Farm and Garden
©2007-2008 The Willowell Foundation
PO Box 312
Bristol, VT 05443
(802) 453-6195
Website by Emily Watson-Blagden, Willowell Foundation A*VISTA 06-07
Our Current Projects
Apples, Berries and Bees:
Orchard, Berry Garden and Apiary Project
The keeping of bees is like the directing of
sunbeams. --Henry David Thoreau
In 2006, Walden Project students decided that they wanted to start
an apple orchard, berry garden and bee project at the Willowell Land.
With support from the Willowell Foundation and Honey Gardens Apiaries of Ferrisburgh, VT, the students applied for a successful grant to purchase a number of berry plants, received a donation of eight apple trees from a local orchard, and started our first beehive at the Willowell Land.
The Willowell Orchard, though still in its infancy, is expected to produce a bumper crop of blackberries, raspberries, elderberries, boysenberries and blueberries during the 2008 summer season. The bee project, which has since grown to two hives, has already provided honey for both the Walden Project students and the Vergennes Union High School lunch program.
Plans for Expansion
Though the student group who initiated the Orchard Project has since disbanded, the Willowell Foundation plans to expand the berry garden, apple orchard and bee project to fill the area pictured at left, commonly called the Willowell Oldfield due to its status as an early succession field returning slowly to forest.
Working closely with Honey Gardens Apiaries, Willowell plans to plant elderberries and other bee-preferred fruiting shrubs and vines throughout much of this area. We also plan to expand the bee project to include more hives in the future.
Getting Involved
The future survival of the Apple, Berry and Bee Project at Willowell depends on community support. There are several ways to get involved. These include:
*Volunteering to plant apple trees, prune existing trees, harvest berries, maintain the garden and/or work with the bees.
*Donating apple or other fruit trees, organic fertilizers, berry plants, tools, and apiary equipment including hives and gear for beekeepers.
If you are interested in any of these opportunities, or if you would like more information about the Apple, Berry and Bee Project, please Contact Us.
