Spirit of Walloon Market Garden

Spirit of Walloon Market Garden Spirit of Walloon Market Garden and Orchard is a small 1.5acre farm located in Boyne City MI that sp

With the mission to connect people with their food, farmer, and community, SOWs goal is to grow and develop an ecologically and biologically diverse environment that supports the sustainable and organic production of fruit and vegetables, which in turn supports the health, happiness, and livelihood of its community members. SOW also aims to serve as a demonstration, education, outreach, and resear

ch farm for the community at large. Although we are not certified organic because of the prohibitive costs for a small farm, we follow and go beyond all USDA certified organic requirements. We do NOT use any synthetic chemicals, pesticides, fertilizers, or GMOs; instead, we focus on an ecologically and biologically based production system that prioritizes soil health and plant and insect biodiversity. We recognize that it’s the responsibility of farmers to be good stewards of the land, and to shape a system that fits well into the existing landscape. We remain ever-conscious that the crops themselves are only one part of a more complex agroecosytem that requires nurturing.

***Farm Update***As we celebrate the equinox and the return of spring, we have some exciting news. As many of you know, ...
03/20/2022

***Farm Update***

As we celebrate the equinox and the return of spring, we have some exciting news. As many of you know, SOW will look a little different this year as Rachel completes her Master's at Oregon State. We are delighted to announce that our friends and long-time collaborators at will be managing SOW this season as their own local, sustainable cut flower farm!
Jennifer and her crew share our same commitment to the environment, the local economy, and women-driven entrepreneurship. We could not be happier to pass stewardship of the land on to them. The amazing Farmer Jess is also returning to the farm for her sixth season, so the farm is in the best possible hands. 2022 will be a year of beautiful transition for the farm, and you can watch that change unfold .

We are so grateful for all of the community that supported SOW over the past seven years (and Rachel misses you all dearly!), and we appreciate your support in this transition. Stay tuned for updates on farm happenings for 2022 (including farm stand and farm fruit!)

With the removal of the plastic and the addition of shade cloth, our cat tunnel is helping these cool-loving flowers an...
06/10/2021

With the removal of the plastic and the addition of shade cloth, our cat tunnel is helping these cool-loving flowers and snap peas beat the heat! Straw mulch also helps to keep the soil in the low 60s. Despite this high 80s, low 90s weather we've been having, the ranunculus and Icelandic poppies are showing no signs of quitting! Now if only we farmers had little portable shade houses to work in... tunnel

Wildlife friends on the farm continue to appear; this little bud was living inside the greenhouse pencil cup. ...
06/02/2021

Wildlife friends on the farm continue to appear; this little bud was living inside the greenhouse pencil cup.

The hoophouse tomatoes weren't the only ones staying warm under the row cover last night.
05/28/2021

The hoophouse tomatoes weren't the only ones staying warm under the row cover last night.

Our farm crew of three has planted over 9,500 transplants in the field and hoophouses over the last two weeks, but we ar...
05/17/2021

Our farm crew of three has planted over 9,500 transplants in the field and hoophouses over the last two weeks, but we aren't the only ones sheparding in new life on the farm. Every year, a killdeer couple selects one of our garden beds for their nest. Last year they were beneath the blackberries, and this year they've laid eggs amongst the echinacea. We're all hoping to be aunties to some cute little birdlings soon 💚

We will have a plethora of all farm-grown, sustainably produced flowers this Saturday at the , including blooms in these...
05/07/2021

We will have a plethora of all farm-grown, sustainably produced flowers this Saturday at the , including blooms in these one of a kind, handcrafted vases made by neighbor/farm supporter/ budding potter Lynn Skornia. We're so excited to offer bouquets with both locally produced flowers and vessels! Come find us on Saturday for these beauties, as well as our usual mini bouquets, wrapped seasonal bouquets, and tulips.

Onion and shallot planting is one of the annual rites of spring on the farm, and always feels like the start of an excit...
05/04/2021

Onion and shallot planting is one of the annual rites of spring on the farm, and always feels like the start of an exciting growing season ahead. We grow 6 onion varieties and 4 shallot varieties, a mix of open pollinated and hybrid cultivars, all started from seed. Following a rye/vetch cover crop, these plants joined the allium block in the field yesterday, alongside the fall-planted garlic.

The very aptly named "Giant Peach" Icelandic poppy, October-planted and overwintered in a unheated hoop house. Sadly, th...
04/13/2021

The very aptly named "Giant Peach" Icelandic poppy, October-planted and overwintered in a unheated hoop house. Sadly, this variety has been discontinued, so we feel fortunate that we have this patch to save seed from! Last year, our poppy-saving efforts focused on selecting out a pale buttery yellow from "Champagne Bubbles" mix (the first generation of those plants are growing out in a hoop now); this year, we will be working to preserve this gem.

Another sign of spring- the figs are leafing out in the greenhouse! These 3 "Chicago Hardy" fig trees have been our orig...
04/08/2021

Another sign of spring- the figs are leafing out in the greenhouse! These 3 "Chicago Hardy" fig trees have been our original trial plants for fig production in a hoop that spends most of our northern Michigan winter totally unheated. Planted in late fall of 2018, they now dominate the south side of the hoop above a rosemary and annual flower understory. They reach the ceiling of the greenhouse by the end of summer, so to protect them for winter, we give them a hard cut back and a protective blanket. In 2020, they really began to bear appreciatively (we farm ladies we eating figs nearly every day for 2 months)! Keep your eyes open for this year's crop at the Boyne City Farmer's Market this summer. Plants from , special guest star pruner .

Come visit us this morning for the first mini bouquets of year, as well as winter carrots, kale, and a bevy of herbs (d...
04/03/2021

Come visit us this morning for the first mini bouquets of year, as well as winter carrots, kale, and a bevy of herbs (deviled egg garnishes? We got you.).

Someone was not ready for a 7 am wake-up call in the greenhouse. Happy Caturday!
03/13/2021

Someone was not ready for a 7 am wake-up call in the greenhouse. Happy Caturday!

We'll be making a rare winter appearance at the Boyne City Farmer's Market today from 9-12! Throw on a mask and stop by ...
03/13/2021

We'll be making a rare winter appearance at the Boyne City Farmer's Market today from 9-12! Throw on a mask and stop by the Pavilion in Veteran's Park to pick up some winter carrots, spinach, pea shoots, or herbs, or just to say hi ☺️. There are plenty of other vendors here too- you can find soup, coffee, wine, bagels, baked goods, artisan crafts, and more.

Address

06255 Zenith Heights Road
Boyne City, MI
49712

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