URBAN FARMING in DOWNTOWN LYNCHBURG, VA

On a beautiful March day, Marcia, Shelly, Janet and I ventured to Lynchburg, Virginia to visit an urban farm--Lynchburg Grows. A fun two-hour drive from Richmond with bluebird skies, provided us time to catch up, chat about gardening and rejoice that spring weather has finally arrived. Lynchburg Grows is a 6.5 acre organic urban farm located on the site on one of the U.S.'s largest rose growers from the 1920's until the 1990's when the operation was abandoned. Above is the office where you can purchase vegetables...today I purchased swiss chard that I can't wait to eat!
There are historic greenhouses that cover 2 acres of the 6.5 acres where they grow vegetables and roses to sell in the community and also to donate to the local food pantry. Since 2004, more than 2,400 community volunteers contributed over 25,000 hours to clear out dead rose plants and install growing systems for vegetables in the 40,000 sq. feet of greenhouses. Lynchburg Grows was formed as a not-for-profit corporation in 2003. Its mission became to help all disadvantaged persons enjoy the healthy benefit of gardening and have access to such spaces. It partners with numerous local organizations to demonstrate the importance of sustainable, local agriculture and healthy living."

Derek, who works for Lynchburg Grows, was not only very friendly, but extremely knowledgable about every facet of what goes on in the garden from growing organically to selling the produce through their CSA (Community Supported Agriculture). He answered every question we had including the bred of chickens and the value of worm castings in compost. We had many questions about his "windrows" created for easy turning of the leaf and manure compost that they make and sell.

I hope that you enjoy taking a photo journey through the "Farm" and see the wonderful gifts of nature that we experienced and learned about today.

Final stop was at the fabulous Ivy Nursery just West of Charlottesville--variegated boxwood, sweet smelling Pieris, gorgeous orchids nestled in exquisite urns, and organic gardening supplies. The most fabulous colors in flowers, pots and accessories of all kinds.

This is gardening and friendship at its best!

Get out and Garden! Katherine :)