Monday, June 7, 2010

Win, Win


I believe in the win, win. That's where you have your cake and eat it too. This is possible, despite the naysayers you will encounter from time to time. The win, win in principle is a situation where everyone benefits. That's why I believe in the CSA. CSA is an abbreviation for Community Supported Agriculture; this is a farm that is supported by members who purchase a share of the growing season. The farmer, grows comfortably during the season because he/she has been paid already and the members enjoy (in most cases) organic, local fare all season long. I have joined such a farm. To me this is idealism in action, the farm is local, it's in Brampton, it's organic and the produce is harvested the same day I receive it, so it is absolutely fresh, and delicious. The farm stays small, so it doesn't become an agribusiness, but there is still room for growth. The members of the farm become a community unto themselves, and as a member there is the opportunity to volunteer on the farm to witness how the food is grown, and contribute your own labour.

There is something about this endeavour that fills me with pride," it's a pocket of resistance" (to quote John Berger) in a world of agribusiness, and GMO's (genetically modified organisms). It's a way to know what you are eating and do some good all at the same time. I am so fortunate to work in a healing centre where we created this CSA, to learn more about this, please see here: www.thecuttingveg.com/documents/Park_Road_Info_Package.pdf

(for some reason I can't get the hyperlink to work, so you will have to cut and paste,sorry)

In this photo, I have green onions, green garlic and radishes. I will be updating you with lovely plates of food I make with produce received throughout the growing season.

Notes from the garden: The garden at Mi Casa, is moving slowly, I've been very, very busy and when I put aside a day to do some plantings the temperature drops to 10 Celsius and it pours rain. I will be posting very soon about some new plant friends.

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

My number 2...oh who am I kidding, The Boss.


Just a brief post to introduce you to Harvey, the CEO at the High-rise potager. He's not acclimatized to the balcony but keeps me plenty of company by meowing through the screen. His likes are fetching, snuggling and holding hands. Which he actually does. He has lovely gigantic paws which he will put on top of my hand and will then curl his toes so you can't release your hand, it's devastatingly cute. He is a very unique cat, funny and loving. He's a rescue cat and I recommend anyone who is looking for a cat go to a local shelter and find a friend. Ok..I know this blog is about gardening, but he's a character in the story, and the boss, especially when it's dinner time.