The Goffstown Edge

TWIG Presents Sustainable Gardening for Homeowners

This is a basic introductory garden/landscape design course for the gardener who wants to keep the biodiversity on their property using native plant material and organic methods.  As an Accredited Organic Land Care Professional, Paula would like to convey the importance of enhancing the land, not abusing it.  This is a six week course, two hours a week that will involve the following methods of giving back to the earth what we take away.

Presented through the Goffstown Adult Education Program, beginning March 8th from 6-8 pm for six weeks.

Introduction.

What is sustainablity and why is it important for our ecosystems?

Organic vs. pesticides

Starting with soil – Composting basics – organic soil preparation

Rain Gardens – learning how to conserve water and deal with runoff

Meadows/organic lawns/lawn substitutes

Plant material

Design elements

Working with our land and not against it is the main focus for the students to get a sense of place on their own property.

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Paula Kovecses, AOLCP, NHCLP, MCSL
Horticultural Consultant, Owner
T.W.I.G. (The Way It Grows)
Horticultural Consulting
603 491-9929
www.twigthewayitgrows.com

New Organic CSA Forming in Manchester

The first organizational meeting of the Free State Farm CSA & Education Center will be held Saturday, December 10, 2011 at 9:30 AM at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 673 Weston Road, Manchester, NH  03103.  This meeting is open to all those interested in local, organically-raised food and learning about organic farming methods.

Free State Farm CSA & Education Center will be located in suburban Manchester, New Hampshire and will be a non-profit demonstration farm and education center offering organically-raised produce and free-range eggs and livestock to its members.  We are currently in the start-up phase, looking for other whole food enthusiasts to join in the efforts.

Free State Farm will educate interested people regarding natural farming techniques and the value of real foods, obtained locally.  We will provide whole, nutritious foods, free from chemicals, as nature intended, using a CSA1 model for membership.

Interested parties may contact Frank Szabo at 215-793-4132 or EatingForHealth@juno.com.  Our FaceBook page can be viewed at “Free State Farm CSA and Education Center”.

1 Community Supported Agriculture – a food network built upon a community of people who pledge support to a farming operation where growers and consumers share the risks and benefits of food production.

Our Local Farmers Markets

New Boston   *   Bedford   *   Hooksett   *   Weare

New Hampshire Farmers Markets are now all open for the 2011 season and the fresh produce is trickling in as the growing season moves forward.  We are lucky to have four different markets to choose from, each on a different day of the week for our convenience.

Farmer’s Markets in all communities are subject to strict enforcement of the NH Health Department.  Vendors understand that inclusion is not simply to pay a fee and set up a table.   Most Farmer’s Market are juried, and the vendors must sell a quality agricultural-related product or craft manufactured in NH.  “I love the juried system,” states vendor Cathy Travis from Clayton’s Way Farm in Wilton.  “It makes sure all the items are actually home made and gives the customers assurance that the products are all made in NH.”

Please download the rest of the story on our local Farmer's Markets

Download Farmer's Markets

Tips For Picking Out Your Best Christmas Tree

Did you know that 2010 marks the 500th Anniversary of the first decorated Christmas Tree?  The National Christmas Tree Association officially declared 1510 to be the year when the first tree was decorated in the country of Latvia.  Five centuries later, our communities are lucky to have so many options for selecting the right family Christmas tree.  You can pick out the perfect tree or cut your own, but there’s some homework to do before you leave your house.  And what should you do once you get it home?

Make sure you know the type and size of tree that will work best in your home.  You’ll want to measure the space where you’ll set up your tree, to check the height and width.  Remember to bring your measuring tape with you, because the trees will look different out in the woods.  A 10’ tall tree will be 8’ wide at the bottom.  Many people find a type of tree that they are happy with, but if you would like something different this year, visit www.ChristmasTree.org to learn how to identify the different species with all their different scents and sizes.  The freshest tree will be the one you cut yourself, but you can do a freshness test at the tree lot simply by snapping the needles.  Fresh needles on Fir trees will break, while fresh needles on Pine trees will bend.  Another good reason to know what type of tree you are looking for.  Don’t forget your gloves, rope, and of course, your camera!

Once you get your tree home, you’ll want to get it into water as quickly as possible.  As a rule, your tree should have 1” of water for every inch of stem diameter.  Avoid using a tree stand that’s too small and don’t whittle the bottom of the trunk down to fit.  The outer layers of wood are very important and should not be removed.  Do not drill a hole in the base of the tree or allow the water level to go too low.  Keeping the room cool and using low-heat lights will reduce drying and extend the life of your tree.  And don’t overload your electrical outlets or leave the tree lit all night.

After the holiday you can recycle your tree in a variety of ways, but do not cut your tree and burn it in your fireplace or wood stove.  The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department operates a state fisheries habitat restoration program, using recycled Christmas Trees to make fish-friendly habitats.  Your Department of Public Works can help you appropriately dispose of your tree.

According to the National Christmas Tree Association, real trees are as safe as the fake trees and do not end up in a landfill.  Their lovely scent and style will enhance your holiday and you’ll know you made a strong vote for the environment.  The best choice is always a traditional, fresh cut Christmas Tree.

T.W.I.G. November Newsletter

Download your copy of the T.W.I.G. November Newsletter HERE:

Download Nov2010

Download TWIG Gift Certificate

NE John Deere Expo IV in New Boston

EXPO IV August 20-22 2010

This is the 75th anniversary of the model B

This year, in cooperation with R. N. Johnson inc. equipment dealer.

Check out the full schedule on Page 18 of the August New Boston Bulletin!

A Berry Short Year

Looks like the berries are all picked out at our beloved Berry Good Farm.  Owner Donna Arnold would like everyone to know that the weather presented an insurmountable challenge this year, with all the berries coming ripe at the same moment.  Typically the season would last through August, but you can't control Mother Nature. 

Don't forget that Berry Good Farm will be open for Cut Your Own Christmas Trees again this year, so keep your eye on their web page for updates.  Berry Good Farm

Wildwood Farm Potluck

Saturday, June 26 at 5:00- 8:00pm

141 Duck Pond Rd. Weare NH 03281

With special guest RICK LEMAY!

The pot luck is scheduled for Saturday June 26th. We will have a guest speaker, Rick Lemay of Lemay & Sons Beef Co. He will be discussing beef, pork & poultry cuts & practices.

We'll give an update as to what the Agricultural Commission has been up to and talk about farming in Weare.

The first pot luck consisted of fantastic Highlander meatballs, homebrewed tea & hard cider, a quinoa dish out of this world, apple fritter... umm umm! Very relaxed environment and we had fun looking at maps!

Wildwood Farm

Evergreen Gardens Open for Garden Conservancy Open Days

Two residential gardens developed by landscape designer Robert Gillmore- Water's Edge in Bedford and Evergreen in Goffstown- will be open to the public Saturday and Sunday, June 26 and 27, as part of the Garden Conservancy's first-ever Open Days program in Greater Manchester.

Located at 41 Summer Street in Goffstown, Evergreen includes:

• Mature white pines, sweeps of broad-leafed evergreen shurbs and other low-maintenance, shade-tolerant plants;
• Berms, some 12 feet high and planted with rhododendrons;and
• A cascading brook, pools, viewpoints and more than a quarter-mile of paths.

Located at 14 Bourbon Street in Bedford, Water's Edge includes:

• Large sweeps of mature shrubs and flowering trees that create season-long foliage and color with minimal care;
• Groves of mountain laurel and massive white pines that have been groomed into spacious woodland gardens;
• A natural-looking berm- a mand-made ridge 100 feet long, 10 feet high and planted with rhododendrons; and
• A wooden arched bridge that links the shore of the pond to a tiny island.

Both gardens will be described in free guides written by Gillmore and keyed to numbered posts along the paths.

Entrance fee into the gardens is $5.00

For details, contact Robert Gillmore at 497-8020 or visit www.opendaysprogram.org

NH Farm Of Distinction

It is always hard work to deliver a premium product.  When Donna Arnold received her letter that Berry Good Farm in Goffstown has been selected as a NH Farm of Distinction,  she says, “All my hard work paid off.  It was quite pleasant!”

Donna has owned Berry Good Farm, located at 234 Parker Road, for 16 years, and cares for the 5,000 bushes herself.  “It’s backbreaking work,” she says, and goes on to explain how each bush is pruned individually.  “There’s a short window between January and the end of April.  The leaves are analyzed by UNH every year, and I learn what nutrients I need to make sure we have the best tasting berries.”  The 65 acres require a lot of careful tending, and there is mowing, fertilizing, and then the fall clean up.  “So much of my livelihood depends on Mother Nature.  If Mother Nature decides to be cruel, there’s nothing you can do.  Last June rained every day.  It throws everything off.  You take it day by day and do the best you can.”

Growing the best berries is exactly what Berry Good Farm does, and they do it with style.  The FOD is only awarded to those farms that are both commercial and still attractive and inviting to the public.  Easily accessible off Rt. 114, Berry Good Farm is a great place to bring your kids and pick your own, although the farm also offers pre-picked bags.  “You can’t get any fresher than picking your own!”

There are hundreds of farms in New Hampshire, and only nine were selected this year for the NH Farm of Distinction.  Arnold was quick to point out that she was especially delighted with the award, “Considering there are a lot of other beautiful farms around the state.”

Berry Good Farm will open for the 2010 season in mid-July.  You can phone 497-8138 for details about picking times.  The berries this year promise to be especially tasty, and with 5,000 bushes, there should be enough for everyone.