the farm project - a biodynamic organism

We are approaching the end of December which also marks the end of the year. 

But this "end time" is also a beginning for us—starting our Winter Garden.

In the third year of our farm project this is the first time 

we have planted a Winter Garden, so this has not been an idle month for us.  

As you've seen, we cleared the summer beds and 

followed the garden as it made its natural transition from Fall to Winter.

at peak of summer

last of the squash this Fall heralding the end of harvest

frosty mornings mean winter is here

The soil in the lower quadrant beds needed to be amended 

with nitrogen and oyster shell lime for calcium and pH adjustment. 

The lime bolsters the soil's water solubility. 

John working the beds before amending soil 

John (center) confers with Matt and Ray from Local Landscapers

Oystershell lime promotes healthy root growth,and improves soil compaction. 

This is all part of our commitment to farming a Demeter certified biodynamic farm.  

Biodynamic agriculture is a method of organic farming that 
emphasizes the holistic development and interrelationships of the 
soil, plants and animals as a self-sustaining system.  
This is the highest level of organic farming and your approach to farming this way 

goes further than just refraining from the use of pesticides.

 

"Biodynamic farming is a type of organic farming that 
incorporates an understanding of 'dynamic' forces in nature 
not yet fully understood by science. 

By working creatively with these subtle energies, 
farmers are able to significantly enhance 
the health of their farms and the quality and flavor of food."
 

Chef Uriel from ESTATE works the farm 

This is an especially good fit for our farm project and resonates with us

as we all work together to grow the food we will offer at the restaurants.

 

To have a successful biodyanmic garden 

 a great deal of care and individual hard work 
is required to maintain that delicate balance. 

John, the restaurant Chefs, Matt and Ray from Local Landscapers 

and Jaimie and Rafael spent 

much of December working the land by hand.  

Our farm is part of Imagery Estate Winery's commitment 

to having their land Demeter certified.

This organization is the world's only certifier of biodynamic agriculture practices, 

so we take seriously what we need to do for our part in the process.

 

Did you know that Demeter is the god of grains and fertility?

I like to think that he is working right alongside us as things grow.

I know that the birds and animals that co-exist 

with our plantings at the farm do their part.

 

And this majestic egret visits often to check on our progress.

Like you, he is following along as we plan and plant at the farm.

So we begin a new year with a new garden project 

and look ahead to what it will yield.

For us, at the fig farm project, 

winter is not a dormant time at all.

We want to hear your comments and questions here 

and look forward to sharing the fruits of our labors 

from the farm with you at our restaurants.