Broadened Horizons Organic (Teaching) Farm

at

226 Rodgers Lane

Rockwood, Tennessee

Posted each week on Sunday night (labor and farm conditions permitting)

Sunday, July 25^th, 2010

"To forget how to dig the earth and to tend the soil is to forget ourselves."

Mohandus K. Gandhi

It has been a transformative two weeks here at the farm as we deal with a multitude of challenges. We had to put down our cherished mule, thus losing a key farm draft animal. We also had the experience of Cielo becoming debilitatingly ill, which humbled us with a gut reality check that the time & work demands of our current farm activity were beyond our ability to manage without additional help. Overlayed across these events is the unrelenting heat of what is statistically becoming the hottest Summer on record (following the coldest Winter). The end result is that we have had to conclude that our current business model is not taking root in the community, and therefore basically not working, and that we have been allowing our unbridled idealism to place us in an untenable position.

Our farm's primary mission has always been to model and teach principles of sustainability. To supplement our workshop and consultation income in the initial years of our farm start-up, we took on the additional aspect of actually growing food for sale to the general public. Acceptance of authentic, organically grown local food has been a hard sell in a community poorly educated in nutrition and health care (as opposed to the current sickness care), and plagued by high rates of obesity and diabetes. In five years of producing highly acclaimed, quality food at very affordable prices, and attempting to educate each and every customer as to the advantage of "knowing your local organic farmer," we have concluded that producing commercial food for sale to the public is not a practice we want to continue. Instead we will return to the roots of our work, the art of sustainable living at a time when climate change threatens to disrupt seasonal life as we once knew it.

In order to teach sustainability, we feel we must actually live sustainably. The more we continue to actively cater to a generally disinterested and oftentimes rude and impersonal public, the more we slip in our own attempts to slow down the farm work to a sustainable pace. What we have working for us is our current health, and a vision of restoring an ecosystem that will nurture and support our nutritional and medicinal needs. If we sacrifice our health in this process, then the vision doesn't really benefit us or others.

Some of our immediate steps being undertaken as Cielo begins to recover from exhaustion-compounded organ dis-ease, is the cessation of farm-grown food sales to the general public, a streamlining of our website content, and a new workshop configuration with attendance options that will enhance longer-distance outreach. We will continue our plant breeding work, and will continue to sell our heirloom seed, plants and bulbs to interested buyers.

As part of the website streamlining, this will be the last Farm Journal entry, and this page will be deleted within a couple of weeks. To all you gentle readers of our F.J., thank you for your past and present interest in the story of the Broadened Horizons Organic Teaching Farm.

2009 Farm Year in Review

The year ended with one last rainfall event on December 31, capping an extra wet year that saw a total of exactly 66 inches or rainfall, one of the wettest years on record. Three months, May, September, and December had rainfall in excess of nine inches. This was offset with three months that had less than three inches of rainfall, June 2.6 inches, August 2.8 inches and November at 2.12 inches.The total rainfall for 2009 was a staggering 30.76 inches more than during the exceptional drought year of 2007. This is an additional two and a half feet of water over the entire farm.

The uneven and often excess rainfall caused a significant loss in yield of numerous crops; Strawberries-95% loss, Plums-90% loss, Beans-50% loss, Watermelons-30% loss, Tomatoes-25% loss, and Corn-20% loss.The corn loss was an interesting mix of not enough rain (August) when the ears were forming, and too much rain at harvest time in late September. The excessive rainfall in September (9.58"- making it the wettest month in 2009) forced us to prepick the entire corn crop and hang it up in the barn rafters. It was the first time we had picked a dried corn crop while it was raining. The whole operation took three days. We have since learned that rain caused corn crop failure in our region was widespread.

On the upside, the rainfall kept the farm lush, and biomass production was very high. This resulted in plentiful fresh forage for our poultry flock, and an unlimited supply of garden mulch. To take advantage of this biomass growth we purchased a new self-propelled mower with the capacity to bag the cut greenery. The cut bio-material was loaded into our large gardenway cart and hauled to various growing locations. The mulch was excellent in suppressing unwanted weedy growth, and for keeping the soil from washing and, or compacting due to the heavy rainfall. By feeding the soil this constant supply of fresh green organic material, the earthworm population flourished. By the end of the growing season, the soil had markedly improved from just a year ago. It was soft and yielding underfoot, and easy to dig into using a small hand trowel.

Construction projects on the farm began to tip more toward completion of the basic footprint, which allowed us to spend more time in actual agricultural work. In March, we completed the final chicken house (G building), essentially finishing the physical layout of our integrated poultry operation. Major work was undertaken on the larger barn

  which was in danger of getting away from us. The entire west wall of the barn has now been rebuilt and is in the process of being painted. Considerable structual work has been completed to the barn's interior, including the addition of cross barn trusses, additional support posts, the construction of a hay loft, a structual catwalk, and the renovation of the primary livestock stall. A portion of the farmhouse front was rebuilt, which included adding insulation and finishing it with 1" thick pine board and battens. This considerably increased the structual integrity of this wall. A new stand alone greenhouse was constructed in what is now designated as the Winter Garden, a southwest facing gentle slope on the south side of the G-house. And finally, the main greenhouse had the stonework completed on the north and west walls. The sides of the enclosed stone cistern were also raised four inches.

For the first time since taking over the farm, we had separately designated housing units and runs for raising chicks, growing out pullets, and maintaining the mature laying flock. We employed a systematic culling program, and sold 14 of the oldest birds as stewing hens. We did increase egg sales, while at the same time reducing feed costs by growing a portion of our own feed. This allowed us to double our profit margin. It was also the first year that we raised all of our replacement chicks from eggs from our laying flock. This is beneficial for two reasons; the first is a higher survival rate for mother-hen raised chicks, and secondly the most desireable genetic traits of our "naturalized" heritage breed flock are passed on to the next generation.

The bee picture was quite mixed this year. We gained a swarm from the wild, then shortly thereafter lost a swarm from another hive. That hive's remaining bees eventually died off for reasons unknown. At the onslaught of cold weather, we only had one viable hive in spite of all of our careful caretaking. Even though the surviving hive was strong throughout the summer, wet weather interfered  with nectar flow and nectar gathering, and the hive produced no surplus honey for extraction. This was a significant financial loss of farm income.

Garden sales remained steady and evenly tied 2008 sales levels. Cucumber beetles were a major pest this year, wiping out the summer squash and cucumber crop. The watermelon crop however escaped beetle damage, and did well until we were forced to pick the crop early as excessive rain was causing the fruits to split open. Squash vine  borers continue to be problematic, which has limited our ability to grow Winter Squash. Our most successful crop this past season was our sweet potato crop.

We continued to showcase our farm with a number of worshops, guided tours, and a well attended Fall Open House. New drive up customers noticeably declined as traffic was considerably less on our road in 2009. We think the current dismal economic situation is partly to blame. 

Our farm income declined 25% from a year ago.

Month ----- 2006 -----  2007----- 2008 ---- 2009 ----- 2010 ----- 2011----- 2012 ----- 2013

(all measurements are in inches) 

January----- (NR) ------ 3.10 ----- 4.35 ----- 5.65 ----- 8.75²

February ---- (NR) ------ 1.45 ----- 5.07 ----- 3.43 ----- 3.50

March ------ 4.05 ------- 3.45 ----- 5.86 ----- 5.75 ----- 3.62

April -------- 7.75 ------- 4.15 ----- 4.30 ------3.50 ----- 3.29

May --------  2.22 ------- 3.35 ----- 3.96 ----- 9.50 ----- 7.34

June -------- 1.25 ------- 1.80 ------1.67 ----- 2.60 ----- 3.79

July --------- 6.10 ------- 2.30 ----- 5.61------ 5.36 ----- 4.37*

August ----- 5.85 ------- 1.40 ----- 5.24¹----- 2.83

September  6.65 ------- 3.55 ----- 1.38 ----- 9.58

October ---- 6.55 ------- 2.50 ----- 1.80 ----- 6.65

November - 5.00 ------- 5.37------ 4.13 ----- 2.12

December - 3.40 ------- 2.82 ----- 7.54 ----- 9.03                 

YEARLY

TOTALS --- 48.82 ---- 35.24 ---- 50.91---- 66.00 ---- 34.66*

(NR) not recorded

* measurement to date

1-Tropical Storm Fay 5.07" 

2-Largest volume rain runoff event -Jan 25th

Why Seeds?

As more of our seed heritage is lost through hybridization and genetic engineering, we feel strongly about our work to protect and enhance open pollinated varieties of seed that have stood the test of time and taste. As climate anomalies increase, we are working to produce better drought, heat, and cold resistant varieties of heirloom corn and bean seed. It is very satisfying work as we continue to build upon and expand the work of other small scale, dedicated, specialized, plant breeders.

Our Pledge

We value the trust our customers bestow on us when they buy our farm produced seed, and dried bean  products. Because we wish to maintain and enhance that trust, we have pledged to manage our farm in the most sustainable and ecologically healthy manner in order to guarantee the highest quality and safest seed, and food beans for your own use.

We welcome our customer's questions and farm visits.

Please Note: Folks trying to reach our farm using Map Quest or GPS are mostly directed to Rodgers Circle, about six miles away. To find our farm, please go to our directions page

Seed & Plant Section

Our seeds and plants are heirloom varieties that we have grown organically here on the farm, year after year, so they are naturally more acclimated to the soil and weather conditions here in East Tennessee. We hand sort our seed to guarantee you get the highest quality for planting.

Organic Heirloom Bean Seeds -

Grown annually on our farm - naturally air dried, hand shelled and carefully sorted.

Sold by the packet @ $2.50  (40+ seeds - depends on variety - planting & growing instructions upon request)

Pole beans save valuable garden space, don't fall over so they limit spoilage as the pods don't touch the ground, easier to pick as most stooping and bending is eliminated, and consistently outyield bush varieties.

        Black & White Lima Bean pole type- vigorous climber, high yielding, drought resistant, (I)

        Christmas Lima Bean (crimson & white, pole type-vigorous climber, truly giant size  (I)
   
        Rattlesnake Bean (pole type, tasty, stringless green bean, heavy yielding, our favorite green bean, good as a dry bean also (I)

        Granny May Black Eyed Peas (vigorous runner type, heavy yielding, short cooking time, very prolific (I)

        Indian Woman Yellow Butter Bean (semi- half-runner type with dainty leaves and small copper colored beans,  rare (D)

        Paint Dry Bean (half-runner type, white with yellow saddle marking, heavy yielding, (I)

        Jacobs Cattle Bean (bush type, heavy yielding, colorful white & maroon, large kidney type, (D)

        Hutterite Soup Bean (semi half runner, good yielding, our best soup bean  (D)

NOTE: With some pole bean varieties, we have harvested approximately 200 beans back per bean seed planted (measured by weight). Requires good soil with lots of organic matter worked in for best results and highest yield. (I=Indeterminate - D=Determinate variety) The determinate varieties will still lightly reflower and produce a second crop if given adequate moisture.

Organic Dried Beans for food consumption

The following varieties of sun dried beans are sold for sprouting and cooking in 1 & 2 pound packages. They are a grade below our top choice seed stock. All beans are sold for $3. per pound.

Hutterite Soup Bean - light green solid color - creamy bean broth when cooked.

Rattlesnake Bean - looks somewhat similar to a pinto bean in color, but a better flavor.

Paint Dry Bean - a plump medium-sized kidney bean, white with yellow saddle markings. A good all around cooking bean with exceptional flavor.

Note: Heirloom seed moved to a new location becomes biologically mated to the particular soil & climate it grows in and becomes "localized" in genetic traits.

Our seed corn is hand shelled and sorted to guarantee you receive the very best kernels for planting. Sold by: - pkt. - 1 oz. $2.50,  1/4 lb. $5.50,  1/2 lb. $8.00,  and 1 lb. $12.50

Shipping is by flat rate priority mail if possible, otherwise by regular priority mail.

        Ohio Blue Clarage - Tasty, nutty flavored, sweet meal corn, (or roasting ear) 10-12 ft. stalks. Developed in Ohio & W. VA  1830-1850,  tolerates crowding and resists corn smut. 90-100 days. Makes both a superior corn meal and poultry feed.

        Neal's  Paymaster - White corn with red cob -consistent two large ears per plant - 90 days to roasting ears (pre-1915)   SOLD OUT OF BULK QUANTITY - only 1 oz. pkts. still available

     

Perennial plants      

Strawberry Crowns  - High yielding vigorous plants, individually potted, ready for Fall planting.  $2.50 ea.  3 for $5.

Multiplier Onion Bulbs - (Egyptian walking onion) for use as green onions, onion stem top forms self-propagating onion bulb sets. Plant in late Summer for Fall & Winter onions. Sold as sets - 20 for $5.00

Annual plants

-None available at this time

Many of these art cards and prints are inspired by the natural spirited life here on our East Tennessee Organic Teaching Farm.

The blending of my drawings, paintings and digital photographs are meant to celebrate this living Earth and pluck a chord of re-membering that as we do to our Earth we do to ourselves.  ~Cielo Sand, artist

The cards are not only wonderful notes to have on hand, they also make great gifs. The cards come in a convenient 5 x 7" frameable size for decorating. The card designs are also available as prints, with sizes and prices that vary. Please email for print details.

All images are printed with the Epson Stylus Pro 4880 printer and Epson K3 Ultrachrome inks on archival-quality photo papers. The cards are blank on the inside and many have informative descriptions of the subject matter on the back.

~ Mix or pick indvidual cards to order:

    - Set of any 4 - $14.00 + mailing

    - Individual (1) - $4.00 + mailing

    - Prints - sizes and prices vary depending on the design. Information upon request

~ Email your order using the name located on the right of the card and the quantity. For size and cost of prints, email: cielosand@mindspring.com

~ When your order is received an invoice will be emailed to you. Please send postal money order (only) made out to Cielo Sand to: Cielo Sand, 226 Rodgers Lane, Rockwood, TN 37854

~ When your payment is received (postal money order only), your order will be mailed within 2 working days, unless otherwise informed.

*SHIPPING - U.S. Postal Service

Cards and Prints will be shipped within two (2) working days of orders unless otherwise informed. 

RETURN POLICY - We have a no return policy unless the cards are damaged from shipping. Please contact us immediately.* Buyer shall be responsible for the cost of return mailing of damaged cards, and seller shall be responsible for cost of replacing and re-shipping.

* contact:  cielosand@mindspring.com

Rooster Series

Our good farm rooster is a reflection of nobility. He is the primary caretaker of his flock. In the field he stands watch for predator hawks and foxes, while hens are single-focused on scratching for food. He calls to his flock when he discovers a nest of bugs and will step aside to let the hens eat first. 

Rooster Reflection

Light Call, rust  

Light Call, green

Onionheads

Animal Series - Winged

 Wetland Flight

Animal Series - Heron

Round River

Heron Moon 

Heron Night Landscape

Heron Day Landscape

Tree Series

Water Cycle

Cat Series

Plum Moon

Flowering Series

Iris Ivory

Columbine 

 Amaryllis 

Holiday Series

 Winter Star

  Winter Star was inspired by the discovery of an unusually late   blooming Queen Annes Lace (Wild Carrot) near the garden gate.  This tiny snowflake-like cluster became the  center from which the bright red and mossy colored sprigs of Lambs-Quarters (Pigweed) spring outward, their rich seasonal colors warming the spirit like the suns rays warm a chilled body.

Founded in January of 2004, the farm mission is primarily dedicated toward the teaching of sustainable practices of soil and water restoration through a multi-faceted organic / permaculture-based program of land use planning and stewardship. Central to this goal is a comprehensive rainwater collection system that harvests and stores rainwater in cisterns and ponds for ongoing and future use in crop irrigation, poultry watering and poultry facility washing, aquatic food supply and wildlife habitat enhancement.

The farm is home to a farm-bred, mixed-flock, of heritage laying hens that are free-range pastured year round in a two acre complex of multiple runs and age-related housing options. It also hosts a small apiary. Multiple gardens, orchards, and greenhouses provide fruits and vegetables in the appropriate seasons.

Sales of our seed products are conducted from our website and from the farm. We are open for business from 8:30 a.m until 4 p.m.- year-round. Seed & Plant Products currently for sale can be found on our website.

In conjunction with our land restoration work is our program to convert existing buildings over to greater seasonal energy efficiency. Construction of existing or new structures are guided by the following criteria, to be low in material cost, to factor in directional orientation and topographical placement, maximum use of vegetative landscaping and predominate use of local materials. All of our building projects involve 85% minimum use of local, natural, recycled and salvaged materials.

We offer year-round guided tours and structured hands-on workshops, as a way to share our experience and knowledge. We invite you to tour our website, and learn about our sustainable land practices, the long-term vision of the Broadened Horizons staff, and the daily workings of our sustainability teaching farm.

One day workshops

begin at 9 a.m. and end at 5 p.m.

A wholesome farm-grown lunch is provided to participants.

Weekend workshops

begin on Friday evening and end on Sunday morning.

A light potluck supper on Friday, three full meals on Saturday,

and a light breakfast on Sunday is provided.

Weekend workshops

include an evening campfire and story telling at our Between the Ponds fire circle.

Musical instruments are always welcome. 

For more details-contact us by phone 865-354-8170 or by Email

Fees for workshops are as follows:

• School groups and home schoolers $5.oo per person
• One day workshops - $80.oo per person - Bring a friend and get a $10 discount.
• Weekend workshops - $200. per person -  Bring a friend and get a $25 discount.
  
• Sign up for two one day workshops for $140, or three one day workshops for $200
• Sign up for all four one day workshops plus the weekend permaculture workshop for $450
  
• Active full-time student, lower income, or simple lifestyle practitioner - 50% off of full price.
• Work to learn participant - $10 per day - must be pre-approved following a trial day at the farm. **
• It is our intention to not exclude any serious potential workshop participant due to a financial hardship in paying the workshop fee. If you need scholarship financial assistance or other special consideration, please contact us via email.
  

**The Work to learn program is design to exchange sweat equity for practical knowledge. In exchange for hands-on labor provided to the farm, participants receive practical knowledge and monetary credit toward workshop attendance.

Workshop Deposit Required

For one day workshops, we require a $25.oo non-refundable deposit to be paid no later than two weeks prior to the workshop date. For weekend workshops, a $50.oo deposit is required two weeks prior to the workshop date. Special arrangements may be made for late sign-ups.

Please make checks payable to Leaf Myczack

Overnight lodgings & facilities -

• primitive tent campsites
• sheltered loft space in the main barn
• parking area for camper - no utilities provided
  
• enclosed composting toilet facility w/ wash water sink
• enclosed outdoor kitchen w/ propane fueled stovetop
  

PLEASE DO NOT BRING PETS, FIREARMS, ALCOHOL, OR DRUGS TO THE FARM

Workshops Offered

1. Permaculture, learning from nature - (weekend)
2. Rainwater Harvest and Storage - Basic - (one day)
3. Rainwater Harvest and Storage - Advanced - (weekend)
4. Introduction to Organic Gardening - (one day)
5. Simple Green Construction & Retrofitting Techniques - (one day)
6. New Farm Start Up for first time farmers- (weekend or two day)
7. Basic free range poultry care & management (one day)
   

2010

Winter-time workshops by special request only. Call or e-mail for details.

March  6               Maryville College class field trip

March  27             Rainwater Harvest & Storage - Basic 101

April  10                Introduction to Organic Gardening

April  17                Permaculture, learning from nature

April 24        Farm Fest & Open House - 40th Anniversary of Earth Day - Free Events

May    8                  Introduction to Organic Gardening

May  15                  Basic free range poultry care & managemant

May  22                  Simple Green Construction

June  5                   Rainwater Harvest & Storage

June 18 -20            Permaculture, learning from nature

June 21                  Chattanooga Mothers & Their Earth-Friendly Children's Day

SUMMER BREAK - (special workshops or farm tours available upon request)

September         Introduction to Organic Gardening--getting prepared for next year's garden

October              Rainwater Harvest & Storage

October              Simple Green Construction -

October              Annual Fall Open House - Free Event

November          Permaculture, learning from nature

Workshops are now conducted per request only. Call or E-mail it interested.

The "new-farm start up" workshop will be presented as a total custom event for each participant(s). There will be no pre-scheduled calendar dates, rather we will hold the workshop "on demand" when a new farmer(s) is both learning ready and has time available.
The workshop sessions will cover enough topics to require at least a couple of days. Training might also include a work-to-learn" component that would be a hands on labor exchange for practical farm knowledge / experience held at a later, separate time. The workshop can be held at anytime during the week, and is not limited to weekends only.

Meals and overnight lodging could be made available, allowing the participant(s) to experience actual farm  living routines. Fees are structured along a sliding scale based on income level. Contact us for more specific information concerning registration and cost.

Subjects covered:

Designing an efficient, low maintenance farm infrastructure

Benefits and wisdom of crop diversity

Soil testing through plant presence

Utilizing internal & external nutrient inputs

Managing sustainable growth & expansion

Recycling & resource reconfiguration (permaculture inspired)

Business management guidelines to maximize profit potential

Establishing a signature farm product

Minimizing energy costs through green construction and appropriate landscaping

Sustainable agricultural practices in the East Tennessee region

Seed saving and improving plant genetics

Rebuilding and nourishing topsoil

Testimonials

 We really enjoyed our visit out to Broadened Horizons Organic Farm, meeting you and Cielo and learning about your farming practices. You have clearly invested a lot of time and energy into growing your farm, and your experience and enthusiasm are evident.

It was very helpful to see the systems you have put in place, and to hear about the recycled and salvaged materials you have incorporated into your farm. Books, conferences and the like are certainly useful tools for beginning farmers, but the opportunity to see and learn about examples of sustainable practices first hand is invaluable.

Chris & Dana Saywell, Blount County, TN.

We’ll certainly be following your progress and continuing to learn from your experiences as you share them in your Weekly Farm Journal and your Blog.

Dudley & Patria Leath, Blount County, TN.

Buckminster Fuller

From the Aug. 11^th, 2007 Rainwater Collection Workshop

"Thanks again for a great day and a great experience! It was very inspiring to me to see sustainable living in action and to see the ingenuity with which you actualise it all. It is easy to have great ideals, but a different matter to live by them, without succumbing under their weight either. I was glad for my own sake, but also for Simon and Natasha's sake, since they are young and your example can help them keep the faith and help them materialize their own ideals. So, thank you for your passion, knowledge and guts!

Mieke Rose,  Chapel Hill, North Carolina

From the March 22^nd, 2008 Rainwater Collection Workshop
 
I found the class very practical.  I was impressed by the many ways water is collected, stored and strategically allocated at the Broadened Horizons Farm.  Being able to see your catchment and storage techniques firsthand was very helpful and inspiring. The amount and depth of structured information was good.  I also appreciated the opportunity for questions and answers.
The morning coffee and snack, and the noon meal were hearty and wonderful.
Bottom line, I enjoyed the day and think the staff at Broadened Horizons has a lot to teach.  I am considering some of your other courses.
I am very happy that you are located in East Tennessee.
 
Gordon Griffith,  Knoxville, TN

 We so appreciated being able to visit a farm that focuses on sustainable practices right here in East TN.  There are a few others here, but not quite as set up and certainly not with your attention to rainwater collection.

I think I knew that it was necessary to prioritize how one uses collected rainwater, but I had not previously considered the concept of budgeting for this.  It frames the idea much differently for me and causes me to be even more deliberate in my stewardship. I was very impressed with how the budgeting process includes not just the chickens, shower, fruit trees, gardens, and other food sources, but also trees that might be needed for shade, OR that were there before you were and need a drink. And, that sometimes it is about providing habitat for frogs, birds, fish, etc. I came away with a greater sense of the responsibility involved in collecting and then re-distributing rainwater.

Rachel Swinney,  Knoxville, TN

From the June 28^th, 2008 Rainwater Collection Workshop

We thought the workshop was very informative and we took several ideas away that we hope to implement. The thing that impressed us the most was that you have made the concept of sustainability a reality and that you were so willing to share your knowledge with us.

Hopefully, your message will gain more credibility with others as our summers get hotter and drier and oil prices rise. 

Don & Nancy Carpenter, Lenoir City, TN 

One thing that really made an impression on me during the workshop was realizing the fact that a lot of things done in a "typical yard" are done by "working against nature." I noticed the harmony (you can actually feel it) with nature when walking around the farm. And rather than looking unkempt, the result was peaceful, calming, and had a natural order about it.

I was excited about utilizing some of the workshop ideas, and I have had a great time in the yard this week. 

Maryann Fulton, Lenoir City, TN 

From the November 23^rd, 2008 Intro. to Organic Gardening Workshop

Your 1-day Introduction to Organic Gardening Workshop was a wonderful workshop for organic gardeners. Even though I’ve been gardening for 25 years, I gained some valuable information that I will use in my gardening practice.

Broadened Horizon’s farm is an impressive example of sustainable farming and I enjoyed seeing all the water collection devices, solar collectors, and gorgeous chickens. The greenhouse classroom, tasty vegetarian lunch, and traditionally-built cat, "Potroast", were delightful.

Rita Senko, Ozone, TN

I love the simplicity of Leaf's gardening approach. It's so easy to over complicate a process. I left realizing it's more important to observe the garden as a life in itself then to sweat the analytical details.  I left inspired and more confident about how and why I will expand my garden area over the next few years.

Lois Martin, Oak Ridge, TN

I really like the hands on style of learning and expect it will help me remember what I learned. I love the whole system that you use. It was a great day and the food was wonderful.

Pam Brown, Louisville, TN

I learned a lot about how to turn my big grassy backyard into a garden. The farm is beautiful and serene. I really admire all of the multiuse and reuse ideas you incorporate.

Ginger Conner, Knoxville, TN