We were recently interviewed for the newsletter of the Trust for Working Landscapes, the land trust that is leasing us some land. The article came out yesterday, and apparently we managed not to say anything too dumb!

“From Stacks to Starts” — A story of Dropstone Farms
By Christy Carr

After meeting in Library School and moving to Bainbridge Island in 2007, farmers Lauren Manes and Garth Highsmith are now about to use their professional background in new ways with their agrarian adventure at Johnson Farm. “Garden management is such a cool problem” says Garth, explaining that it works well with his interest in catalouging and categorization.

It’s not all about management though, stresses Lauren. “Deliciousness was the driver” in their evolving interest in farming. They started with small raised beds in a Seattle backyard, learning to cook and enjoying shopping at farmer’s markets. Next came the installation of a 2500 square foot garden at their new home on the island. This spring finds them hatching plans to farm a 1/2 acre field at the Johnson Farm, one of Bainbridge Island’s publicly owned farmlands.

Dropstone Farms plans to grow a variety of row crops and pastured poultry for egg production. They’re particularly interested in growing a few less-common island products like asparagus and hops. They intend to sell at the Bainbridge Farmers’ Market and may do limited on-farm sales. Farming is a new venture for these two, but they are firmly seated in their dedication to growing and eating delicious local food. Stop by Johnson Farm to say hello or check out their farm blog at www.dropstonefarms.com.

Hi, new TWL visitors! Garth wants to note that one thing that didn’t make it into the article was that we welcome feedback and ideas for what you want to see at the markets. Get in touch via the comments on this blog, or contact us both at farmers at dropstone farms dot com.

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