Over the past few years, I have occasionally visited local family farms that I gather my produce from at the farmers markets. These visits are both inspiring and fulfilling. Farmers are a unique breed and some of the nicest people I have met. As an avid gardener, I know how happy, whole, and grounded working with the earth can make you feel.
I can imagine working the land and bearing witness to seeds growing into produce that will nurture us being very satisfying. In my small garden, I am able to grow some produce and herbs and many flowers that make me so happy on a daily basis. Not all of growing is satisfying though. Sometimes there is a disease that takes over or even a crop that doesn’t make it. We are merely the caretakers of the land and we do the best we can to feed it with organic ingredients that will produce food and flowers to feed the soul.
I recently posted about setting out to document small family farms across California. I want to bring their stories to life through photographs and their words. Every farm has a different story to tell and I am interested in hearing and piecing together the history of California small family farms, from the struggle to the success. My initial forays have lead me to see their true passion and efforts to further our stewardship of the land through organic and biodynamic farming. There is much to admire about our farmers and their devotion to growing healthy food.
California is blessed with a year-round growing season. We are also on the forefront of the culinary scene, especially in Los Angeles. Our chefs inspire the farmers to grow more unique produce, to search out heirloom varieties and even let their produce go to seed allowing the blooms to take over. For anyone that follows me, you know how much I love produce blooms. They are so photogenic, but I leave the culinary creativity to the chefs.
I look forward to hitting the road and visiting farms in my area and sharing with you their stories. As always, please buy and support your local farmers. I am devoted to the growing of healthy food and the pleasures of the land and all it can offer us.