Farm Fresh News - July 2016

Hi Friends,

It is an incredible year for blackberries, both the wild and cultivated in the garden. It has also showed me what a difference more sun can make.

If you are looking for a way to peek inside The Farm over the course of a morning and afternoon, The Farm Market under the Dome is the perfect opportunity. The next one is Saturday, July 16. 
 
I have had a few cancellations for my  July 13-17,  Summer Retreat, which means there is room for more!
 
People travel from all corners of the country to experience the peace and serenity of The Farm, and this is the one of the best ways to really get a feel for what our way of life is all about. 
 
Come one, come all, single/solo people, couples with or without kids, this event is family friendly, witg something for everyone. 
 
I look forward to meeting you!
 
Peace,
Douglas


Cooling off at the swiming hole.
 
Join us for the upcoming Summer Retreat!
 
REGISTER TODAY! I hope to see you there.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Summer Retreat July 13-17, 2016 – Register Now!

 
Come celebrate the last days of summer before school starts in the little piece of paradise we call home.
 
The Farm is a great place to enjoy life.
 
There is so much to take in, from the beauty of nature to the myriad of dynamic social activities going on all the time.
 
Get in on some maximum fun, Farm style!

The Summer Retreat is designed to give families a way to truly savor the Farm experience, with more time to relax, to build connections, to focus some quality time.
 
We’ll spend the week swimming, hiking, listening to and playing music, enjoying really great food and each other’s company.
 
I’ve designed the week to give you maximum rest and relaxation, with a full complement of adult and kid activities – something for everyone.
blueberries
 
It's blueberry pickin' time in Tennessee!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Blackberries
We've been picking close to a gallon of blackberries every other day for the last week and we have a lot more to go!


Some early raspberries are coming in as well.
 
Two years ago I transplanted about a half a dozen plant from the garden by my home out to the community garden where they could be in full sun. What a difference that has made!

After many years of puny plants and minimal harvest, the blackberries have exploded, both in the output of berries and in the proliferation of plants.
 


One way blackberries reproduce is by sending out long canes that eventually curver down to the ground, where they take root, becomeing a new plant. You can dig these up to transplant or leave them be. I have done some of both.
 


I started with one row of blackberries and one of raspberries, but the blackberries are overtaking the raspberries. In the fall I will transplant the raspberries, moving them farther away, and expand to three rows of blackberries.
 
The blackberries are a thornless variety (I am not sure which) with huge berries that are full of flavor and very sweet when fully ripe. Since I don't eat a lot of jelly, we use them primarilly for blackberry/blueberry wine.
 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Farm Market Under the Dome July 16
 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
I hope you'll make the effort to take a firsthand look at The Farm during one of my GreenLife Retreat Weekends, and that it will inspire you to pursue your dreams and find your chosen path! 
 Thanks again for your time and attention.
Douglas
 Spread the word. Spread the dream! 
Out to Change the World and The Farm Then and Now

Out to Change the World
The Farm Then and Now

Order both and save!

The 2016 GreenLife Retreats Calendar

August: Taking a break

September 16-18 Farm Experience Weekend

Celebrate the Equinox: The best overview of life in community, exploring green building and solar technology, organic gardening, midwifery, alternative education, starting a small business, and so much more. Watch the video / Farm Experience in photos/

Oct 16-18 Farm Experience Weekend

Fall Colors and a Fire Circle: Always a jam packed weekend. A time of reflection and introspection.

 

Now it's up to you. Register today! 

Midwifery Workshops: www.midwiferyworkshops.org/

Swan Trust Activities & Hikes   Contact: foreverwild@swantrust.org

Permaculture Apprenticeships: Learn straw, cob, earthbag, turf roofs, bamboo, thatch, clay plaster, adobe, alis, and food self-reliance at The Farm Community.

Spiral Ridge Permaculture - Workshops and Classes

 Meet your host at GreenLife Retreats: Douglas Stevenson

Green Life Retreats
A division of Village Media Services
PO Box 259Summertown, TN 38483
931-964-2590 - office 931-626-4035 cell
Douglas@villagemedia.com
www.villagemedia.com
www.greenliferetreats.com
www.douglasstevenson.com 
Douglas@thefarmcommunity.com

Powered by YMLP.com