In the garden we're trying to create habitat for pollinators, birds and mammals. Living on the cusp of open land and urban landscapes we are serving as a connector to species adaptable to edges. Over the past 5 years our "let it grow approach" has created habitat for several friends. We've had foxes move in that hunt the abundance of voles in the meadow and scavenge carcasses from the neighboring tract of wood. By allowing the edges of our modest 1/2 acre grow naturally into the wetland-meadow habitat, fauna can coexist and benefit. Our source of flowers, cover crops and vegetables offer crucial habitat for beneficial insects, pollinators and butterflies. Not only does this provide resources for local migratory birds it's sustains a struggling population inundated with chemicals and pesticides-Bees.
We continue to develop a closed loop ecologically stable environment. By practicing a labor vs mechanical intensive style of farming we not only preserve vital soil structure and insect populations but also replenish necessary nutrients with crop rotations, cover cropping and green manures. The viability of growing food in the long term is highly dependent on our source seed production, limited fuel use and minimal intensive labor. Sustainability is essentially defined upon these principles and demands them.
Genetic diversity of crops generates several safety mechanisms for their long term survival in varying climatic conditions. That's why we emphasize growing heirlooms in our garden. It also sustains us by producing an abundance of seeds for future years. This surplus is rich in genetic structure available for long term adaptations. Self sufficiency and survival being the optimal goal for us and plants alike.
We welcome the swallows and bluebird families that will call our corner of the world home by allowing the landscape to develop naturally. Listen intently for the Sora and Wilson's Snipe to arrive in the spring and serenade the lingering sun at dusk all summer. The fox may kick out our residence skunk to raise her pups and we'll watch as the ravens cavort and defend their territory in the meadow from the fleeting red tail hawks, bald eagles and northern harriers all the while relishing every moment as the system seasonally changes.
There is so much possibility to intensively farm supporting both native fauna and flora while maximizing grow space when garden rows are designed not by the size of the tractor wheel. Instead you navigate the garden by the size of the growers foot, reach or straddle. Our modest beginnings are crucially supported by a small group of people who make expansion of growing space and acquisition of heirloom seeds sustainable. We appreciate your interest in local food-you're apart of this system.
