All things MOWING

With all the rain we've been getting, it's no surprise the grass is growing by leaps and bounds. At this point in the season, we're usually still mowing just once a week in the garden, but with the schedule of rain, and the amount of it, we're already at our twice per week schedule.

So here's what you need to know:

1. The garden is closed on Wednesdays (10-11:30am) and Sundays (9:30-11am) to everyone -- visitors and community gardeners -- for mowing. The garden is closed during those times whether or not you see someone in the garden mowing. If the garden will be open at that time, I'll post it on the blog the night before. Otherwise, no one is allowed in the garden during those times.
2. The garden walkways are mowed and weed-whipped twice a week. Andres, our assistant farmer, is usually the staff handling this chore.
3. To keep things running smoothly, please keep your supplies out of the walkways. Be extra careful with hand tools -- they're easy to lose in the grass. 

We have to be this strict because of our experience in our first year. At that time, we just put out the rule that if mowing was happening, no one could be in the garden. Unfortunately, gardeners habitually ignored that rule, creating safety issues and slowing down the chore. So now we close the garden completely during mowing times.

So why Wednesdays and Sundays? We looked for a schedule that will be even across the week, and one that fit with staffing schedules, day-wise.

So why at those times in the morning? Staff officially begin chores at 9am. The chores include milking and feeding the animals. Once those chores are accomplished, mowing can be started. 

Actually, to get the time on Sunday morning made a little earlier, I've begun doing the milking on Sundays. Come see me handle Lily in the milking parlor!

So why close the garden for 90 minutes when it doesn't take that long to mow/weed whip? Well, we need to keep the schedule with a little wiggle room, in case staff needs to handle an issue or other chores during that time as well.

If you have any questions about mowing and the times the garden is closed, please email or call me.