Farm Friends

Yesterday was the end of my third work week at R-evolution Gardens. It is still feeling like I just got here but I only have one more month left! So its probably about time I introduced everyone.

In comparison to the farming I'd experienced up to now, R-evolution Gardens has been like the 5 star hotel of experiences. That isn't to say that we don't work and we're pampered all day but more so in that    the structure of the day is top-notch. On my first morning, we stripped and cleared a greenhouse, fully planted it, and set up an outside garden station for planting bins and tools. And that was just the morning. I had never experienced a farming task that moved along so smoothly. Then again, I have never worked with a solid group of people on a farm before.

Simple math. six pairs of dedicated hands are better than one. Or one and a bunch of amputated hands.

So lets meet the team:

Ginger: 

The ring-leader. Originally from Detroit, Ginger had never done any farming until she started up this 5-year old project. Like any highly driven farmer woman I've met, she has big dreams. Already doing anything and everything off-grid related and operating as a hostess for frequent guest stays, her long term goal is to have an incubation sort of program on her larger "downstairs" property. In all of the hustle, she is one of the most grounded farmers a farmer can be. She knows exactly what she wants done on the farm and how. If you're doing it wrong, she is calm, and pointed and always has an informative explanation for her response. Every morning, she reminds us with a mantra of "the moment" and that we are not our thoughts. But she does present a daily "check list." and we always get through it. 

After work the other night, I was able to go down to the beach and see Ginger practice with her drumming group. She's pretty rad at that also.

Brian: 

(awaiting photo)  

Brian was Ginger's original "business partner" in getting and building the property. His operation is separate from the farm although he loves to bribe wwoofers into extra side work with his projects. He teaches boat making in the downstairs barn and built most of the buildings upstairs, including the house that guests stay at. He is always pumped up about everything, especially food and work. And from what I've learned, he has mad passion for Huckleberry pie. 

Brigham: 

(awaiting photo) 

Ginger's partner, Brigham is also beginning his own enterprise on the farm in working with herbs. He is cultivating a lot of the upper garden space and has a crazy-big Calendula plot in the downstairs field. He's big on skateboarding and has a beautiful Aussie named Rosco. So in lieu of not having a Brigham picture, meet Rosco! 

Leslie: 

Leslie is the primary resident Jukebox. She has a beautiful voice and quite a bit of a mind-DJ. She is studying Wildlife Conservation down at a school in Arizona.

At the Farmer's Market. Andrew is next to her...but I'll get a better picture of him...

Nobody's gonna harass that. #buttarmor

Andrew: 

Here's a better picture. This has been Andrew's first farming experience and he's dove into it more easily than anyone I've met. In fact, he is all-around very easy-going. He is also in the middle of a big transition, moving from acting school in Ohio to a school in Montreal for Sociology. Everything is always beautiful to him, which is really refreshing to be around, and a good reminder at times. Last weekend, he and I went on a small walk out to this overlook and then back to my friend's house for Dinner so I've been able to have the most conversation with him.

Sean: 

Sean (right) gettin into Carrot weeds

Sean has been Ginger's full-season intern this year. The week I got here was the week of the Country Fair so Ginger checked out and put him in charge as a trial run for when she would be away at her booth down there. He is completely immersed in the world of growing food and has joked numerous times that he would work endlessly if he wasn't cut off at the end of our work day. He's made a very respectable leader on the field and keeps us fed every day with grain and veggie-smoosh lunches. 

Nate: 

Nate has been on the farm almost as long as Sean and knows a zillion and one rap songs by heart, some of which he's never even listened to. He studied Math before he realized that farming made him a much happier person. 

Nate in the greenhouse washin' turnips for our CSA packs.


 

And that's the team!