The produce at the farm is finally ready for harvesting. Last week, Dr. Longely and fellow residents harvested basil, red kale and mixed greens.  They then packaged the produce in plastic serving containers.The containers were set out in the lobby at Livingston Family Medicine Center for patients to take home and enjoy for free. The residents distributed 30 containers of mixed greens, 16 containers of basil, and 12 large containers of kale, all in just 2 days! The distribution has been a success so far, and the residents are excited to provide fresh produce to patients in their community. Next, collards, chard and several types of herbs will be ready to harvest and distribute.

Check out the photos below of the fresh produce set up in the lobby.

Dr. Longley in the lobby of the Livingston Family Medicine Center with the farm’s produce.

Display of the fresh produce, which were offered free to patients of Livingston Family Medicine Center

Although the farm has only been around for a short period of time, they are making some serious progress.The herbs and vegetables are starting to grow very quickly. The basil plants are even almost ready for harvesting.

The farm also has a new source of water.  In the first month, the residents were carrying buckets of water about 300 feet from a faucet on the side of the building out to the plot. They recently installed a series of hoses and sprinklers this past weekend.  A lawn care company also installed two underground sprinklers within the crops. With the water source being more accessible, the residents will work more on weeding and soon harvesting.  They still have a lot of work to do and can always use volunteers, if you are up for some farming. Check out the pictures of the farm’s progress below!

The Farm at St. Joe’s Brighton is the newest crop in town! Dr. Tom Longley, Dr. Amy Berke and fellow residents from Livingston Family Medicine Center have started a farm at St. Joesph Mercy Brighton.  It is located by the East End Employee Lot near the Cancer Center. The first seedlings were planted Saturday, May 24, 2014 by residents, their families and volunteers. They planted herbs such as, basil, cilantro, rosemary and thyme. They also planted several  types of lettuce, spinach, mammoth sunflowers, broccoli, arugula, peas, bush beans and tomatoes. They will be planting peppers shortly and will need volunteers to come out and help. Check out pictures of the farm below and stay tuned for updates and future events!

Group photo from May 24 seedling planting.
From Left to Right: Dr. Amy Berke , Lupe Longley, Alaina Longley, Sophia Longley, Dr. Renee Brayton, Dr. Robert Brummeler, Dr. Tom Longley, Karen Elliott , Dan Bair.
Behind the camera is Dr. Schultz.

Residents and volunteers working on the 30 by 60 foot plot.

The plot has been tilled and the shed and fence was built by Dr. Longley and Dr. Schultz.

A side view of plot, shed and fence.

Dr. Longley’s daughters prepping the plot.

Residents and volunteers prep the plot for seedlings.