We had our first hard frost last night. It was a bit of a surprise, kind of like the frost earlier in the week. For that frost, I was in bed ready to turn out the light when I saw they had suddenly posted frost warnings. Despite not having harvested my dahlia flowers for a few days, I sure wasn't getting out of bed at that point to do it! Fortunately, it was a spotty frost and the dahlias lived to bloom another day... well, five days to be exact.

Fortunately, I noticed the change in the forecast earlier in the evening last night and was able to go out and harvest the last few flowers of the season. Nothing like picking flowers in the dark!

It was a good thing I did so, too! This morning was white with frost. My boy looked out the window and exclaimed that it almost looked like it had snowed. Well, then the sun started to peek over the hill and I had to get out in the yard with my camera. Water drops and ice crystals are quite possibly my two favorite things to photograph! That dahlia at the top of the page is perhaps my favorite shot of the morning, but it's really hard to choose when nature gives you so many beautiful subjects.

This little blanket flower will never get to open to its full glory, but it's beauty was noticed!

The cosmos was especially spectacular. Each petal was fully lined with crystals and so was the center. Amazing.

Obviously, since I went out and picked the dahlias last night, there weren't many blossoms left to photograph, but some of the buds were worthy of a bit of attention.

I loved the little tufts of ice on this coreopsis! And the line of crystals on the blade of grass next to it was the perfect frame.

My carrot greens were challenging for composing a great photo, but the way each leaf was lined with ice meant I had to take a few photos nonetheless. I'm hoping, by the way, that this frost has sweetened up those carrots. The few I've pulled up so far were beautiful but a bit bitter. Hopefully, Mr. Frost has worked his magic. :-) 

Here comes the sun! 

Yes, nature is an amazing thing, isn't it? I love the change of seasons. About the time I get somewhat bored with one, a new one comes along to wow me, and what a wow it was this morning. 

I've come to the realization that I simply cannot grow less produce! I always have way more than I need for my small family but not nearly enough to go to a farmers' market. So, this year I have decided to offer a "micro-CSA." Not micro as in small shares but micro as in only a few shares. I'm planning to offer three shares this year. If you are local to our farm here in Milford, NH, consider signing up for a weekly share of our bounty!

As a micro-CSA, you can expect benefits from us that you just can't get from the big guys. Because I'll only be preparing shares for a few families, I can tailor them to your preferences. Can't stand radishes? No problem! Like yellow squash but not zucchini, you got it! Want extra basil to make some pesto? We've got you covered. When you sign up, I'll send you a survey to get a feel for what you want out of your share and what you really don't want! We will do our best to give you a basket that suits you based on what we have available that week. 

Our shares will run approximately 20 weeks, from roughly early May to the end of September, depending on what Mother Nature give us. While the shares in the beginning and end will be lighter as things ramp up and trail off, you can expect up to a full bushel of delicious farm fresh produce per week (about two grocery sacks worth). Most weeks will also include a bouquet of beautiful flowers. Pick up will be at the farm and days and pick up times will be decided on a case by case basis closer to the season. 

Our shares will include a wide variety of vegetables, fruits, herbs, and flowers. Please be aware that the amount of fruit will be somewhat limited as our production of many of those items is still developing. A list of the expected varieties is listed below as is a gallery of images of some of the produce you can expect to receive. Please remember, that as a CSA, I cannot guarantee that every single one of these items will make it into your basket, as there is always the chance of crop failure for one reason or another, but I am growing enough of a variety that there will be plenty of bounty!

Here is what we are planning to offer as far as varieties this year:

• Vegetables - asparagus, radish, spinach, romaine lettuce, arugula, butterhead lettuce, English peas, sugar snap peas, bok choy, carrots, Chinese broccoli, broccolini, kale, eggplant, zucchini, yellow squash, tomatoes (both slicers and cherry), beets, green beans, cucumber (both slicing and pickling), amaranth (beautiful multi-colored salad greens - see picture in the gallery), garlic, onions (slicing, green, and shallots), potatoes, peppers, cabbage, rhubarb, artichoke, swiss chard, parsnip, Brussel sprouts, butternut squash, spaghetti squash, pumpkins, and rutabagas.
• Fruits - strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, cantaloupe, watermelon, and peaches.
• Herbs - parsley, basil (four varieties), oregano, dill, chives, thyme, French tarragon, rosemary, sage, and mint.
• Flowers - dahlias, peonies, zinnia, daffodils, tulips, gladiolas, and sunflowers.

If you are interested in subscribing, the cost for a share is $950, which is less than $50 per week. To reserve your share, a deposit of $50 is required and then you can pay all at once or as you can until May 1, when the total amount is due. You can reserve your spot online with a credit card for the deposit. We can accept cash or check for the remainder of the share price. If you would like to reserve your share, you can do so here. If you have any questions, please feel free to get in touch!