For the love of Agriculture

Well, it is Spring yet again and like many, I am loving it and getting down into the dirt already. We all know that in our area Mothers Day signifies the ‘safety date’ with most gardeners, the point where it’s safe to plant again because there are no more worries about frost. What better weekend to do that then Mothers day?  Celebrate by planting something in good-old Mother Earth.  

When I think of Mother’s Day I think of babies and new life. This Spring brings the rebirth of agriculture in a field that was farmed many years back.  Through the hard work of many people, a Community Garden has been built at Wheaton Farm.  Some have asked what is so good about community gardens? They create opportunities for recreation, exercise, therapy, and education. They also provide a catalyst for neighborhood and community development and the ability for people to grow their own food.  The list goes on. But let’s step back and look at what it will do for South Easton. Located at one of the largest conservation areas in Easton, where you can go from a meadow with blue birds chirping, to a walk along a trail of mammoth White Pines and see a white tail deer.  Wheaton Farm has the potential of being a diamond in the rough, with tending and care, fertile land that almost seemed forgotten is the perfect spot for the gardens. Far on the opposite side of town from the members-only NRT Community Gardens the Wheaton Farm Gardens will be open to all Easton Residents.  And they will not only help get people in the dirt but out on to beautiful trails that run throughout the 1,034 acre property.  As the land provides food the new garden provides an avenue for new friends as well.  Although I am not a renter at the garden I hope to continue to work with those who rent to do mini farm-to-table dinners, fall seed saving, and spring seedling swaps.  I look at this as a place that one can come and learn about gardening with others, share what works best, like which tomato has the best taste and know the satisfaction of nurturing a seedling to a healthy plant.  It is truly endless what can happen with this site now that we have given it an anchor and polished the long lost diamond of South Easton.

I wish to invite all that love to garden, love our town and love Wheaton Farm Conservation Area to come out on Saturday, May 11, 2013 at 9:30am to the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. We will honor the history of the land and everyone who has worked to make this project happen.