Sustainable. Organic. Local. Carbon footprint.
"Farm-to-Table."

There is a lot of talk about our food and farming practices, but what does this all mean? It's an idea that intrigues us.

Suffice it to say that people are becoming increasingly interested about where their food comes from and how it was grown (to borrow from Slow Food USA), and specifically what was done to it that might alter it and our experience of it. "An idea, a way of living and a way of eating… that links the pleasure of food with a commitment to community and the environment."

When we first got the property, Timothy attended a discussion with Michael Pollan and Marion Nestle and left feeling even more committed to the idea that we can all, within the context of our lives, make changes that can improve our connection to our food, how we eat, the land, and the environment. In fact, at a book signing at the end of the event (and based on a very short conversation about our ideas and intentions), Mr. Pollan inscribed one of his books, "To the RMH Pioneers…" We like that idea.

Basically, we have the opportunity to relearn an approach and philosophy to food that used to be the only option-food was grown on a small scale, and people ate it. With the White House starting their new organic garden (although, seriously, how many professional landscapers and farmers work on that plot of land…if only…) to demonstrate that many of us can be involved in growing our own food, awareness is only increasing.

So, we are working to connect with food and how it is grown, for ourselves and those who experience River Myst Haven. We are not looking for large-scale distribution but are growing for own uses-cooking classes, wine-maker dinners, gardening classes, etc.-small-scale distribution, and donations to non-profit organizations.

We are very inspired by Harvest for the Hungry Garden and their commitment to "habitat for people, plants, & wildlife" and their efforts to help feed the hungry in the area.

Over the last few years we have been slowly expanding the areas we plant with vegetables, fruit, herbs, flowers and medicinal plants. It's more than gardening but we're still growing to embrace the concept of farming. We're committed to responsible, organic stewardship of the natural environment, in harmony with native flora and fauna.

Margaret Mead famously once said: "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." We are perhaps trying to demonstrate a corollary: "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people with a small garden can change the world…" or at the very least how we understand our connection to food.