First day of work, and in the morning we liberated alliums! Not the whole patch yet -- the onions and shallots and garlic were planted last fall and the weeds were prolific to say the least. Having a crew of four to five working on them was essential, and we 
only made it through about two and a half sections of four rows each in about four hours.
only made it through about two and a half sections of four rows each in about four hours. It's been stressed that body mechanics is key, and I thought of that today: think yoga poses, think core strength, think comfortable, think changing position frequently.... but at the same time, don't think too much at all. That is, don't think too much about the enormity of the task or the pain in your back: the anxious mind nourishes distress. Instead, focus on the purpose of the task. We were liberating those shallots from the encroachment of nutrient-robbing, water-hoarding, sun-hogging weeds! We were giving these plants their light and their life! We were encouraging the growth of some 15,000 alliums for the culinary benefit of our 130 CSA members and their loved ones, who need this essential for a season's worth of home-cooked nourishment! Suddenly, it was time for lunch.
The day went speedily, with an extensive tour of the farm in the afternoon. As we walked the perimeter of the farmstead, Alan described to us not only the agricultural, but also the historical, archaeological, and the ecological aspects of the land. One of the things that drew me to work for Alan this summer is his and his wife Jo's deep respect for the land and its creatures. They do so much to honor their environment and a sense of place, going way beyond the dictates of organic farming and tight purse-strings. Multiple layers of water conservation, erosion control and protection of surrounding waterways; habitat development and the encouragement of a diversity of animal life on the farm; the protection of meaningful historical structures throughout the fields such as stunning field stone cairns and Native American grinding stones --- all these details are given as much care and attention as the growing of quality vegetables and woven seamlessly into the aesthetic and the spirit of River Hill. Seamlessly, though not effortlessly, and the time and energy devoted to these aspects is impressive, given the inherent challenge of farming itself. Perhaps most admirable is that this stewardship of the land is not an afterthought, or an optional add-on, or a 'value-added' to the image of the farm, but rather (as it seems to me) the only way Alan and Jo know how to relate to the land that surrounds them, the land for which they've taken responsibility. I now share the responsibility for River Hill Farm, and this brings me joy.
The day went speedily, with an extensive tour of the farm in the afternoon. As we walked the perimeter of the farmstead, Alan described to us not only the agricultural, but also the historical, archaeological, and the ecological aspects of the land. One of the things that drew me to work for Alan this summer is his and his wife Jo's deep respect for the land and its creatures. They do so much to honor their environment and a sense of place, going way beyond the dictates of organic farming and tight purse-strings. Multiple layers of water conservation, erosion control and protection of surrounding waterways; habitat development and the encouragement of a diversity of animal life on the farm; the protection of meaningful historical structures throughout the fields such as stunning field stone cairns and Native American grinding stones --- all these details are given as much care and attention as the growing of quality vegetables and woven seamlessly into the aesthetic and the spirit of River Hill. Seamlessly, though not effortlessly, and the time and energy devoted to these aspects is impressive, given the inherent challenge of farming itself. Perhaps most admirable is that this stewardship of the land is not an afterthought, or an optional add-on, or a 'value-added' to the image of the farm, but rather (as it seems to me) the only way Alan and Jo know how to relate to the land that surrounds them, the land for which they've taken responsibility. I now share the responsibility for River Hill Farm, and this brings me joy.
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