We were drinking our coffees at the upstairs dining room, when I noted out the window, a garden with a sign stating it was The Farm.
I’m thinking, this definitely deserves a closer look. So after our coffees, we walked downstairs to see what the Farm was all about. One of the dining room workers said that the produce was not for sale and owned by the upstairs company.
What is the Farm?
Wow, I’m really liking the concept of having a garden plot in the middle of a busy urban area. It, also, provides a nice nature rest with picnic tables and garden chairs. Not to mention all the healthy freshly-grown fruits, herbs, and vegetables. Apparently, the garden is by Up Top Acres and the land is owned by Halley Rise a nearby apartment building.
So, the plot is just under half an acre of land in size. Online information states it grows 30 types of vegetables, herbs, and fruits. It also has both a native flower and rain garden. The flower beds provide a habitat for pollinators.
Interestingly, the sign states that three plantings are done every year. First, an early spring planting of radishes and lettuce. Secondly, a summer planting of a variety of vegetables, herbs, and flowers. Lastly, an early fall planting of hearty greens that can withstand cooler weather.
Recent Planting – Rows of young radishes among lettuce, Reston, 9-30-2023.
Presently, there is a huge variety of vegetables, herbs and fruit in the soil at the farm. I even noticed a large bed of strawberries, raspberry and blueberry bushes. There are even some fruit trees.
Swiss and Rainbow Chard grow in a raised garden.
The grape vines are at the entrance of The Farm.
At the end of the growing season, to build the soil back up, a cover crop is planted over the winter months.
What’s Done with the Produce?
The produce grown in the farm garden is then donated to local organizations trying to alleviate food insecurity, as well as onsite residents and tenants.
I’m thinking, what a wonderful idea to use a small plot of land to grow an abundance of fresh food for the local area. And, all the plants look like they are vigorously growing, without weeds and tell watered.
The Farm fosters a sense of community for all and looks like it has been open for about a year.
Wishing The Farm a great fall growing season.
Resource Sites: www.restonnews.org and www.uptopacres.com