Still Picking, Still Planting: Music & Memories
Hi friends,
I posted a video on facebook this week that featured a snippet of the song “The Gambler” by Kenny Rogers, a song seared into my brain by my dad. I can still picture him dancing to his favorite country tunes, especially “Elvira” by The Oak Ridge Boys. My dad gave me a lot of things. Love of music, carpentry skills, a work ethic, anger issues, confidence. I don’t think I was a very nice son when I was young, but that didn’t matter. My dad would still bend over backwards to help me with whatever. And the cycle goes on. I have a son who loves music, has an incredible work ethic and sometimes isn’t very nice to me. I love him no matter and would do anything for him. Father’s Day is June 15th.
Blackberries growing
There’s a lot going on at the farm. And in my head. I’m not a very good multitasker. Strawberries have been and still are front and center here at Heeks Farm. We still have berries, flowers and ripening fruit. It’s kind of blowing my mind, but it’s true. Blackberries are coming soon. Every day I can walk down and find a few, a half a quart, a quart. I’m researching mustard seed to use as a cover crop on next year’s strawberry patch. When you chop the mature mustard crop into the soil before planting strawberries it acts as a biofumigant, suppressing nematodes, fungi, and even weeds. I’m watching lots of elderberry harvesting and processing videos. I’m trying to get my kitchen certified at the barn, registering it as a food facility with the FDA, testing the well water, and WAITING for responses to my emails. And waiting.
Robyn in front of the sunflowers
And I planted sunflowers! This was actually always in the plan. I did a test plot a few years ago at the corner of Hall Road and Bahama Road. It was stunning. I think they’ll be ready in September. They’ll make a great photo opportunity=
I do not know how much longer we will have strawberries. We have them now. We’ll have them this weekend. You should come to the farm for one last pick before they are gone. We are open 9am-6pm on Friday and Saturday. And generally every day from 9am-6pm (most Sundays we are not open). Call 919-627-2946 to confirm picking hours and conditions before you come.
Your Farmer,
David
P.S. Martha (who does all our marketing and pulls rotten berries) will be at the farm this Saturday, and she’s an amazing photographer. If you’re looking for a special something for dad for Father’s Day, maybe a photograph of kids picking strawberries at the farm is it. If this is something you’d be interested in email Martha.