Happenings at Skidaway Farms

 (for the TLA June Journal)

We know that a visitor’s quick glance inside the Farm gives the impression that all is calm and quiet…that once the seeds go in the ground it’s just a matter of waiting for the food to ripen and then be served at dinner.  WELL…

 

We Skidaway Farmers are ANYTHING BUT just waiting around for the bountiful harvest to bless our dinner tables.  In fact, this past month two big projects were taken on and completed by a squad of willing volunteers!  Both projects were made easier by the ever-present help the Farm gratefully receives from the TLA – Paul Kurilla, Sean Burgess, Eric LaFon and their staff makes things happen for Skidaway Farms…they have been there for us time and time again and deserve a huge “THANKS” for all they do!

 

New Woodchip Walkways…

Job One was a total replacement of our grass paths to keep the wild grass and weeds under control.  The soil inside the Farm has been so improved over last year that the weeds were flourishing throughout the long walkways in between the plots…and sometimes into the plots as well.  So, with the gracious donation from Evergreen Tree Company of over 45 cubic yards of woodchips and the stalwart transportation of all these chips to the Farm by the TLA Maintenance staff, the Farmers were able to cover the grass paths next to their plots to stifle weed growth.  Local landscaper, Matt Joy’s Heritage Recycling Company; Savannah Kitchen & Bath; Wild Birds Unlimited; Pratt Industries and Carolina Pharmaceuticals donated all the cardboard which provided the underlayers for the woodchips…a process that further helped to kill the existing weeds.  It was a huge job but one that really spiffed up the Farm and made all that weed-whacking and mowing a thing of the past!

 

and Our New Electric Fence…

Job Two was the much anticipated installation of our anti-raccoon electric fence.  For this, major thanks go to the Governance Committeeand their spouses too…who spent hours drilling the posts and stringing the wire and installing the electrical runs and the ground rods and setting the cement footings for the gate fences.  Chris John and Valley Crest crew, Ryan Rogel saved the day with their trench digger so the underground wiring could be run to both sides of the Farm.  Thank you guys…Valley Crest’s support makes so many things possible at the Farm!

 

Just in time to save our ripening tomatoes and corn, this electric perimeter is energized each night to stave off any fury midnight marauders…who, if they attempt to clamber over the wires, will receive a mighty shock of electricity that won’t kill them…but it will zap them hard enough to teach them not to try that again!   The fence will be turned on each night at 8:00 pm and shut down the next morning at 7:00 am by TLA Security…many thanks go to Chief McCluskey and her staff who make this continued surveillance possible for the Farm.

 

And While All That Was Going On…

The Children’s Garden has been abuzz with activity!  Coordinator, Jane Kollmann and helper, Hilary Hughes have met with their young Farmers at least twice each week to work the four plots that have become home to rows of potatoes, strawberries, peas and radishes, lettuces and tomatoes.  The Children have planted, tended and harvested their vegetables… many of which were donated to Second Harvest of Savannah.  At a recent event at the Skidaway United Methodist Church, these young Farmers donated the fixin’s for the garden salad that was a huge hit among the event attendees!  This highly successful ten-week Spring Season program will be followed up with a cool-weather program starting in the Fall.  Contact Jane Kollmann at children@skidawayfarms.net  for information and registration.

 

Come By and Visit the Farm…

Directions to Skidaway Farms are on our website at www.skidawayfarms.net  which is open from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm each day.  If you’d like information on becoming a Farmer contact Janet Waldie at membership@skidawayfarms.net