Don't you love those times when
you know you're in for a treat and nothing disappoints?
I recently enjoyed a day like that at Fig & Fauna farm.
In my very own neighborhood is this little gem of a farm
owned and worked by the most gracious family!
Nothing short of paradise, Fig & Fauna Farm is everything a farm should be...
organic, self sufficient, bountiful, respectful, and peaceful.
Everything here is treated in a respectful manner and serves a purpose(s).
The animals provide meat, eggs, milk, and fertilizer for the compost pile
while also providing natural pest control and soil therapy / rejuvenation.
The cows were sweet and enjoyed the attention they received.
The pigs root about the soil, providing air and fertilizer to a previously sterile sand pit.
They're also very happy and like to play!
This rooster was beautiful and very protective of his girls -
a great asset in areas full of wildlife that would enjoy a hen for dinner!
Fresh eggs are abundant!
The goats are milked regularly...in between play time, of course!
The goats also help protect the hens from fox, bobcat, raccoons and hawks.
These sweet baby bunnies produce amazing "Bunny Blessings",
or droppings that can be added directly to the garden.
The bunnies and chickens are kept in mobile pens
that are moved regularly permitting the animals
to feed on fresh grass and bugs while fertilizing the land.
This also prohibits any one area from becoming smelly and depleted.
The most interesting part of the farm, for me, are the gardens!
They are big, beautiful, bountiful and organic.
That is pretty impressive in South Florida
where soil is actually sand, not fertile Midwestern dirt.
I've only been successful with
smaller plum or cherry tomatoes while in Florida.
However, here is proof, just a mile from my home,
that large beefy tomatoes can be grown in this climate and soil!
The produce is luscious!
The garden is grown from heirloom seeds using open pollination.
Using beneficial bugs / insects in the garden
instead of pesticides
keeps the environment healthy and thriving!
Megan, aka Mrs. Fig & Fauna Farmer,
shows off a tomato horn worm covered with Braconid Wasp cocoons.
The wasps use the horn worm as a nursery as well as a food source.
Gross, but natural pest control at its best!
Finally, the farm tour was followed by a fabulous food demo
by Aran Goyoaga of Cannelle et Vanille
and author of
Small Plates and Sweet Treats.
Now THIS was a treat!
Aran is a James Beard Award nominated food blogger,
stylist & photographer,
living in my community.
How fortunate am I?!
Demonstrating proper technique...
a sharp blade is the key (and a dull one is her pet peeve!)
Beautiful organic food
and fresh produce
are the foundation of her creations.
The finished product...beautifully edible!
Of course we couldn't pass up a photo op with Aran!
She sincerely is as sweet as her creations!
I'm elated to make new friends so close to home,
experience their passions,
and share a beautiful day!
Be sure to check out Fig & Fauna and Cannelle et Vanille when you get a chance,
as well as Aran's new book, Small Plates and Sweet Treats.
