Celebrating a Year of Growth: Milestones, Lessons, and Community at Gathered Waters

August 18, 2023

As we look back on our first year at Gathered Waters Farm, we're embracing not only our accomplishments but also the lessons woven into every experience. Join us in this blog post as we celebrate our journey, sharing the highs and the invaluable insights that have shaped our path.

1. Buzzing Beginnings: Establishing an Apiary

Our commitment to cultivating a harmonious ecosystem spurred us to initiate an apiary with 7 nucs. Although our aspiration was to scale to 8 hives, challenges arose as we attempted to divide a hive for expansion later in the season - a feat that didn't transpire as planned. Moreover, one nuc struggled to thrive. Thus, our first year concluded with 6/7 hives, a poignant reminder of the multifaceted world of beekeeping. As winter approaches, our focus lies on fortifying our hives for the season while anticipating the expansion of our apiary in spring 2024.

2. Hen Haven: Growing Our Flock

Our flock, comprising 11 hens and 1 rooster, represents a chapter of growth and learning how to raise chickens for eggs. As newcomers to the world of chicken husbandry, we embarked on a journey that brought both fulfillment and insight. Alongside the successes, we faced the challenge of losing 3 pullets to black bears and 1 chick shortly afterarrival. Our rooster, Pento, initially thought to be a vital asset, has shown us the value of a harmonious environment without his assertive presence. Presently, we're actively seeking a new abode for Pento. We will expand our egg-laying flock in Spring 2024, with plans to raise some meat birds in 2025.

3. Nurturing Nature: Cultivating Medicinal and Aromatic Herbs  

Our dedication to the healing potential of nature bore fruit in the flourishing cultivation of medicinal and aromatic herbs like lemon balm, hops, lavender, and rosemary. These plants thrived, each contributing its unique benefits to our farm. Their growth serves as a tangible testament to our commitment to harnessing the gifts of the earth.

4. Harvesting Knowledge: Experimenting with Crops and Cultivation

Navigating the unpredictable weather tested our farming endeavors. Rain and overcast conditions posed challenges, impacting our cultivation plans. Furthermore, a delay in fence installation due to ongoing solar array work inadvertently exposed our garden to neighborhood rabbits. These trials underscored the importance of adaptability and proactive strategies in farming.

5. Harnessing the Sun: The Dawn of Solar Power

We're on the verge of a landmark achievement - breaking ground on a solar installation. However, the work on this project required meticulous coordination and effort. The journey toward solar power has illuminated the practicalities of transforming vision into reality, driving us toward a greener, more sustainable future.

6. A Sheltered Haven: Thriving with a High Tunnel

The introduction of a high tunnel yielded remarkable results, not without its own set of challenges. While it flourished as a winter oasis for tomatoes and peppers, strategic planning and adaptability remain paramount for maximizing its potential across seasons.

7. Crisp Delights: Crafting Homemade Pickles

Our journey is punctuated by successes, including the creation of homemade pickles. From cucumbers harvested on our land, we've perfected the art of crafting tangy delights. This week we are making homegrown tomato sauce! 

8. Community Bonds: Sharing Abundance with Neighbors

Our journey has also involved fostering connections with our neighbors. Meeting a few of them, we joyfully shared the bounty of our harvest - eggs, tomatoes, and peppers. This exchange has ignited our enthusiasm for building more neighborly connections. With plans to erect an egg stand, we envision a space where fresh produce and farm delights can be shared with the wider community.

Our inaugural year at Gathered Waters Farm epitomizes a tapestry of accomplishments, lessons, and community bonds. We're grateful for each chapter, each challenge, and each triumph that has shaped our story. Moving forward, we're eager to continue cultivating our land, tending to our practices, and nurturing the connections that make our journey vibrant and meaningful.