This week I visited the 21 Acres Center for Local Food and Sustainable Living in Woodinville, Washington. This farm is a nonprofit learning center and living laboratory that focuses on organic agriculture, sustainable living and green building technologies.
This way!
I started my tour with a visit to the farmer’s market. “Working here I’m beginning to understand what it actually takes to grow food. It’s a really humbling experience. I know all the farmers that sell here. I know their stories and their families; having talked with someone who grew the food I am eating and selling makes me look at it in a different, more respectful way” said Liesl McWhorter, a 21 Acres employee working at the on-site market.
Liesle McWhorter and Meghan Tenhoff at the 21 Acre market.
Even if the last thing you need in this season of bounty is more produce, a visit to the market is well worth it. There is information on where the products come from, who has grown them, recipes and how to cook things like dried beans. “I like working here because I enjoy inspiring people to try new foods and cooking familiar things in different ways” said employee Meghan Tenhoff as she bit into a sweet lemony cucumber freshly dipped in a new brand of hummus.
Greens as art.
Stretching back from the main green building are the growing fields, an area for veterans to farm, a gorgeous P-patch, animal pens and teaching areas. Everything is well marked and there are educational signs that explain things like worm bins and composting.
Self-guided farm tours are available. While I was there a school was visiting.
The Veteran Half-Acre provides a place for veterans to grow food, get together and learn.
Here’s one of the growing fields ready for fall planting.
Goats and chickens are on site.
On the edge of the farm is a P-patch filled with flowers, vegetables and good ideas you can use in your garden for trellising and maximizing space. I asked a gardener what she liked about having a plot. “I like getting my hands in the dirt, growing great food, learning from others and best of all on a clear day there’s a glorious view of Mt. Rainier” she said pointing towards the horizon.
The flowers are amazing right now. One gardener offered me a bouquet of dazzling dahlias.
Happy bees.
Succulent grapes.
Garden whimsy and fresh beans.
If the fresh food, beautiful gardens and friendly staff leave you wanting to learn more there are many classes that are available on cooking, composting, food preserving, green living and of course, gardening.
Looking forward to future visits.
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