2016 was the year we first offered a Farm Internship. That year we welcomed four interns: Andrew (who has since become our Field Manager), Joshua, Miranda, and Betsy. Having owned a successful wellness business for 25 years, Betsy was ready for a career change and was drawn to learn to farm. Our internship is open to adults of all ages. Over the years we’ve had participants whose ages have ranged from 17 to 64. Betsy completed a two year internship before deciding to open her farm business. Betsy’s Flowers at the Farm is part of our Incubator Farm. We are pleased to announce that Betsy’s Flowers at the Farm is starting her second season of operation. She’s offering weekly or biweekly fresh flower bouquets for pick up at the Horn Farm.
Why buy local, organic flowers?
They Are Truly Local
Almost 80% of fresh flowers sold in the United States are not grown in North America, but in Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, the Netherlands, and Israel. Shipping flowers from those countries to the United States incurs huge transportation, energy, refrigeration, and storage costs, leaving an enormous carbon footprint. These floral materials often carry residue of chemical pesticides or fungicides.
They Are Truly Fresh
Imported flowers are often cut a week or more before they arrive in a customer’s hands. During this time, quality and vase life decline. Locally-grown flowers can be cut in the morning and on your dining room table that evening.
They Are Responsibly Grown
Betsy uses responsible farming methods like integrated pest management, diverse cropping systems, and low-input fertilization programs. Her farm encourages biodiversity, soil health, and water conservation.
They Smell Better
Many commodity-type flowers have been bred for uniformity to fit into a box, and the stem strength to hold up in that box for long-distance travel, usually losing their natural fragrance in the process. Locally-grown flowers are produced in greater varieties, providing a wide range of colors, forms, and scents.
They Support Small Farmers and the Local Economy
The production and sale of locally-grown cut flowers provides employment and contributes to a community’s economy.
They Make You Feel Better!
Flowers reduce stress and improve your mood. Flowers can be connected to a time, a place, a person, a season, an event. They have a story and you are part of it.
Shares are available on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. Find our more and purchase your share at: Betsy’s Flowers at the Farm.
Upcoming events:
2019 Horn Farm Vegetable CSA – Early bird discount of $25 available until January 31st!
Betsy’s Flowers at the Farm Flower CSA – Yes, I want flowers!
2019 Regenerative Farming Internship
2019 Woodland Steward Training Program
February 9 – Introduction to Lacto-Fermentation (waitlist)
March 23 – Wilderness Skills: The Art of Seeing & Nature Observation
March 30 – Wilderness Skills: Shelter Building & Finding Water
April 13 – Wilderness Skills: Ancient Art of Fire by Friction
April 20 – Wilderness Skills: Foraging, Hunting & Trapping
April 27 – Wilderness Skills: Advanced Primitive Hunting Techniques
From Bones to Bloom: Ecological Design Course March 3 – May 26
Friends and colleagues of ours will be teaching a Permaculture Design Course featuring the Horn Farm as one of the on-site “class rooms”. A class on regenerative ecology for the 21st century landscape with Robyn Mello, Wilson Alvarez, and Benjamin Weiss. This course will embody the permaculture principle: “design from patterns to details.” Students will begin at the foundation of ecological design by understanding ecological concepts and principles, learning to deeply observe natural patterns. During the course, we’ll take students on a journey through ever more detailed aspects of ecological design, developing towards a tool-kit of land-based techniques for building a new paradigm of community and economy.
Click here for full class description and registration
See you at the farm!
Photo credit for Betsy’s Flowers at the Farm: Michelle Johnsen