Tangled masses of roots hold tight to the ground, fighting our efforts to remove them. I knew mint was a vigorous plant and I am still impressed. The whole family is taking part in lifting perennial herbs from the U-Pick garden this morning. The soil is perfectly moist, and the temps are cool.
These plants were started from seed last year in our nursery, grown for the season, harvested from, and now their time has come. U-Pick herbs were not as popular as we expected. Instead of throwing away the plant material, much of the mint, thyme, oregano, and sage will find itself in gallon pots for our Mother’s Day Plant Sale.
Small scale agriculture is a big ask for the customer. I ask you to shop somewhere that doesn’t have every convenience or household item, plus a lacking tropical fruit section. I ask our CSA members to take time out of their busy schedules to come to the farm stand or farmers market. We ask this, and offer more.
Imagine coming home from a busy day, maybe your kids are having a hard time in their car seats. Ah! I have to get groceries! Just one more stop guys. You pull into the farm stand parking lot and step out to the quiet of a farm. Gravel crunches under your feet and you and the little ones walk towards the shop.
A farm worker is there to welcome your family. They start talking about how this broccoli was harvested hours ago, or admire a variety of tomato you have never seen before. As you gather the groceries a pair of snips catch your eye. A U-Pick flower garden awaits, ready to offer your family time amongst the rainbow of color. Bees hum peacefully through the patch as you cut your family a bouquet to complete dinner. Maybe, hopefully, your kids dig up some dirt and find a worm.
Convenience has been sold to us as the best way to live. Through not having “to do” you are told that you are saving time for other hobbies. This is true, but what if true satisfaction comes from the lack of convenience.
My goal this year is to satisfy not only your physical needs of food, but provide sanctuary. A place where you can connect to yourself, your community, and the Earth. This is Folks Farm, it is for you. Made flexible with frequent open hours and a CSA card that can be used throughout the week.
Packing up the car I hope you feel a little calmer. I hope the kids have gotten some of their wiggles out. A bouquet full of color rides in the cupholder, fragrant and full of life. A busy day is winding down.
Business is supposed to be a win/win situation between seller and buyer. While we cannot compete with the prices at the grocery store. We can offer you more. The quality we stock on our shelves is incomparable to that of the average grocer, giving you and yours better nutrition throughout the growing season.
We are continuing to grow the diversity of products we offer, making the farm stand more of a one stop shop. Bread delivered throughout the week, dairy, fresh Colorado fruit, honey, kimchi, and eggs all sourced from our friends raised with the highest standards in the region accompany the shelves so you can access a complete diet.
Plant starts of vegetables, herbs, perennials, and flowers are included in the CSA Share giving your garden organically grown plants to be with you all season long (in fact I think an avid gardener could do really well just using our CSA for plants). The U-pick flower garden is the cherry on top and something we are excited to offer you this year.
Being a CSA member requires some flexibility. We are a small business working hard to satisfy your needs but sometimes things do not work out as planned, hence the herb garden. We are so grateful and appreciative for those who have stuck with us over the past 5 seasons, through thick and thin, abundance and scarcity. I hope you know who you are, thank you!
We ask a lot, but maybe the time has come when a lot needs to be asked. Why sacrifice life for convenience when it has possibly led to more problems?
Farm News
Ready to show your mother a good time? The opening day plant sale is set to be our best yet. Not only have we increased our plant start offerings but we are partnering with heros in local business to help get your garden started! The event will be on Folks Farm rain or shine.
We have decided to open the CSA a few days early. CSA members will be able to pick up their cards and start using them Saturday the 11th at 10am!
The Farm Stand will be stocked with seasonal produce and other goodies. If you are interested in collaborating by setting up a booth please reach out.
Current Vendor List:
Hoka Hey Kitchens- Delicious eats
Fox Den- Locally Roasted Coffee
Mineral Roots Farm- Medicinal herb starts
Lehi Ranch- Grassfed Beef
Owl Canyon Farm- Worm Castings
Compost Queen- Residential and Commercial compost
Rey Artelier- Locally crafted body care
Northern Colorado Foodshed- Donation based soil mix
Other upcoming events include Earth Day at Civic Center Park on April 20th from 11-5pm. Folks Farm will be there offering perennial flowers, native plants, maybe some veggies and vegetable starts too. Come celebrate with 70 other vendors, speakers, and live music.