Back to the beginning

Our recent talk about transitioning from one season to the next 

reminds us that the farm, like everything involving growth 

(perhaps most especially ourselves) is a continually evolving process. 

And to best appreciate that, it is a good thing to stop every once and awhile 

to consider our beginnings.  

beds behind the girl & the fig restaurant--our first garden

Going back to where you began a project 

gives you perspective on where you are now, 

helps you stay on track and remember or refine your goals. 

So, as John wraps up this season and looks ahead to next, 

it was just the right time to return to the beds 

behind the girl & the fig with his farm "guru" Colby Eierman.  

We know these beds are great for growing chard, 

which is still flourishing even in November.

Now that our farm project has grown beyond these beds, 

we are are able to expand our vision-this is no longer our only resource for farming. 

This year John discovered that raspberries did really well 

here so we will transplant from the farm in Glen Ellen 

to the beds behind the girl & the fig 

and look forward to raspberry desserts next summer.

Colby's advice is to use your observations 

about the plants to really "learn your farm." 

Notice what was strong where and you can repeat that.  

 And then for things that did not do so well 

in a particular spot, maybe you go lighter next year or try something else.  

Remember the continually evolving idea...

the farm is growing even when we can't see it happening. 

What will we grow in this spot next year?