Archive for the ‘Thom’s Blog’ Category

Willow: A profile

Thursday, February 3rd, 2011

Willow bouquetWhen I tell people I work on a willow farm, it is often met with confused looks. In their perplexed expressions, I see them wonder, “What would anyone want with willow?”

This disoriented reaction is something I can certainly understand. Until a few months ago, my knowledge of willow was limited to titles of fiction. Never would I have thought willow to be so wonderfully versatile. From fencing, paneling and furniture to sculptures, small building structures and numerous architectural accents. (more…)

Work

Friday, December 3rd, 2010

Wow, I can hardly believe it has been four months since I started work here at The Willow Farm. Truly, it is a testament that time flies when you are having fun!

Yes, these past four months have been wonderful. I have been learning and experiencing so many things, I can hardly keep up. Of course, it has been lots of hard work, but in such a stimulating environment, work is all you want. With everyday filled with unique challenges, opportunities, and beauty, it is hard not to get caught up in the enthusiastic and determined atmosphere Neil and Alix cultivate. Everyone feels it. You can see how everyone takes pride and accountability in what they do. How they enjoy the search to discover creative solutions to make work more efficient, practical, and beautiful. (more…)

First Impressions

Wednesday, September 15th, 2010

Prior to my tour of The Willow Farm, I was a bit uncertain as what to expect. My brief exchanges with Neil and Alix, gave me the impression this would be the product of a honest, hardworking, creative, pragmatic idealism. Their background in Permaculture and Biodynamic Farming, had me eagerly anticipating my first glimpse of their creation… (more…)

An introduction

Wednesday, September 15th, 2010

Like many people today, I am have a great affinity for food. So much so that my professional life has revolved around the industry. It all started in high school, growing up on my family’s farm in Belize. As much as I hated it (at the time), my exposure to fresh food, hard work, and the farming lifestyle became a major influence in my development… (more…)