Mark and Amy were instantly enchanted with the rustic beauty of the house, buildings and surrounding 4-acre property, but neither could have imagined that farming was in their future.
THE DAY After a few quiet moments enjoying her morning cup of java, Amy is off and running. She gathers up whoever is around to help and sets out on her two-and-ahalf hour feeding adventure. Like her fellow farmers and postal workers, neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night will stay Amy from her appointed rounds.“ There are some days that I just don’ t want to go out,” Amy says.“ But the second I am out the door, I’ m good.”
After the feeding frenzy, Amy spends the rest of the day gardening. The variety of flora she coaxes to life in her ever-expanding garden includes the traditional tomatoes, squash, cucumbers, green beans and corn, alongside okra, asparagus, basil, cantaloupe, gourds and pumpkins.
Though Amy’ s strawberry bushes produced a high yield this year, she was still unable to keep up with demand— spread solely via word of mouth— and sold out within a few days. Blueberries, blackberries and grapes were abundant as well. Amy also planted a small bountiful orchard of pear, apple, peach, cherry, plum and nectarine trees. All of the gardening is done completely by hand and without the use of pesticides. A self-described“ flower nut,” Amy cultivates a bounty of ornamental plants displayed throughout the farm’ s walking gardens. She has taught herself the vanishing art of saving seeds and also propagates plants when she can.
As evening falls and she begins to lose the light, she walks the cow back from the pasture where it grazes and fluffs the straw for her pregnant pig. The time and attention Amy used to spend on herself is now used to pamper her animals.
THE FAMILY And Amy wouldn’ t have it any other way. Mark enjoys the farm as well and is happy to help when his schedule allows. The kids routinely complete their chores and other duties between their schoolwork
General�Construc�on� Design�Build� Construc�on�Management�
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46 March / April 2013 Hagerstown: The Best of Life in Washington County & Beyond