The Newton Farmer
May 2021
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While April brought a few freezing, snowy, wind-whipped days, we were also lucky to witness stunning sunsets along with a beautiful full Pink Moon. I always try to remember to say good-bye and thank you to the Farm when I leave at the end of the day, and in those few moments I have been amazed by beautiful orange-pink-purple sunsets, dark, billowing thunderclouds, and the beautiful display of light on the clouds and the green and brown earth. There is so much beauty here to share.
We are excited to announce that we are planning to reopen the Farm to the public on June 1, and we will have terrific educational classes and programs available. Sign up for Summer Farm Fun in the Sun outdoor classes for kids in July and August. Weekly sessions are available in either the mornings or afternoons. We're also planning adult in-person workshops on a range of topics including how to make pickles and what to consider if you're thinking of raising backyard chickens. More details coming soon. There will be restrictions in place to keep everyone as healthy and safe as possible. We can't wait to see you!
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With gratitude,
Sue Bottino
Executive Director
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Register for Summer Farm Classes for Kids |
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SUMMER 2021 Farm Fun in the Sun
Outdoor Classes for Kids
We are thrilled to announce our Farm Fun in the Sun outdoor classes for kids this summer. Sign up by the week for a unique experience at the Farm in our nature-based, small group classes. This hands-on program is held outside in and around our Learning Garden where kids explore topics including farming, plants, food, chickens, insects, and sustainability with two experienced educators. Each week has a different farming-based educational theme.
Classes run weekly July 12–August 27, and there are morning (9:30–11:30 a.m.) and afternoon (1:30–3:30 p.m.) sessions available based on age. If you have multiple kids who you would like to have attend at the same time but they are in different age groups, contact us and we will try to accommodate your request. Classes cost $200 per weekly session, and financial aid is available for those who qualify. Classes are held outside, rain or shine. (We have tent canopies!) Kids should come prepared to get dirty, have fun outside, and learn something new! For all the details, visit our website. Preregistration is required.
We hope you will join us. It’s going to be a great summer here at the Farm!
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Online Seedling (and Soil) Sale Ends May 5 |
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Time is running out to order from our online Seedling (and Soil) Sale. Thank you for all of your orders so far! We restocked the store with more of your favorites so go online now for last-minute orders before the sale ends on May 5.
When you place your order, you will receive an email confirmation with a link to sign up for a pickup slot in mid-May. If you are placing your first seedling order this year, you'll need to go to the link to schedule your pickup date and time. If this is your second (or third!) order, there's no need to schedule an additional pickup time.
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Don't forget to order your Vermont Compost Company soil and soil amendments, too.
Soil:
Fort Vee Potting Soil (60 qt) - Compost-based germination and growing mix, suited for transplanting vegetable and flower seedlings.
Perennial Blend (40 qt) - For growing in large pots, containers, and raised beds. Suited for woody plants, shrubs, herbs, perennials, and the mulching of vegetable and flower beds.
Soil Amendments:
Compost Plus (20 qt) - Supplement of minerals and organic matter designed to rejuvenate "tired" soil in containers or garden beds. lt's also a transplant and houseplant booster.
Manure Compost (20 qt) - Supplement of bovine, equine, and avian manures, hardwood bark, hay, silage, animal bedding, food residuals, and sphagnum peat moss to promote bacterial and fungal activity.
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We Need Your Help!
The Seedling Sale is not possible without dozens of dedicated volunteers. We are looking for individuals who are able to pack seedling orders, verify orders, put orders at the curb, and assist with curbside pickup by customers. If you are able to work a shift (8 a.m.–12 or 1–6 p.m.) on May 14–17, please sign up here. We are grateful for your help.
For gardening or beekeeping questions, please e-mail jay@newtoncommunityfarm.org and we will have one of our volunteer local experts assist you!
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Thank You to Our 2021 Seedling Sale Sponsors! |
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Free Online Speaker Series |
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Join us for our informative, live, online programs, which are free and open to all.
Preregistration for each session is required to receive the Zoom access link.
Past program recordings are available on our website.
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Eat Your Yard: A Guide to Edible Landscaping
Wednesday, May 19, 6–7 p.m., online program
Unleash the potential of your yard by transforming it into a beautiful, vibrant area that offers a bountiful feast. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced gardener living in a city or the suburbs, edible-landscaping expert Crystal Stevens will give you ideas on how to make use of your space with a colorful and abundant array of plants.
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Healthy Cooking and Nutrition |
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Check out our latest healthy cooking and nutrition show about getting your garden ready on our YouTube channel on Wednesday, May 5, at 1 p.m. You'll also find our previous programs on gardening, cooking, and story time. And you can view our shows on NewTV. An archive of our newsletters on gardening and cooking is available on our website.
To sign up for our brief newsletter focused on gardening and cooking tips, recipes, and information, contact jay@newtoncommunityfarm.org.
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Community Organization Spotlight: Newton Conservators |
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Newton Conservators is a “a nonprofit citizens’ group advocating for Newton’s open spaces.” Established in 1961 as a membership organization, the Conservators has preserved more than 350 acres of open space and created several major public parks. Additionally, the organization enabled public education programs and advocated for the 2001 enactment in Newton of the Massachusetts Community Preservation Act. This legislation allows communities to establish a local Preservation Fund to provide for affordable housing, historic resources, open spaces, and recreation land. Newton levies a 1% surcharge on property taxes that is matched annually from the statewide Community Preservation Trust Fund. Of particular importance to our Farm community, in 2004 when the historic Angino Farm was for sale, Newton Conservators successfully proposed that the city use Community Preservation funds to purchase the property. After completing the transaction, the city signed a license agreement with Newton Community Farm, Inc. in 2006. NCF's connection to Newton Conservators continues as the organization holds a conservation restriction on the Farm, meaning legally-enforceable control to prevent any development of the land beyond its current use. You can read more about the city’s purchase of the Angino Farm here. |
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Newton Conservators' website offers trail maps to open spaces (including Dolan Pond, pictured here, courtesy of Newton Conservators) as well as information on upcoming events. And more good news–the Pony Truss Trail, which is opposite Riverside Park and part of the future Riverside Greenway, recently opened. Watch for the announcement of a date for an official ribbon-cutting on their website.
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A Book Is Like a Garden... |
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...carried in the pocket. ~ Chinese proverb
Let's learn more about each other and discover new reads through book recommendations around our common interests in farming, gardening, the environment, food, and good health. Send your book recommendations and a note to describe yourself to sue@newtoncommunityfarm.org.
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All We Can Save, edited by Ayana Elizabeth Johnson and Katharine K. Wilkinson
All We Can Save is a compelling group of essays and poems written by women with the overarching theme of climate change and what we can do to make a difference. The writings are grouped under eight sections titled: Root, Advocate, Reframe, Reshape, Persist, Feel, Nourish, and Rise. Within these chapters there are facts, stories, inspiration, and hope for our future and our planet. I read it cover to cover, but you can easily pick it up and read essays or poems about particular climate topics that interest you. I have favorite essays and poems that I have already returned to as a reminder of all we can do. This poem made me smile and feel optimistic!
"Mornings at Blackwater" by Mary Oliver
For years, every morning, I drank
from Blackwater Pond.
It was flavored with oak leaves and also, no doubt,
the feet of ducks.
And always it assuaged me
from the dry bowl of the very far past.
What I want to say is
that the past is the past,
and the present is what your life is,
and you are capable
of choosing what that will be,
darling citizen.
So come to the pond,
or the river of your imagination,
or the harbor of your longing,
and put your lips to the world.
And live
your life.
Book review by Laura Bishop, an NCF board member and electric-car driver.
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NCF is going to be on a podcast! "Supergood with Mary Cotton" is a program Mary created to feature All Things Books. Mary and her husband are the owners of Newtonville Books. In the May 4 episode, Mary will give her recommendations for gardening books and she and NCF Executive Director Sue Bottino will discuss the Farm and NCF's gardening-related programs. Listen in at https://supergood-with-mary-cotton.simplecast.com. |
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Newton Community Farm is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, EIN #20-2482452. If you would prefer to donate by mail, please send a check payable to Newton Community Farm at the address below. Don't forget to ask your employer if matching funds are available. |
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NEWTON COMMUNITY FARM
303 Nahanton Street
Newton, MA 02459
617-916-9655
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