acorn community

acorn community is in mineral, virginia. this community started in 1993 and seems to be quite well established. they have a seed saving/selling company called 'southern exposure seed exchange'.  they have 72 acres which are largely gardens.  we got to have a grounds tour from a lovely woman, irene.

heartwood

new outdoor oven

 greenhouse 1

 the roots are edible

chicken coop

onion patch

 greenhouse 2

housing

the herb garden

 is everwhere

 plant markers

the picking room

irene in the office

the party pooper

dishes

the pantry

beautiful butterfly

there are currently 27 members of the acorn community and there are about 30 people usually living there at one time. there is only one person from the original founding group still living there.

''we are committed to income-sharing, sustainable living and creating a vibrant, eclectic culture. We encourage personal responsibility, support queer and alternative life styles and strive to create a stimulating social, political, feminist and intellectual environment.  Our thriving seed business Southern Exposure Seed Exchange is part of a growing network of farmers, gardeners and seed savers dedicated to organic and heritage agriculture. We sell heirloom, open-pollinated, non-GMO and organic seeds and do seed saving education and outreach.''  (taken from their website. www.acorncommunity.org) 

also visit the seed business at www.southernexposure.com

prayer flags

 garden field

 the old shacks

it was a beautiful day to visit the farm and it was interesting to learn about all the plants and seeds they grow and save and how they live as community.  we bought some seed packets to bring as gifts for people we meet along our way.

there were a lot of interesting names of people at this farm, exploding heart, rejoyce, surprise and river were a few of the more creative ones.  the atmosphere was very relaxed and somewhat quiet but i guess that's what happens if you live out on the land and watch the plants grow to eat and collect seeds from.  it was beautiful but a bit too quiet for me, but i guess if i were part of the community and connected with the people for longer then an afternoon, i would probably feel different.