I am extremely grateful to Urban Farmer Arthur Culbert for sending the beautiful photos and copy for this morning's post on the Central West End Farm on Waterman Avenue west of Kingshigway. I think you will agree that his enthusiasm for the project is infectious – a perfect start to a new week!
From Arthur:
"Hi Nicki. The farm is unbelievable this year although I have been saying that for the past three years. The peach and plum trees are winding down, the apple trees will not be ready for weeks…the new meadow of wild flowers is in full bloom and very colorful. We have domesticated bunnies throughout the clover. The rain is wonderful.
The other big addition is the grape arbor (in photo above) built by a carpenter apprentice as part of his required community service for entry into the union. The grapes are from Ed King of the neighborhood's Big Sleep Books fame!"
"I am working with 4- and 5-year-old children as part of camp at New City School. Walking up the alley (the preferred route from New City to the farm) is even fun."
"It's magical when a child pulls a carrot or an onion out of the ground."
In Arthur's last photo above, CWEnder Sara Sowins, left, and a friend carry greens to CWEnder & STL Village member Rosie James for the food pantries at the neighborhood's Trinity Church and Second Presbyterian Church, beneficiaries of the farm's bounty. My neighbor, Sara, and her mother, Rita, have been volunteering at the farm for the past year.
Thanks again Arthur for sharing this update on what's happening at the CWE Farm.