Growing Pains - Where’s the Lemonade? : )

It is quite a task I happily ran to tackle in the Winter of 2023.

After an almost 59 hour drive, from the NE Kingdom of New England I stopped at the end of the drive. I hopped out & drew a starting line across the driveway here at Heartland Acres Conservation Farm, with my foot, before we rolled across.

With a deep breath, I said: it doesn’t matter how tired you are, or what has already come, American Up, that IS the starting line (because no one truly knows, what it will take to turn the dirt back into local food production), you just can’t quit. And I meant it.

And then we rolled down the driveway.

It has been a wild ride, & I cannot thank the communities I get to grow in enough for their support.

I also cannot tell you how nervous I was at Canby Farmers Market #1 last July, & of course - the rightfully most respected Master Gardener I have ever met was inquiry #1.

The growth I have managed to achieve so far, motivates me for the future orchards, that I have to work towards every day, even though the summer of 2028 will be the first time we all get to eat the Fruits of Our Labor ( & probably nuts!) produce.

When the ground isn’t frozen, its go, go, go. Momma Nature runs the schedule, and every minute counts.

Honoring the opportunity to be a part of agriculture means: you have to grow for it.

And, in a turn I did not expect: my efforts to offer more from Oscar Truck Curbside selling, quick setup, & future veggies and fruits coming, I need to raise my availability & somehow fit more in the truck.

So… Kristin’s Flowers & is sadly stepping back from official participation in the Canby Farmers Market - BUT - don’t worry I’ll be at the Park, earlier in the day, thru the Market bell & close, until about 6:30 (unless folks are still popping by).

I will be taking a break at 4pm to grab my goodies from the other farmers, jammers, growers, bakers & makers at the start of Canby Farmers Market.

It allows me to offer more to the community, for more hours, as the farm needs me to do.

And realistically - I might be hauling a trailer with next season 🫣 if I work hard enough this fall.

I hope my change in hours provides more opportunity for all of us, & we’ll see how it goes.

This week for town I’m working on potting up some spring bloomers, seed mixes, might have a little produce.

& you all know - if you see me, flag up or not, if the engines not running - of course stop.

I really did used to be shy, 😂😂 but when you love outside & growing, always time to chat.

Thank you for your support.

Hope to see you in the sunshine,

Kristin

Now… I have to go see a totem pole tree, about a sweet pea… Its earlier in the season, then the one I planted in Vermont, and it’s one of my babies, MN Grown, that I’m planting. 💙

How far will it get before frost?

Can’t wait to find out.