Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Customer Testimonials
It's great when someone says nice things about you. It always is. Here's what some of our customers have said about us.
"The season was a total success for us......excellent quality, quantity and variety. The weekly trips to the farm are also a bonus.............it's a little oasis. The CSA has definitely broadened our vegetable experience and helped make us healthier consumers. Thank you!"
"We treasure our participation in an endeavor so obviously a labor of love: love of the earth and for all her people. We speak to friends of Red Wiggler as our farm (easily said by those who don't sweat or freeze in the fields!) because we feel such a part of the enterprise. We don't see ourselves as customers exchanging cash for product. We don't care if we are receiving maximum value in the trade of money for produce. Much of the value comes from supporting good people doing good work. Well, that, and also opening up a jar of our Wiggler Red Sauce or Salsa on a winter night and tasting the warmth of the summer past and the promise of the summer to come."
"I look forward to coming to Red Wiggler every week! I love to pick the fresh flowers and herbs--it is such a quiet and beautiful farm. Having the variety of produce in the shares has caused me to grow in how I cook and the menus that I plan. We eat much less processed and "fast food" because I plan our meals around the food in our shares, and we don't need that type of food anymore. We also eat more "lower on the food-chain foods" because veggies and fruits are such a large part of the meals. I think it is important for my children to be connected to how their food is grown, and I think it is important for them to learn how important it is to care for the earth. We discuss how organic methods are good for the earth, the animals and insects and of course our bodies. I also like the opportunity to participate in providing meaningful work for developmentally disabled adults and share that message with my kids, as well. I hope that as my children get older, they will want to volunteer and share in this important work. This is the first year I participated in the extended share and I am very glad that I did. My family is sad that we won't have the fresh "farm-food" for the next few months!"
"Participating in the Red Wiggler CSA has reinforced for me the conviction that agriculture can be a viable part of our local economy, even in a growing and highly developed area like Montgomery County; has reassured me that there are many people in the area who care about agriculture and healthy food; has encouraged me to cook and eat seasonally, and seek out new ways to prepare the produce we receive; and has led me to look into movements related to the CSA movement such as Slow Food and local economies."
Wow! Thanks!
-red wiggler
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Red Wiggler CSA shares open to the public!
We're excited to post that roughly 30 shares in our 2009 CSA season are open to the public!
We've had a return rate close to 75% from our 2008 customers and thus have about 30 shares to open to the general public for the 2009 season. This year in hopes of fairness, we are holding a lottery the week of January 19th with all submitted applications and $50 checks. If you are interested please read our CSA page and then follow this link to download the 2009 Registration form.
Please read the entire document. We hope to hear from you!
-Red Wiggler
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Winter Arrives at Red Wiggler
Cheers- Woody Woodroof, Director
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Last of the Last--Extended Week #5
Here's what we've rounded up this week:
Garlic-take it away!
Turnips
Carrots
Radishes
Kale/Collards/Chard
Bagged greens of some sort
dill
Thanks for all your support!
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Extended Season Harvest #4
Hello!
We had the day off yesterday to observe Veteran's Day, so all the harvesting was done this morning making your veggies extra fresh this afternoon.
It's hard to imagine that we've got just one more week left of extended season! At times, it's gone by so fast and yet, I'm truly ready for a good bout of time off.
Harvest:
Braising Mix
Arugula
Hakurei Turnips (white ones)
Scarlet &/or Purple Top Turnips
Radishes
Kale or Collards
The last of the PEPPERS
Hot Peppers
Baby Head Lettuce or Kohlrabi
Winter Squash or a Baby Bear Pie Pumpkin
Garlic--3 heads!!
-adrienne
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
Extended Harvest #3 2008
Arugula
Braising Mix
Kale/Collards/Chard
Turnips
Radishes
Peppers
Eggplants
Hot Peppers
Kohlrabi &/or bok choy
Winter squash or pie pumkin
-adrienne
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Extended Week #2
It's been an extremely cold last couple of days for us here at the farm. So bear with us as most of the vegetables have NOT been washed, because it seems cruel to ask people to get their hands wet using cold water on a very cold, windy day.
Nonetheless, we have vegetables for you, and they include:
Lettuce Mix
Braising Mix
Kale
Swiss Chard or Collards
Bok Choy
Turnips
Radishes
Peppers
Hot Peppers
Eggplant
Garlic
Optional/Bonus: Tomaotes, Tomatillos, and Apples
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Extended Season 2008 Begins!
Well, the predicted frost finally came Monday morning and destroyed the basil--summer is officially officially over. However, we've got a great selection of parsley, dill and cilantro. Some of the flowers have held up too, but not all.
For veggies we have:
Lettuce Mix
Bok Choy
Swiss Chard
Kale
Turnips
Radishes
Beet Greens with Baby beets
Peppers
Eggplants
Hot Peppers
Pumpkins
Winter Squash
Green Tomatoes
**and perhaps, a few last minute add ons
Enjoy!
-adrienne
Monday, October 06, 2008
Harvest #18--The last one
Please fill up on herbs for the winter. Dry them out and store them in glass jars for later use. The dill and cilantro are back and one should definitely enjoy them. I make a mean cilantro pesto with mine.
This week is a whole heck of a lot of vegetables coming your way. So please come and get 'em.
We hope to see many of you back for next year, so don't forget to recommit!
Here's what we've got:
Pumpkins-oh yes!
Gourds-Non edible
Winter Squash
Garlic
Eggplants
Sweet Peppers
Hot Peppers
Radishes
Turnips (& Turnip Greens)
Pac Choi
Baby Collards/Kale/Chard
Lettuce Mix
Arugula
Baby Beets and Beet Greens
Green Tomatoes
Red Tomatoes
Heirloom Tomatoes
** Some apples from a neighbor's yard, they'd be great for baking
Bonus: Okra or Tomatillos
*Cherry Tomatoes as a PYO item, the rows just above the flowers
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
A (September) day in the life of a volunteer….
The air was fresher and cleaner, following the rains of the weekend, and it was thankfully cooler for this UK native to be working in the fields.
I never cease to be moved and thrilled by the happy and expectant atmosphere that I have come to know since working as a volunteer with the staff and growing team at Red Wiggler. Yesterday was no exception.
Perhaps it was because of the glorious colors of the produce we were about to pile in the wagon; yellow, gold, orange, green. Perhaps it was the energy that comes from being outside, communing with nature, and being amongst friends or maybe just the heralding of Fall and the knowledge that a busy summer growing season was finally coming to an end……whatever it was, it was an immensely satisfying and happy day for us all!!
Sue Skeith September 29th 2008
(see photo in previous posting)
Monday, September 29, 2008
Harvest #17-A
ALSO, sooner than you know it, a frost will come and destroy all the basil, NOW is the time to get your basil and make that last batch of pesto. It stores great in the freezer or in an ice cube tray for later use.
**Cilantro and Dill are back!!
Here's what we have this week:
Radishes
Turnips
Baby Collards or Baby Kale
Pac Choi
Arugula
Sweet Peppers
Hot Peppers
Garlic
Eggplant
Winter Squash
Red Tomatoes
Heirloom Tomatoes
** and perhaps as bonus: okra, tomatillos, cherry tomatoes, beets
Monday, September 22, 2008
Harvest #16-B and notes
We have 3 more weeks of the CSA season. This week we have a great abundance, which includes:
Beets
Radishes
Baby Collards
Pac Choi
Arugula
Sweet Peppers
Hot Peppers
Eggplant
Cherry Tomatoes
Red Tomatoes
Heirloom Tomatoes
Garlic
*** Maybes: Beans, okra, carrots or Turnips***
-adrienne
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Annual Harvest Supper was a success
Tropical Storm Hannah arrived the morning of Red Wiggler's long-planned annual fund-raising event. Possible disaster was averted with a one-day postponement that allowed us to have a beautiful and successful event. Sept. 7 brought mild weather and a sunny day for the supper under the big tent and a busy auction scene in the barn. Thanks to the resilience of our many friends, donors and sponsors, we raised close to $25,000 to support our programs for people with developmental disabilities, youth, the environment and all our community building activities.
This year's auction featured several firsts: a record of over 150 donations of artwork, crafts, merchandise, personal services and unique experiences; as well as an online "silent" auction process that generated enthusiastic bidding until we went "live" in the barn. We look forward to future years using the online auction to reach out into the community. If you are interested in seeing what items "went for" follow this link to the auction web site
Special thanks to Board member Nancy Everett and Debra Graugnard for their skilled coordination of every aspect of the harvest supper and auction. We gratefully acknowledge Whole Foods Kentlands, which prepared our vegetarian supper with produce from Red Wiggler and skillfully handled the one-day delay. Our thanks to the Engle-Pratt Family Band who regaled us with musical entertainment throughout the evening. There were over 25 volunteers who assisted with various aspects of the event- a hearty thanks to all who gave time to make the event a real success.
Finally- we have just launched our new and improved web site! please have a look- www.redwiggler.org
-Woody
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Week 15-A Harvest
This week is an "A" week, and we're starting to return to our greens and root vegetables. This week your pick up will include the following:
Braising Mix
Swiss Chard
Hakurei Turnips
Beets
Carrots
Sweet and Hot Peppers
Garlic
Red, Heirloom, and Cherry Tomatoes
Beans for Wednesday shareholders
Eggplant for Saturday shareholders
Enjoy!
Michelle
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Week 14-B Harvest
This week we're back at it and will be for another 4 more weeks. This is a B week for all you alternate shares. Here's a glimpse of what we got going:
Summer Squash and/or Cucumbers
Eggplant
Garlic
Sweet Peppers
Hot Peppers
Cherry Tomatoes
Red Tomatoes
Heirloom Tomatoes
Beets
Chard or Arugula--yep, it's back!!
-adrienne
Sunday, September 07, 2008
In the event you can't make it today-
is re-scheduled for today, Sunday September 7th 4pm - 8pm due to Tropical Storm Hannah.
We understand that the change of date means that not everyone can attend. Please let us know if you will not be able to make it on Sunday so we can have an estimate of the number of people who will attend. For those not able to attend on Sunday, refunds are available. Alternatively, if you would like to have the cost of your dinner ticket become a donation for this important fundraising event, we are happy to follow up with a letter thanking you for your tax-deductible contribution to Red Wiggler. The proceeds from this year's dinner will support our programs for people with developmental disabilities, youth and the environment.
We hope that our guests will understand our decision to reschedule and bear with us as we hustle to make Sunday an exceptional day!
- Woody Woodroof, Director
Saturday, September 06, 2008
Event Postponed and Rescheduled for Sunday September 7th, 4-8pm
Due to poor and potentially dangerous conditions resulting from Tropical Storm Hannah
our event is postponed and rescheduled for Tomorrow, Sunday September 7th 4pm - 8pm.
This decision will ensure the safety of our supporters by keeping people off the roads during dangerous driving conditions and reduce the environmental impact of the event (gravel road run off, grassy parking etc.) given our proximity to the wetlands.
We hope that our guests will understand our decision and bear with us as we hustle to make the necessary changes.
- Woody Woodroof, Director This update was posted Saturday September 6th at 9:45am
Friday, September 05, 2008
Harvest Supper Update
Red Wiggler 2008 Annual
Harvest Supper and Silent Auction
September 6th 2008 4pm - 8:00pm
At this time the event is proceeding "rain or shine" as scheduled.
However,
If excessive wind, flooding and power outages occur
we will move the event to Sunday September 7th 4pm - 8pm
This decision will be made by 10:00 am Saturday Sept. 6 We will post here as well as create a phone message on the farm phone- 301-916-2216.
We recognize that this may not be ideal and we ask for your patience as we navigate Tropical Storm Hannah.
If you are a guest- please dress for an event held in a barn and under a tent. Dress is casual. When arriving you can drop passengers at the barn and then park. An umbrella will be very helpful. We are also encouraging guests to car pool if that is at all feasible. Also- please not that we can not process credit cards and ask that you bring a checkbook or cash. Thanks.
Woody Woodroof, Director
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
NO CSA this week--Annual Supper and Silent Auction
There is NO CSA pick up this week! Please DO NOT come to the farm expecting vegetables at your regular time. We are taking the week to celebrate the year and FUN(d)raise.
See you next week. FYI, it's a B-week next week.
Ciao,
adrienne
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Harvest 13-A
Here's what we've got this week:
Summer Squash
Sweet Peppers
Hot Peppers
Garlic
Beans
Carrots
Pears--from a neighbor's yard
Red Tomatoes
Heirloom Tomatoes
Cherry Tomatoes
It is again imperative that everyone knows that there is NO CSA PICK UP NEXT WEEK. Next week is the Annual Supper and Silent Auction. Hope you can attend.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Harvest 12-B
Coming to you this week from the fields are a few more delicious veggies for you to make incredible "local" meals from.
Garlic-2 bulbs
Red Tomatoes
Cherry Tomatoes
Heirloom Tomatoes
Green Beans--Sorry, only a 1/2# each
Eggplant
Hot Peppers
Sweet Peppers
Summer Squash
**There's a lull between cucumber plantings, so none this week or next, but perhaps the following week.
Friday, August 15, 2008
Ovid Hazen Wells Park Origins
They had no children, and this fact led, in 1956, to Ovid Hazen Wells and Hallie Ausmus Wells making a momentous decision which affects us all today.
They clearly loved the State of Maryland, the open landscapes of Montgomery County and the charm of farming life. They both seemed to be visionaries of their time desiring to protect the land that they valued so dearly. In 1956 they made their decision to deed the 290 acres of farmland which they owned to the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission so that it might remain as open space and be used for recreation. In l981, when Hallie officially made the donation, their vision had become reality.
Ovid Hazen Wells was born in Claiborne County, Tennessee in 1894, as was Hallie, in1893. They moved to the District of Columbia in 1918 when they were in their twenties. Ovid worked on the White House Police Force (now known as the Secret Service) and Hallie worked first for War Risk Insurance (a Federal department for WW1 veterans) and later for the IRS.
In 1940, Ovid retired and the Wellses bought 94 acres on Skylark Road in Clarksburg and later they acquired more adjoining land, including a dairy farm, bringing their total acreage to 290. They continued to live in DC but Ovid worked on the farm with the help of farmhands. Hallie described her husband as a ‘handshaker’, one who was prone to bringing people over on Saturdays and Sundays to show off his farm. She once told the Gazette in a l989 interview that “my husband informed me, one day back in 1952, that he planned to move to Cedar Grove and if I didn’t want to come, he would leave me a bed!” She promptly retired and they moved to the farm permanently.
It was on a Spring morning, four years later, when they had their discussion about who should benefit from their good fortune when they were gone. Between them they had more than 20 brothers and sisters and, as Hallie so eloquently put it, “bequeathing it to all those heirs would have meant a nickel piece of it each time lawyers and everybody got their part”. Besides, the Wellses were more than a little concerned that development was intruding ever closer and they wanted to make sure that their piece of open space was left for the community to learn about their agricultural heritage and to have a recreational park for generations to come; not merely development into houses on one-acre lots.
They also wanted it to benefit children.
Later that same year, Ovid sadly died at the age of 62, having been denied his senior years working the land as he had hoped. One wonders if he knew his life was coming to an end and he needed to have a plan for Hallie.
Hallie made the donation of their farm in 1981, despite the fact that the land had appreciated in value to over 1 million dollars. She continued to live there until her death, at the ripe-old age of 98 and she is buried with her husband in the Salem United Methodist Cemetery on Ridge Road.
Because of the generosity and astounding vision that this couple exuded we are still able to work the farm, as Red Wiggler; providing job opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities; growing and selling high quality produce and continuing to expand the Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program which, by its nature, creates and nurtures a healthy and inclusive community.
What a superb legacy Ovid and Hallie have left for this community and, like them, we must continue to protect and preserve the land around us as our responsibility for this generation and generations to come.
by Susan Skeith, Red Wiggler Volunteer 2008
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Harvest 11-A
Eggplant
Sweet Peppers
Hot Peppers
Summer Squash
Cucumbers
Red Tomatoes
Heirloom Tomatoes
Cherry Tomatoes
Garlic
** For those who are interested in MORE tomatoes, we have "seconds" for sale.
Tuesday, August 05, 2008
Harvest 10-B
Here's a what we have for you this week:
Hot Peppers--Stuff those Hungarian Hot Waxes!
Sweet Peppers
Garlic
Summer Squash
Cucumbers
Cherry Tomatoes
Red Tomatoes
Heirloom tomatoes
Beans
* and perhaps a few surprises too!
Enjoy!
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Harvest 9-A
Summer Squash
Cucumbers
Hot Peppers
Sweet Peppers
Garlic
Cherry Tomatoes
Red Tomatoes
Beans
Eggplant
Melons
Monday, July 21, 2008
Farm Tour this week!
See you then.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Harvest 8-B
Beets
Summer Squash (this includes zucchinis)
Cucumbers
Sweet Peppers
Hot Peppers
Beans--they're purple this week
Garlic
**Don't forget to join Liz for scarecrow making party!
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
Harvest 7-A
Beets
Kale or Chard or Collards
Turnips
Spring Onions
Summer Squash
Cucumbers
Potatoes
Butler's Blueberries
Hot Peppers--Hungarian Hot Wax
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
Harvest #6-B
Otherwise:
Beets
Salad Mix or Braising Mix
Spring Onions
Garlic Scapes
Turnips--love 'em up now because you won't be getting anymore for the next 2 months
Kale
Summer Squash
Butler's Blueberries
Kohlrabi
-adrienne
Monday, June 23, 2008
Harvest #5 -A
Kale &/or Chard
Turnips
Radishes
Spring Onions
Garlic Scapes
Salad Mix or Lettuce
Summer Squash-it's starts out slow, but will have plenty for you soon!
Butler's Blueberries
-adrienne
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Harvest #4-B
This is an important note, regarding the down county water main break---We have not, NOT, washed or cleaned any of the vegetables for Wednesday's pick up, because of the possible water contamination issue. Thus, you will be advised to wash them properly at your own homes. The washing/un-washing of vegetables for Saturday's pick up depends largely if the water main is fixed, but please be advised of the possibility of receiving unwashed, i.e., veggies with dirt still on them.
Accordingly, we have harvested more roots this week than normal, because they hold up better being unwashed.
Hakurei Turnips
Purple Top Turnips
Spring Onions
Garlic Scapes
Radishes
Baby Beets
Bunched Kale
Green Garlic
* Possibility of a cut greens, either salad or arugula
* Also please note, above the Adirondack chairs on the way to the PYO is a Mulberry tree with very ripe fruit. PLEASE, PLEASE help yourself.
-adrienne
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Harvest #3-A
Radishes
More Garlic Scapes!!
Spring Onions
Baby Collards or Chard
Spinach
Braising Mix or Arugula
Peas
Butler's Strawberries
Just a reminder that you should enjoy some Cilantro, Dill, Oregano and Thyme from the PYO. I made some amazing cilantro pesto last weekend. Yum! The more you pick you now, the more there will be for later. So enjoy it now!
-adrienne
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
Harvest #2
Garlic Scapes
Spring Onions
Radishes
Baby Kale Bunches
Greens-of some sort
New to the PYO this week: Cilantro, Dill, Yarrow flowers and Gaillardia flowers. Be prepared to grab some Lovage, as I've added a few recipes to the Newsletter.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Harvest #1 2008!!!
Here's the first harvest of the 2008 season. Remember we start slow (small) and work up to an overflowing bounty.
Spring Onions
Baby Turnips or Radishes
Turnip Greens
Butler's Strawberries
Braising Mix or Salad Mix
*Remember options aren't set in stone and are subject to change.
Enjoy!
-adrienne
p.s. IN THE PYO:
Friday, May 16, 2008
Muddy Pepper Planting
We planted peppers today and we were a muddy, muddy mess when we finished, but we finished just in time for lunch.
Monday, May 12, 2008
CSA Orientation Muffin Luck: May 17th 10am
Red Wiggler Community Farm CSA
Welcome the Season!
Join us
Find out what’s happening at Red Wiggler this summer season!
Learn about…
v Composting - at home and for Red Wiggler
v PYO – Pick Y
v Volunteering at the Red Wiggler Community Farm
v Red Wiggler Farm Tour 2008
Meet and Greet the Red Wiggler staff and growers and get to know
your fellow CSA members – we’re an interesting group!
Coffee will be served, and you are invited to bring a dozen of your favorite muffins to share
For more information, contact Adrienne, adrienne@redwiggler.org
or 301-916-2216
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Spring Planting
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Some work around the farm
Next on our list is to put up the new section of our deer fence to keep the deer out of our fields. And then we can go ahead and plant our first peas and onions.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Johnny's Selected Seeds delivers again!
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
Thursday, January 31, 2008
A composting we will go. . .
Many ask what we do during the winter, and yes, we slow down a bit but we stay busy. One of our big tasks this winter is collecting food waste from our local Whole Foods Market to take back to the farm and add to our growing compost pile. By growing our compost pile, we in turn grow our access to natural fertility. When the pile breaks down and is ready for application we will apply it to our fields, and thus add N-P-K and organic material to our soil. In the end, it should help make even more beautiful vegetables!
Here's us with a big load of food waste headed to load up the truck.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Solar House Photos
12/20/07 day after "house moving day"
The steel beams are "greased" with conventional bar soap that Mr. Matiko (Expert House) buys on sale at the Dollar Store. The process was a pure lesson in practical physics.
Mr. Matiko - House Mover
We are especially grateful to Expert House Movers for a dramatically reduced "house move" rate. Thanks to the Matiko family and their workers.
Jay from Parks Development, Rob Murray and Dick Magnani Engineers ensuring a house perfect landing. Thanks to all three of you for your attention to details!
Andrews and Sons Excavators put the road up to the solar house in and built the foundation. They will also be installing the septic systems in January and February. They were on hand for the "house move" to do whatever needed doing. Honestly the entire work day sun up to beyond sundown there was a whole lot of that "hury up and wait" thing that happens when everything needs to be just right. Thanks to these guys for their work.
Hannah Robinson, Rob Murray and Dick Magnani - 05 UMD Solar Team members
Kaye Brubaker (center) from the UMD engineering department and 2005 Solar Team faculty advisory was on hand to watch the house move.
Red Wiggler Project Manager Dave Furman - basement man! 10/07
The house was moved onto the permanent foundation on 12/19/07. Thanks to the Park Inspector (Jay) for invaluable assistance. Thanks again and again to UMD Solar House team members for their continued commitment to the 2005 Solar Decathlon house.
Debra and Woody and the Red Wiggler Community Farm 12/19/07
Thanks to all who have helped bring the 2005 UMD Solar House
to Ovid Hazen Wells Park. posted 01/24/08
2008 CSA Sold Out
There were 10 cars lined up in from of the driveway when we arrived at 9am on opening day for new CSA customers- and we were sold out by noon.
Thanks to our 2008 CSA members and thanks to all who were unable to secure a "share" with Red Wiggler for the upcoming growing season. For info on other CSA's in our area we suggest www.localharvest.org
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Eagle Sighting !
Monday, January 14, 2008
2008 CSA options
-adrienne