The Next Generation: What's Old is New Again

When I embarked on this journey, I envisioned creating a small farm that could inspire others to take meaningful steps in response to climate change. While planning the business side was straightforward, planning the farm itself was a greater challenge. My property presented unique obstacles: the house sits below the grade of a hill behind it, a feature that would never pass modern building codes. Flooding and drainage issues have plagued the property since my parents bought it. And, like many homes built in 1954, the original topsoil was stripped away, leaving behind a stubborn layer of clay.

When I returned to the property in early 2012, I quickly realized it would take considerable effort and resources to change the fate of this land.

Fast forward almost nine years, and the dream finally comes to life. My vision of transforming a simple lawn into a thriving, biodynamic farm is now a reality. Today, I grow enough vegetables, herbs, and flowers to support active CSA memberships, fulfill event orders, and supply local florists. The soil has undergone a remarkable transformation. Instead of rainwater running off and washing down the street, it soaks into the earth, nourishing the plants. By early summer, the crops tower five to six feet tall, bursting with fruit and vibrant blooms.

But the most rewarding part of this journey isn’t the bountiful harvest or the thriving soil—it’s the next generation. My grandchildren, the ones I genuinely do this for, love visiting Memaw’s farm. They eagerly join me in planting seeds, harvesting vegetables, and tending to the chickens. They’re so proud of what we’ve built that they share stories of the farm with their friends and even teach them about sustainable practices. Their parents, curious about what’s happening here, often call me for advice. Even the neighbors have started adding more plants to their lawns, inspired by the changes they see.

These connections and ripple effects are the true measures of success. Imagine what we can achieve as this movement continues to grow!

Why not join us? It’s good exercise, provides healthy food, creates beauty, and is simply fun. Together, we can make a difference for the planet and future generations.