe area.

From the Mantis website: "The Mantis ComposT-Twin holds almost 25 cubic feet of raw material - that's 10 bushels in each chamber! Aerator vents on each door allow oxygen into the chamber while vented end caps assure even air flow and proper drainage. Bin contents are fully enclosed to keep out rodents, pets, and other wildlife. No more messy, unsightly piles, no odors wafting over to your neighbor's porch. Two latches on each door means bin contents are more secure, and less stress on individual latches. The ComposT-Twin frame is a convenient 32" high for easy loading and unloading. The easy-crank handle and gear mechanisms make the drum easy to turn - even when fully loaded!

No mess, no smells, no unsightly bin in your backyard. Contained and elevated to deter pests. No back-breaking work to mix and aerate pile - just turn the gear-driven handle. It's easy to remove your finished compost - the ComposT-Twin sits a sensible 32 inches off of the ground."
"Buy Local" for Christmas
Christmas?? Well, some people do start early (unlike the rest of us) so they can avoid the holiday rush. I challenge you to consider purchasing all your holiday gifts from local farmers and artisans. There are many markets and shops in our area that carry wonderful local products and crafts that will delight all the folks on your list. I made my first gift purchase at the Commonwealth Farmer's Market in Charlotte this Tuesday and purchased some wonderful handcrafted, all natural soap from Catherine Alston of "Soap & Themes". Now it is true this was a gift for me, but it really got me thinking about how fun it will make shopping for my friends and family and what a good thing it is for my fellow market vendors (no matter what market!) and our local economy.
The broccoli, cauliflower, lettuces, fennel and lots of other cool weather loving plants have been seeded in the greenhouse. It's hard to believe that Fall is just around the corner. It is our favorite time on the farm. We are looking forward to providing all the folks that love local food with a continuing supply through the end of the year. We are entertaining the idea of a Fall CSA (Sept. - Nov.) this year with a limited number of shares available. If you are interested in information, please let us know!
 
Best regards,
 
Mary Roberts
Windcrest Farm
 
The door of opportunity won't open unless you do some pushing.

-Anonymous

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All photos in the Windcrest Newsletter and on our website have been taken at Windcrest Farm unless otherwise noted.

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