Outside the window, the surrounding landscape at ABC acres is blanketed in about a foot of snow, and I am pleased that the confines of my home office leave my feet toasty with the in-floor heat.  The Winter Solstice has come and gone, and by forcing myself to tear away from the many tasks at hand, I take pleasure in the fact that I have experienced another year on the farm working hand in hand with family, friends and co-workers.  

The plants and trees are all bundled up for the next few months, though their root systems continue to develop their stronghold on the ever changing soil structure.  Much like the root systems, ABC acres is busy this time of year brainstorming new ideas, designing springtime projects and developing niches to propel the concept of Permaculture principles into the public eye.  Though our physical activity level has somewhat diminished, it is this ‘down-time’ that enables us to create such a framework to plant our own roots at the farm… as well as in the community and beyond.

I rarely ever find myself reflecting on the past, but rather daydreaming about tomorrow and beyond.  The projects we have installed to date will provide a much different landscape for the farm’s owner in 100 years.  The large canopy chestnuts, oaks, pecans and walnuts will rain down thousands upon thousands of edible nuts for human and wildlife consumption, the locusts, beeches, lindens and maples will cast ample shade for the rotating livestock while offering fodder opportunity throughout the year, the numerous fruit, nut and berry bushes will be a haven for multi species of grazers and browsers (most likely bi-peds), and the plethora of aromatic plants and shrubs will bring an aesthetic to the landscape which will tingle the senses of all that visit the farm.  Until that day comes (and in some instances, it already has), I do enjoy being on the front line of making such a reality possible.  It’s what gets me out of bed in the morning, and for that reason alone, there will never be a season at ABC acres where we are not planning, designing or creating.  

So as 2015 ends, so does 2016 begin… hell bent on creating new edible landscapes, creating new long term relationships and creating new opportunity for ABC acres to thrive and grow.  With spring and the melting of the winter’s snow, we find promise in new beginnings, and look forward to the opportunity.  Won’t you join us?

Happy Holidays and a Merry Christmas to All!