A Magical Trip to Moss Mountain Farm – #Garden2Grow2016
Every so often, life presents you with an opportunity to step out of your comfort zone, a chance to do something extraordinary. This spring, life did just that when I was invited to travel to P. Allen Smith’s Moss Mountain Farm in Arkansas to participate in the Garden2Grow2016 conference. It seemed surreal that I would be invited to attend.
The grand scale of the trip was a bit intimidating. I’m happiest at home surrounded by my family, our animals, and the comforts of the farmhouse. Leaving that behind along with all the daily tasks on the farm as we readied for the summer growing season was daunting. I talked myself out of going dozens of times, convinced that the timing wasn’t quite right, that there were too many reasons that I couldn’t go to ignore.
Yet I wanted desperately to see Moss Mountain, to take in the views of a landscape so beautiful that the memory of it would stay with me for a lifetime. After talking over the logistics with my family, I decided to plan my trip. I simply couldn’t allow this chance to pass me by.
The trip was magical. I met an amazing group of people and was overwhelmed by the generosity of our host. The grounds of the farm were indeed beautiful and the time flew by. Before I knew it, the trip was over and it was time to return home.
I was thrilled to be back at the farmhouse, to share the details and photos from my wonderful trip. I did feel a bit wistful about leaving the sights of Moss Mountain Farm behind. I’ll forever remember standing beneath the Big Sister Oak and feeling a renewed sense of passion about following the dream I had about spending my days sharing my journey at1840 Farm with you.
It seems only fair that I also share the photos from my wonderful trip with you. Without you, Dear Reader, I would have never been offered such an amazing opportunity to travel to such a glorious place. Thank you for following along and for making this trip part of the journey.
This rooster has a gorgeous view of the farm and river from the bottom floor of the sleeping porch.
The upper floor of the sleeping porch was so inviting. Who wouldn't want to spend time here?
I never wanted to leave this sleeping porch!
As if the sleeping porch wasn't perfect enough: there's a beautiful copper soaking tub at the ready!
The view from the sleeping porch.
The sitting room off the children's bedroom made me smile. Every piece was perfect, every stripe and polka dot was just right.
Oh, to cook in such a gorgeous farmhouse kitchen!
The scene for dinner was beautiful.
Dinner began with a salad dressed with nasturtiums from the gardens.
After a long day, this dinner was just the sort of comfort food I needed. Chicken with grit cakes, green beans and tomato was delicious.
Any meal that ends with flaky pie is a winner in my book.
Ending the day in view of The Big Sister Oak draped with fairy lights made the evening magical.
This cabbage was immense and had just been plucked from the garden.
We spent a little time making fairy gardens and having fun getting our hands dirty.
The sound and sight of running water with lush gardens all around.
A Greek Revival chicken coop within a hedge fenced yard for the lovely flock of little white Silkies.
Even the dog statues have fabulous flower crowns!
The path into the vegetable garden is so inviting.
Beautiful green cabbages as far as the eye can see...
More beautiful vegetables growing on the farm.
Mmm, strawberries!
That rich, dark soil seemed to be begging us to do a little planting!
I see sauerkraut in the pantry to last all winter long and then some!
Beautiful plants taking refuge in the shade on a hot sunny day.
I absolutely adored these mini themed gardens planted in old wheelbarrows. I just might add a few of these to our garden!
There was so much to see in the vegetable garden that I had a hard time focusing!
The vegetable garden is neat as a pin!
With views like this, I might never leave!
Lunch in the Grange Hall. I couldn't love this room any more. Every detail is perfectly in place.
It should come as no surprise that I chose to sit here. I was missing Penny Lane and this little face seemed to be calling me to sit here!
Look closely at these tulips. They're "on the bulb" and just gorgeous. They look beautiful and can draw sustenance from the bulb as they are displayed. I just love this idea!
Barbecue lunch in the Grange Hall was a much needed respite from the heat. This kale salad was amazing!
Learning about organic gardening on the East Lawn.
Oh, to spend an afternoon wandering along that garden path...
Another path I'd like to wander...
Learning about umami, tomatoes, and Sakata Seeds in the vegetable garden.
Sweet carrots fresh from the garden.
It will be months before we have ripe tomatoes in our garden, so this is a real treat!
Iced coffee with a conscience on a hot day: perfection!
A bit of purple whimsy in the garden.
