Five Loaves Farm

Winter Update (Lynden Farmers Market)

2011-12-27T15:54:00.000-08:00

Plans are beginning to take place for next season.

We plan on producing food from several location again next season and again hosting the Lynden Farmers Market.

We are currently in the planning stages of changing the location and day of the market from last year. If plans go through - it will be at the Centennial Park lot on the corner of 4th and Front St downtown (next to the public restrooms) and take place on Thursday afternoons (2-6ish). This is an effort in increase walk-though customer traffic and to take advantage of the busier weekday times downtown.

We are just beginning to recruit vendors for next year - please be in touch if you are interested in being a vendor. Contact Dave Timmer (dave.timmer@arocha.org).

As it is, we are putting together a proposal for the city to make sure they are OK with the use of the Centennial Park lot. The Chamber of Commerce is excited about the possibilities there. Its' true that this could be a great location - the new art center, directly downtown, and in the civic corridor. We will keep you informed as the plans move forward.

Food Preservation Workshop

2011-07-14T10:31:00.001-07:00

Market Location

2011-06-06T19:35:00.001-07:00

The Lynden Farmers Market is a Saturday market - open from 10am - 3pm. It is located on the N. lawn of Third Christian Reformed Church next to Five Loaves Farm. The church's address 514 Liberty. The closest intersection to the market is 6th and Edson. See you there....

Opening day of the Market.

2011-06-06T08:46:00.000-07:00

Springtime Farm Pics

2011-05-24T22:02:00.000-07:00

Lynden Farmer's Market

2011-05-06T16:30:00.000-07:00

We created a specific Lynden Farmer's Market facebook page...Like it.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lynden-Farmers-Market/160191960710268

We'll use this page to post updates, news, and pictures of the market.

Using Raised Beds to Grow Food

2011-04-25T11:10:00.001-07:00

Join us this Saturday, April 30 for the second in our Garden Information Series. This seminar, Using Raised Beds to Grow Food, begins, at 10AM at Sonlight Community Church (8800 Bender Rd, Lynden), with a quick lecture led by Cindy Visser and Virgi Diephuis on techniques/methods/and benefits of using raised beds. This will, then, be followed by an on-the-ground demonstration, led by Jeff Littlejohn – showing the sheet mulch technique for making a raised bed.

The lecture will take place in Sonlight Community Church and the on-the-ground demonstration will take place at North City Community Garden immediately north of the church along Aaron Dr. Hope to see you there.

Lynden Farmer's Market - Vendor Info Meeting

2011-04-07T15:13:00.000-07:00

Interested vendors are are invited to a Lynden Farmer's Market organizational meeting on April 19th (Tuesday) at 7:00 pm. The meeting will be at the Youth House (what was the parsonage) at the Third Christian Reformed Church, 514 Liberty, in downtown Lynden. You will also be able to see the site of the market, since it is in back of the church. Contact Dave Timmer to see the vendor rules, waiver forms, etc prior to the meeting. They will also be available at the meeting.

There will be no stall fees for the market this year. Also, great news - the city just waived its requirement for vendors to have a city business license.

Hope to see you at the meeting!

Garden Info Event

2011-03-22T12:22:00.000-07:00

Just a reminder that Walter's information session on local gardening is this Saturday, March 26 at 10am. It is at the A Rocha office in downtown Lynden - 517 Front St...look for the signs once your at the address.

Walter will share some good info on gardening basics...what grows well here, where to get seed, etc. There will also be information about the local community gardens and a time to sign up for a plot.

Lynden Farmer's Market

2011-03-02T16:55:00.001-08:00

Lynden Farmer's Market

Community Garden Informational Series

2011-02-23T11:00:00.000-08:00

Speaking series flyer

2011-02-23T08:53:00.001-08:00

garden series big flyer

Local food sources

2011-02-18T13:26:00.000-08:00

As this incredible wave of connecting to one's food continues to build, it is great to see the entrepreneurial spirit work itself out. I met Ben Ellenbaas this morning. Farmer Ben's is working on a being a source for local meat. I walked with him around his farm as he showed me the pig pens, the cows, and the chickens out in the field. Nice looking animals. Can't wait to taste the bacon I bought. Check them out.

http://myfarmerben.com/

As food security issues become more and more relevant, we need pioneers like the Ellenbaas' to to help figure out how we're going to feed ourselves in the future. That is one of our priorities here at Five Loaves Farm as well.

Recent Article

2011-02-11T09:40:00.000-08:00

Here is a link to a recent article published this week by our friends at Flourish Magazine.

"Beyond the Green Commandments"
http://bit.ly/ga5lyG

New Sign

2011-01-17T12:58:00.000-08:00

New Logo

2011-01-17T12:51:00.000-08:00

These are the new logos for Five Loaves Farm. They turned out well.

Spirituality of Gardening seminar w/ Christine Sine

2010-05-18T07:17:00.000-07:00

Join us this Saturday, May 22 as we host a seminar entitled the Spirituality of Gardening. Christine Sine from Mustard Seed Associates joins us to speak of gardening and God. How we connect to each other and God through tending the earth. She (along with her husband Tom) have much insight on the community gardening movement as well as making a positive impact on the communities in which we live.

http://msainfo.org/promo/spirituality-of-gardening-seminar-lynden-wa

Farmer wanted - see job decription below

2010-03-11T07:34:00.001-08:00

Job Title: Farmer

Location: Five Loaves Farm, Lynden, WA (A Rocha USA)
Closing Date: April 16, 2010

Five Loaves Farm is a developing network of community gardens currently located on three church properties. These gardens produce a harvest for neighborhood renters, garden workers, local food banks, and community members. The Farmer will most effectively plant, grow, harvest, and distribute the immense bounty of these gardens, individually and by organizing volunteers and other garden workers. In addition, the Farmer will assist in the expansion and development of new garden initiatives and ideas.

Primary Duties

· Plant, water, weed, harvest, and distribute garden produce.
· Organize volunteers and renters to most effectively use the land in a productive and sustainable manner.
· Connect with local food banks and community organizations to schedule distribution efforts.
· Small construction/maintenance projects around the gardens to maintain aesthetics and functional requirements.

Additional Duties

· Assist in the development of conservation science projects that relate to the gardens: local pollinator study and native plant propagation.
· Set up, advertise, and manage a weekly onsite marketstand.
· Lay the groundwork for the development of a larger city Farmer’s Market in future years.
· Lay the groundwork for potential CSA project using these gardens.
· Assist in the organization of additional gardens on other properties in town.
· Community education efforts

Qualifications

· Interest and passion for the cultivation of God’s kingdom in the place where you live.
· Gardening experience and knowledge using “organic” methods of production – preferably in the maritime NW.
· Ability to complete tedious tasks individually (with minimal direct supervision) in an outdoor environment – ie. extremely self-motivated.
· Good communication skills – to organize volunteers, to connect with local organizations and to keep the community informed of the garden efforts.
· Reliable transportation (could be a bike with trailer) for the distribution of produce around the community

Compensation

This position is a temporary contract position (3+ months beginning in May/June) through A Rocha USA and Five Loaves Farm. Compensation will be an hourly rate ($9 - $14/hr) based on experience and availability. The Farmer will also have access to all the fresh produce they can eat.

How to Apply:

Send a cover letter and/or resume to Dave Timmer (dhtimmer@juno.com) at Five Loaves Farm. You may also email or call with questions (360) 354-4019.

Where has the time gone?

2010-03-11T07:18:00.000-08:00

I know it has been months since there has been electronic activity added to this site. Well....much physical activity occurred over the fall months and then we rested. While our climate allows for growing at least some food nearly year round, it is also nice to have some time off during the coldest months. The sun going down before 4 and coming up around 8 definitely signals a time for rest.

A review: last fall we put in some pathways, built a tool shed, painted the hoophouses, and built a sign holder. Some nice construction projects. We also ritually planted the garlic in the raised beds....as I write this the garlic leaves are already 6 inches high....definitely one of my favorites to grow.

Now spring, as dormancy breaks all around us, gets me again in the planning mood. Our partner gardens are accepting "renters" as plots are being claimed and plans are in the works for the year ahead. We at Five Loaves are entering a new stage....the first employee.

We are looking for a summer intern-type position to bring things to another level. The pressures of harvest and distribution are difficult for volunteers to keep up with. Also, I an continually amazed at the ideas and opportunities that present themselves. The farm needs someone devoted full-time to chase some of those opportunities. I can't wait. I'll post the job description on the next entry.

August

2009-08-23T10:43:00.000-07:00

Not surprising, August at the farm is busy. I once worked with a CSA farmer.....I couldn't believe how busy he was as the peak of the harvest was taking place. We've had some help. The volunteers for the AGAPE food bank have done so much for our distribution. Their work has wrapped up and they have been great to partner with. Now our distribution focus with shift more towards the garden workers, Project Hope, neighbors, and people from the church. It is amazing how quickly summer has gone by.

Agape Project and Dan

2009-07-15T17:10:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple pics from the Agape Project food bank today. We harvested lots of beets, cabbage, peas, and a few zucchinni for the food bank. They have an impressive amount of help.

Also, Dan arrived from Scotland last night to intern with the church and serve our community. He is welcomed by the group who spent a week at his church - Re:Hope in Glasgow. It is great to see him again....so I put him to work. No better way to get rid of the jet lag.

Yesterday at the Farm

2009-07-09T08:03:00.001-07:00

A truly great week. While the VBS activities have been taking place outside of church, there has been a ton of activity around the farm. Yesterday we supplied fresh produce to the AGAPE project food bank who is setting up a donation station next to the farm for the next several weeks. The remarkable weather of this spring (hot and sunny) and a little rain over the last couple days has things looking great. Here are some pics from yesterday.

AGAPE project donations

2009-07-07T13:54:00.000-07:00

We will be supplying fresh produce (as it ripens) to the AGAPE project food bank (which is handing out donations from the church property) for the next 6 Wednesdays ( July 8, July 15, July 22, July 29, August 5, August 12) from 3:30-6pm. Come and help harvest and distribute....we'll be there around 3 to get things ready.

Food Preservation Classes

2009-06-30T11:10:00.000-07:00

Third CRC will be hosting Food Preservation Classes (Basic and Pressure Canning) on Monday, July 6 and Tuesday, July 7 beginning at 7:15 pm. Come and learn about these methods for prolonging the harvest. Come!

New Benches

2009-06-04T17:02:00.001-07:00

Eric Postma made two benches from the cedar scraps that we cut and milled last year. He delivered them this week. They look awesome. Feel free to sit and enjoy.

Spirituality of Gardening workshop

2009-06-03T19:03:00.001-07:00

3 of us attended the Spirituality of Garden workshop in Seattle last weekend. It was put on by Christine Sine and the Mustard Seed Associates (see link on right). I'll try to give a review later but here are two links from people that were there. It was a great day to see the presence that they have in their North Seattle Neighborhood.

http://godspace.wordpress.com/2009/06/03/the-spirituality-of-gardening-seminar-is-over/

http://storyformed.wordpress.com/2009/06/02/in-the-garden/

More pictures

2009-05-26T08:05:00.001-07:00

Planting Party

2009-05-26T07:47:00.000-07:00

We had a good turnout at the planting party. Made some good progress on the first hoophouse - after some serious deliberations over the directions. Then on Tuesday we put on the plastic. It is a nice looking hoophouse. I then planted 23 tomato plants in it this past weekend - there is still some room for peppers.

We also cleaned up the raised beds, filled in holes with new sunflowers, leeks, carrots, and additional herbs. A drenching rain and the last weeks heat should do wonders for germination. Yesterday I noticed a few corns poking through.

Next task is to put the finishing touches on the first hoophouse and put together the next one. It should go much quicker.

Thanks for coming out.

Planting Party

2009-05-13T19:28:00.000-07:00

Just a reminder that this Saturday is this year's planting party. We'll be sowing seeds, planting starts, tidying things up and doing lots of construction - a hoophouse or two...perhaps a sign holder...maybe an entrance structure. We'll see what the day brings. We're starting at 9AM. There will be a coffee break, lunch, and lots to do. See you there.

Methodist garden

2009-05-10T09:18:00.001-07:00

The new community garden on the property of Lynden United Methodist Church has decided on a name. It is called God's Little Acre. This garden is organized so individual families can have their own plot to produce food. There is also a communal section of the garden where last year's Five Loaves Farm hoophouse was put up this weekend. The gardeners will be able to get some great tomatoes from the hoophouse. They will also plant some of the taller crops (corn, pole beans)in the communal section.

It is great to see the garden taking shape. To see early season crops pushing through the soil, and see the diversity of the plots. There are interesting patterns, and structures already developing.

New season begins

2009-05-10T08:42:00.000-07:00

We tilled Five Loaves Farm last week.

The tractor mounted tiller made quick work of last year's cover crop. Last winter was especially cold in town so the 4 species soil builder cover crop that we sowed turned out to be a one species rye. That is OK, though, as it still did its job. It tilled in nicely. Prior to tilling, we spread an inch or so of Van Boven mushroom compost over the garden - this is some rich stuff.

The ground is now ready for the May 16 planting event.

News from Around Town

2009-04-17T08:23:00.000-07:00

Much has been happening around town lately. I haven’t written about two great blessings that we received this winter. Third CRC was honored with the runner-up award for the Green Congregation Grant sponsored by the CRC’s Office of Social Justice. This was given to us for the work of Five Loaves Farm. It is great to be recognized by the denomination for this project. As a plug, the Office of Social Justice is doing some great things…check out their website listed on the right.

Secondly, we received a substantial grant from A Rocha USA to further establish and expand community gardening in Lynden. This $10,000 grant is incredible. It is going to specific on-the-ground projects at Five Loaves Farm….upgrading the hoophouse, putting up signage, establishing pathways, benches, and building an on-site marketstand. We’re going to need some help getting all this done. Additionally, this grant is helping fund the community gardens on the grounds of Sonlight CRC and Lynden United Methodist Church. It will assist in covering some of the start-up costs and help them become established. At the North City Community Garden (Sonlight)…a load of Smit’s compost is being delivered. That stuff is gold. And at the Methodist garden (a name is being voted on this week) hoses, tools, and a shed are in the works. Some of the gardeners here have already been planting some of the early-season crops. Exciting. I’ll try to post some pictures soon. The A Rocha grant is already having an impact. Another plug….check out A Rocha USA’s website on the right. If you are able…I highly recommend supporting this organization.

Five Loaves Farm is still resting. The cover crop is growing. We’ll till it in the next couple weeks. The garlic is putting on some serious height already….the garlic section is new this year. There are many different varieties we’ll be trying. I can’t wait. If you know me (or smell me)...you know I LOVE garlic. The artichokes were hit hard this winter. I’ve perennialized them in years past but this winter was tough and we may have to grow some new starts. The strawberries are OK and the perennial flowers are flourishing. The rest of the garden waits.

A prayer for Five Loaves Farm

2009-04-09T08:02:00.000-07:00

Dear God,
We humbly come before you in recognition of the work you are doing in this community. We ask that you continue to make your presence obvious to us as we often blindly feel for your guidance.

We shout in gratitude for the blessings you have granted to Five Loaves Farm. Thank you for the literal connection to your creation that this garden provides. Your Providence through the earth is incredible. Thank you for the people who have put so much effort into this garden. Continue to bring forth volunteers, waterers, weeders, and harvesters to take on this task. Carve out the time for these people to complete the work in a way that glorifies you. Help these people and this church to connect to the least, the last, and the lost in this community through the sharing of food. Open doors and opportunities for those connections to take place. Thank you for the award and grant that the Farm received this winter – what an incredible blessing. Help us to effectively and thoroughly use these funds to multiply this harvest. Thank you for the work of the CRC Office of Social Justice and A Rocha USA – bless these organizations as they work for your Kingdom.

Finally, bless the earth in this place, keep away disease, and keep the predators at bay, provide the sun, the moisture, and the nutrients for Five Loaves Farm to bear fruit. Multiply this harvest. Here are your five loaves Lord – our baskets are ready, we long to distribute what you provide.

This is our prayer, hear it Oh Lord,
Amen

First posting

2009-04-03T07:33:00.000-07:00

Well....we're a year into this venture. With inspiration from our fellow conspirators over at North City Community Garden (see link on right). I thought it was time for us to start a blog about Five Loaves Farm. This will hopefully be a place to distribute information, news, ideas, and share thoughts, experiences, pictures, and follow the progress of this beautiful piece of land.

More to come........