Winter is here, and we’re happy things on the farm have slowed down a little bit. But not too much, because winter in the garden is time to plan for spring. We are whipping things back into shape after the abundance of growth during summer, and planning for improvements on the season past.
The farm currently has kale, silverbeet, coriander, parsley, salad mix, rocket, fennel, navel oranges and grapefruit. We have leeks, cabbage and broccoli that should be ready for spring if the ducks don’t eat everything first!
This month, we want to acknowledge how much we appreciate the work Warrah resident Chris does with us at Warrah Farm. Chris has volunteered on the farm from the time he helped establish it with others 50 years ago. Chris is the type of guy you can ask to do something and he’ll complete the task no matter how big or small, with incredible workmanship and integrity. And he has the energy to go all day.
The farm team is grateful for the value and wisdom Chris brings to the group, and can’t imagine how many 10s or even 100s of thousands of seedlings and seeds he must have planted to feed his community over the years. This is something to be proud of, and an inspiration to the younger members of our farm community.
In other Warrah Farm news, amazing work is being done with our school students and young adult discovery group on the sensory spiral garden, which will be accessible for people with mobility issues, a common problem in some traditional garden designs. There is mud brick building, lots of weeding, planting, and team work. Seeing the Warrah participants on the farm, or in the garden is what Warrah Society is all about.
Horticultural therapy can play an enormously beneficial role in all our lives, as having responsibility for caring for a garden or plant gives you a sense of purpose. Reconnecting with soil and plants can help improve motor skills, mood, social interactions and provide a chance to be outside more.
