Yes very short noctice. Think u-pick version of a flash mob just with no singing and dancing. Just the sound of birds.
Awoke this morning to find everything in good order. The Washington Post weather says “Today 8/5 arguably the nicest day we’ve had in a while. Not too hot, with highs topping out in the mid- to upper 80s, and only moderately humid, with dew points in the mid-60s. High pressure centered to our west should give us partly to mostly sunny skies, with only the chance of an isolated afternoon shower or storm. Winds are light from the north and west”.
Wednesday morning is our day to harvest, pack and organize our weekly veggie, honey, eggs and flower orders for pick up. It is a process that takes all of our time and attention. So Wednesday afternoon when we are done and our vegetable customers are already visiting the farm is a convenient time to provide a chance to welcome others to join them picking blueberries.
Remember the sunsreen and the water bottle berry picking can be hot work in August. The Back Patch is a bit overgrown (wild grape, Canadian thistle, mile a minute and some Bermuda grass) and is therefore not as kid friendly as the front patch.
New this year. A nod toward social distancing. The farmer will be wearing a mask. When you approach the sales table you should as well. If you have a cough and fever stay home. When you are out in the patch remember to keep your distance from other pickers.
The way it works: We try to balance the ripe berries (so there are enough for everyone who shows up), the weather (not raining or excessively hot and humid) with the opportunity to come to the farm and pick. This is not a perfect system.
We have containers. We sell by the pint and quart (not weight). The prices are the same as last year and for the many years before that. You pick and then pay the farmer $4.00 a pint and $8.00 a quart. The containers are full when the berries are level with the top of the container. Overfilled containers cost more. Really – no pyramids.
Things to keep in mind. No toilets (so plan ahead). Bring a water bottle picking can be thirsty work. We don’t take credit cards. Cash or a check payable to Blueberry Gardens will do the trick. No smoking anywhere on the farm. Leave your pets at home. Most parking is directly off the driveway on the grass.
If you have any questions that were not covered above just hit the CONTACT tab and send us an email.