This brings me to Monica Lewinsky, who has become a wonderful friend over the past few years. She called me a month ago and asked if we could join forces on a limited-edition candle, with all proceeds going to anti-bullying organizations. As you might know, Monica has been a strong social activist in the battle against cyberbullying and online harassment. I firmly believe everyone deserves to bloom on their own terms. I was bullied endlessly at school and know how that can change a person. I instantly said it should be a Camellia candle — because they are the “theatre kid” of the garden.
Our Blooming Camellia Candle launched yesterday, and it smells beautiful. It feels like sticking your nose into a fresh bud, where notes of fruit, cream, and musk appear all at once, anchored by White Camellia, Lemon, Vanilla, and Clove. One hundred percent of its proceeds will go to anti-bullying organizations committed to helping people thrive across the U.K., U.S.A., and Australia, including The Tyler Clementi Foundation, The Diana Award’s Anti-Bullying Program, PROJECT ROCKIT, and the Hetrick-Martin Institute.
The Camellia's popularity in Los Angeles was largely fueled by Japanese-American gardeners. Before World War II, many Japanese families owned farms and nurseries in Southern California. Japanese farmers once provided most of the produce in California and were instrumental in cultivating and introducing species, including rare varieties of camellias. When these families were forced into internment camps during the war, many had to sell their nurseries and plant collections for a fraction of their value. These farmers were on the receiving end of terrible discrimination snd very public bullying. Our Blooming Camellia Candle is as much tribute to them as it is anyone else.
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Speaking of how we all deserve to bloom, this week we continue our October Farm Box collaboration with the legendary Chef Alice Waters. As you might know, Alice founded the Edible Schoolyard Project, which seeks to transform the school food experience for children worldwide. She has just launched an incredible new book called The School Lunch Revolution. In it, she reimagines the way we feed our children at school and at home. It’s with this principle that she approaches the Farm Boxes this month—guided by what school lunches should be: local, seasonal, diverse, simple, delicious, and beautiful.
It’s an incredible book, and we are including a copy in every Farm Box this week. In the box, you’ll also find her famous Baby Bok Choy and Tamari Sauce recipe, with the main ingredients you need to cook it at home: Baby Bok Choy, Tamari Sauce, Green and Red Dandelion, Lemon Verbena, Apples, Spaghetti Squash, Parsley, and so much more. We’ve also included the most delicious Blueberry Muffins from Sugarbloom Bakery. And in the Bloom Bundle, you’ll find Burgundy Amaranth and Hot Pink Celosia from our favorites, Carranza Family Farms.
Like the Camellia teaches us, we must bloom in our own way, in our own time. Here’s to that.
As always, cook a meal for someone you love.
x Richard
P.S. Martha and I will be speaking at the Kohler Food and Wine Festival in Wisconsin this weekend! Excited to see you all there.
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