Introducing… Apricot Lane Farms!

Last weekend, John and I traveled from our temporary home of Chicago to Moorpark, CA; the first time we’ve gotten to visit Apricot Lane Farms together, since learning that we will definitely be making it our home.  Rachael Ray’s husband once said (and I roughly paraphrase) that nothing feels real until he shares it with Rachael.  I’m sure many couples understand that phenomenon, and since John takes all the pretty pictures, Apricot Lane Farms can finally become real for Organic Spark, too.  I’m so excited to share these pictures with you.  So let’s get on with it!

Apricots used to be a thriving crop in the Moorpark, CA area.  In fact, a popular variety of apricot trees is actually named Moorpark, in honor of the fruit’s heritage.  Ironically enough, though apricot trees thrive in Moorpark, CA, the actual Moorpark variety does not.  It’s not cold enough!  Go figure.

Currently, apricot trees only sporadically line the entrance-way to the farm, as well as several of the white-fenced pastures.  We plan to change this.  In honor of their heritage, apricot trees will not only fully line the entrance-way, but several varieties will be planted in the Apricot Lane Farms orchard.

The farm used to be a horse farm with 80-acres of somewhat overlooked avocado & lemon orchards.  Turning the whole operation on its head, we will be using the beautiful horse pastures to raise heritage breed sheep called Dorpers, pastured chickens and a few Tamworth heritage-breed hogs.

 

 

The orchard will also be changed.  In addition to adding more apricots, next year will begin a major orchard re-planting project.  We will be ripping out acres of aging lemons and avocados that have been stricken with root-rot, a common demise of the delicious avocado tree.  We will be increasing the number of avocados on the property, as well as planting 10-acres with a wide variety of fruit trees designed to serve as the foundation for a farmer’s market operation. Apricots, cherries, pears, peaches, blueberries, oranges, strawberries, kiwi and more are all currently in the plans.  I’ve been spending my days with my nose buried in the computer or my ear glued to the phone, learning everything I can about the different varieties of fruits that could thrive in our soil and climate.

 

I’m also excited to announce that as of April 13, 2011, all chemical spraying stopped at Apricot Lane.  Three years from now, the farm could qualify for organic certification.  We will also be moving towards Biodynamic certification with Demeter USA.  We hope to not only be organic one day soon, but also to be a practicing Biodynamic farm.  I can’t wait to taste the fruit after this magical transition happens.

One of our favorite things about the farm is the diversity – rolling pasture, orchard, vegetable patches, hills, valleys and one little pond right in the middle.  With the right guidance, we will be embarking on a pond restoration project in order to provide a natural habitat for all sorts of critters.

 

As grateful shepherds of this land, we feel the responsibility to share its gifts with the world.  We hope to feed you with its bounty, and one day, we’d like to personally invite you to Apricot Lane, in order to experience its abundant charm first hand.

xo – Organic Spark