Great Day Gardens in Forest/Lynchburg. They are one of the newer members of the farming community in the past year and a half or so but have quickly become a dedicated source for local, ecologically-grown vegetables, flowers, herbs and more – and handmade breads! They are focused currently on growing for customers through their CSA, at various farmers markets around the area (Forest Farmers Market, Grandin Village Community Market, Lynchburg Community Market), and local retail/restaurants (such as Health Nut Nutrition/Millie’s Living Cafe, The Well health food store, etc). More from Arden and Michael: “Everything from our garden is grown in an organic fashion, though we are not officially certified organic. We do not use any synthetic fertilizers, herbicides, or pesticides ever. Though our garden is less than one acre, we grow a large variety of crops for the market and our CSA program, especially salad greens, herbs, and summer fruits. The goal in our garden is to create rich, living soil within a vibrant farm ecosystem. Our main input is carbon-rich compost, and our garden is intentionally planted with flowers, perennial herbs, and woody species to encourage pollinator activity. We also capture water on site using earthworks and harvest rainwater for our animals and greenhouse. We grow some grains for use in our breads, notably multi-color field corn. In 2016 we are experimenting with more corn varieties as well as hard spring wheat and a small plot of dry beans.” Come network with other farmers, gardeners and local food advocates – and learn about all the great things Great Day Gardens has growing. ________________________________ When: Tuesday, July 19 (5-8pm) (5-5:45) Arriving and Networking (5:45-6:45) Eating and Hanging Out (6:45-8:00) Farm tour, question-and-answer with Michael and Arden of Great Day Gardens. Bring: 1) A healthy dish to share. 2) Your own dishware. 3) An optional cash donation of any amount (to help us grow Land and Table) Location: Great Day Gardens, 2261 Thomas Jefferson Rd Forest, VA 24551 Directions: If coming from 221, take a right onto 811 (Thomas Jefferson Road) after you pass through the 2nd stoplight (Everett Road), Great Day Gardens is the first driveway on the right. Look for the Land and Table sign by the driveway. You’ll see a large old white farmhouse. Parking in the driveway or up in the field to the left (between the house and barn).
RSVP: Here on the website or on Facebook.
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