It’s hard to believe, but 9 nine years ago this weekend, we cleared off an overgrown 3 acre field to start Old World Garden Farms.
The date was October 15th, 2010.
Armed with only a rented 36″ wide, self-propelled sickle bar mower, we took turns making passes to cut down brush, weeds and small trees that towered over our heads.
At that point in our life, all we had was the dream. Along with a willingness to try, fail, and try again, and have fun with it all.
The Dream Of A More Simple Life
All we really wanted was a space to grow some of our own food. And more importantly, to simplify life.
So what was in that dream? Well, it started with a big garden to grow fresh tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers and more. And a small chicken coop to raise a few chickens, along with a bee hive or two for fresh honey.
It also included a small orchard with a few few fruit trees, along with a few grape vines as well. After all, if we were dreaming, we might as well be able to make a few bottles of homemade wine someday too!
And of course, a little barn, and hopefully someday, a little house to make it our homestead.
9 Years Later…
Somehow, with a lot of blood, sweat, and more sweat – all of those dreams and more came true. And by the way, yes, there were certainly tears too. Usually of course whenever the blood appeared! 🙂
And in the process of it all, Old World Garden Farms was created. We thought we would take a look back at it all today with a few before and after photos that best tell the story.
For any who have “traveled” along with us on the blog for the last 9 years, we would love to hear from you in the comment section at the end today to help us celebrate the day.
One thing is for sure. We have enjoyed every step of the way!
Old World Garden Farm Turns 9 – A Look Back At Nine Years Of Photos
The Front Entrance In 2012
Wow! We both forgot until looking at the picture below how bare the entrance was back in the day! We had to first bulldoze a bit of the front hill down to create the driveway. And from there, it was transplanting as many plants as we could to fill it all in.
For our very first address sign, we used an old recycled window from one of the barns we tore down. It worked perfectly until a rock from the road found it’s way through the glass!
2011 – The First Raised Row Garden
We had no tiller, no tools, no water and no electricity. But that didn’t stop us from planting our first garden in the spring of 2011. We piled up straw and grass, and added a bit of soil on top to create our first garden.
It turned out to be a good thing we didn’t have that tiller. Because it all led to creating our first no-till, raised row garden. And that garden produced over a couple thousand pounds of vegetables in it’s very first year – and the Raised Row, No-Till Garden was born!
Here is a look at it this past growing season, with a late summer video tour as well. The garden has certainly come a long way.
The Pergola – 2011
It was our first “us” structure at Old World Garden Farms. We had installed the small chicken coop for the chicks, but needed a place to sit and relax after working in the garden.
And with no power or tools at the farm, we built our first pergola piece by piece at our house. And then brought it to the farm to assemble in place.
As you can see today, it still stands proudly at the farm. Although it does now have a lot more plants and landscaping around it! We still love to sit under it to have dinner, or simply enjoy a few quiet moments at the farm.
Building The Barn – 2011, 2012, 2016, 2018
In 2011, we tore two old barns down to attempt to turn them into one barn at the farm. It was quite the undertaking for two rookie builders, but somehow, and with a lot of help from friends and family, it happened.
We have since added on two side covered patios, and put a new addition on the back. ( Hence, all of the building date above 🙂 )
It remains the center of activity for nearly all of our events at the farm. And, it will always have a special place in our hearts.
The House – 2016
In 2016, we started construction on the final dream at the farm, to build our 1054 square foot simple house. With the incredible help of Weaver Barns, who framed the entire exterior, the house quickly took shape.
We spent the rest of the summer installing shiplap, painting, staining and finishing the interior. And in October, we finally moved to the farm for good!
Taking On A Few “Special” Projects
One of the things we have learned most in 9 years is to never fear failure. And to keep working until you get it right. And that has always been the case with all of our “special” projects at the farm.
Here is a final look at a few of the completed “extra” projects built over the last nine years.
The Fire Pit – Completed 2013
The Outdoor Pavilion – Completed 2017
The Pizza Oven / Outdoor Kitchen – Completed Late 2017
The Off Grid Cabin – Completed 2019
We hoped you enjoyed the little trip back in time as much as we did.
Here’s to many many more years to come at our little Old World Garden Farm! Happy Gardening – Jim and Mary.
Jim and Mary Competti have been writing gardening, DIY and recipe articles and books for over 15 years from their 46 acre Ohio farm. The two are frequent speakers on all things gardening and love to travel in their spare time.
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