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Over the past couple of months, I have been very busy in the greenhouses — starting a wide array of plants so that they were ready to be tucked outside once our frost-free days arrived. Well, as long as the weather doesn’t throw us a curve ball (which is very possible), that time is here. But before I start transplanting these plants into their final spots in the soil of the Bloomerie and I begin sowing the next round of seeds, I thought I would share what I’ve been growing, how I’ve been growing it, and the why behind it all. WHAT’S GROWING IN THE GREENHOUSES? The greenhouses are currently bursting with a diverse range of seedlings and potted-up transplants, including, but not limited to: heirloom tomatoes, spicy & sweet peppers, crisp cucumbers, Floret dahlias & zinnias, and basil. I have also been experimenting with growing in the ground in these covered spaces. In one of the greenhouses, I have been focusing on medicinal herbs, growing yarrow, feverfew, lemon balm, and some arugula that I have let bolt so that I can harvest the flowers. In the other greenhouse, we planted beets, carrots, fennel, and romanesco. I also experimented with growing clover between the fennel and romanesco in order to keep the ground covered to retain moisture, as well as to have more roots in the ground feeding the beneficial microorganisms in the soil (more on them later!) HOW AM I GROWING? In the Bloomerie, I am avoiding the plastic that has become ubiquitous in the gardening industry over the past decades where I can. All of our plants are started in soil blocks with organic compost-based potting soil and placed into wooden trays. Along with limiting our dependency on plastic, soil blocks also improve root growth and limit transplant shock. Seedlings that outgrow their blocks before they can be planted outside, like our tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers, are potted up into CowPots, biodegradable pots that are made of cow manure. While seeds contain everything a plant needs to thrive for the first couple weeks of their life, once they develop their true leaves, they benefit from an application of nutrients. We feed our plants with Sustane Natural Fertilizer, made with composted turkey manure, feather meal, and sulfate of potash, as well as bunny manure from Gardener Grove Family Farms. We use organic fertilizers as opposed to chemical fertilizers which are often derived from petroleum products and do not contain the trace elements that are found in organic material. Along with forgoing chemical fertilizers, I am also not using herbicides or inorganic pesticides in our greenhouses or anywhere on our property. While these products can solve the problem of weeds or pest pressure in the short term, they have detrimental impacts on all living things that come in contact with them — plants, animals, humans, and beneficial microbes alike. WHY ARE WE GROWING THE WAY WE ARE? To tell you why we are growing in the manner that we are, I would like to tell you about one of chemicals that has been applied to hundreds of millions of acres of cropland in the United States alone — glyphosate. Glyphosate is the active ingredient in Round-Up Weed Killer, which is sprayed on cropland and residential lawns alike. If you live in a rural area, and over the past few weeks you've noticed that a field that was once a vibrant green is now yellow, it is most likely glyphosate or an even harsher herbicide, that is the cause. The reason that this sea of green has faded to yellow is that the herbicide has killed the "weeds" by attacking their shikimate acid enzyme pathway, a system that is essential for the plant to grow.  Since the human body does not have this pathway, they say it is safe to use. But the issue is, we are not just a human body. We are a host to billions of bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and other microorganisms that are imperative for our health. They support our immune systems, aid digestion, and impact our mental health. Microorganisms also live in the soil and are necessary for the health of plants. They are what feed our food, transforming the nutrients in minerals and organic matter into plant-available forms that crops can uptake and eventually pass on to us. While we may not have this pathway, many of those microorganisms do. By growing crops with compost and organic fertilizers — and without the chemicals that have become commonplace in "conventional". agriculture, we are supporting the microbiome of the soil, rather than attacking it. This all leads to everything down the line being healthier and happier — including all of us. WHY ARE WE GROWING SO MANY PLANTS? Now, you may be saying to yourself, “That seems like an awful lot of vegetables and flowers for just your family?” And you would be right. Starting this season, we are going to be stocking our Farm Shop at Patina Home and Garden with the produce and flowers from the Bloomerie here at Patina Meadow. I wanted to do this because food is not just food and flowers are not just flowers. If grown with respect for the soil they sprout out of, they can be so much more. They can bring us into a closer relationship with our community and the land that we are irrevocably intertwined with, they can be medicine, they can allow us to live a fuller life. If you have any questions, please let me know. I would be more than happy to answer them. Thank you for reading. Love, Leila

Spring is in full swing and we are leaning into this season of growth by growing our animal family here at Patina Meadow! Everybody say hi to our four new Nubian goats — Annie, Butch, Sundance & Billy! Named after famous American outlaws, this rambunctious bunch arrived at the farm last week and have already stolen all of our hearts. I mean just look at these sweet faces (and those long legs!) They are only a couple of weeks old, so Steve and I have been taking welcomed breaks from our days to bottle-feed them. As you can imagine, it has quickly become our favorite part of the day. We adore hearing their anticipatory bleats of excitement as we walk to the barn and seeing their loving eyes and happy tails as they slurp down their milk. Video by Leila Giannetti. Music by Oak Studios - "[Background Music] Path - Relaxing Acoustic Guitar Folk" Since they are not quite yet ready to venture out into the world on their own, they live in the barn, but we have started to let them out into the orchard for their feedings. Under our watchful eyes and the protection of one of our sweet livestock guardian dogs, Blue, they bounce about, exploring their new home, attempting to nibble on the fresh grass, and paying little mind to the concept of personal space. When they grow up, we will rotate them around our forest, where they will thin out the understory to improve airflow and the overall health of our woods. I hope you enjoyed meeting our new additions. I look forward to sharing more of their sweet adventures in very soon! xx Brooke

Although my day can take any matter of turns, it always begins the same way. Filmed & Edited by Leila Giannetti Music: Song For You - Chill & Calm Acoustic Guitar Folk by Oak Studios I pull on my boots, head out the door, and stroll to the barn to take care of our menagerie of animals. This routine has become second nature to me — a comforting beginning to the uncontrollable story that will unravel in the following hours. I know that when I approach the barn, a few chickens who have also become accustomed to this routine, will eagerly await my arrival and the mealworms it brings. Bonnie and Clyde will run out to greet the morning sun before breakfast. The sheep, pigs, and goats will be impatiently pacing in front of the entrance to the barn, knowing what will happen when I walk in. The goats will head-butt each other out of the way for an extra nibble of food, the chickens will peck the wooden shelves where I have sprawled out their grubs, and the pigs will plaster their snouts to the ground in search of vegetable scraps. As I head out to the chicken coop, I am already imagining the birds fluttering out once I open the door. I know I will exhale as soon as I extend my hand to scratch our donkeys' sweet, soft faces. I find solace in these moments. There are not many as unchanged and cherished as these. What are the routines that bring peace to your day? I would love to hear them in the comments. xx Brooke

On a frosty Tuesday morning, we welcomed our second spring at Patina Meadow. This year, we are finding ourselves more tuned into the subtle shifts that are happening seemingly every moment during the infancy of this season. Our animals are no strangers to the ever-changing nature of the landscape. They do not fight its constant shifts, allowing their daily routines to change as their surroundings do. Our cows are spending their days meandering amongst the trees and creeks. For the most part, they keep their heads down, paying keen attention to the next blade of grass within tongues-reach. Once they’ve had their fill, their bellies meet the earth as they lay down to digest. Our herd of smaller animals, made up of our goats, sheep, & pigs, spend their time leisurely bounding from their barn to their pasture. Each of our animals knows how to strike the balance between exploration and rest – trusting in their instincts and the generous abundance of nature – a mindset I am eager to glean from them as I watch. On the human side of the fence, the pace is more hurried as construction continues and we continue to try and get comfortable living in a constant state of slight chaos. Thankfully, the gardens serve as a grounding reprieve amongst the unfinished buildings. With a hopeful heart, we planted tulips in the garden in front of the cabin during the dreary days of winter, and now we are reaping the reward as hundreds of stunning blooms dot the front yard. In the Bloomerie, the arrival of warmth has spurred the growth of our overwintered crops and allowed the daffodil bulbs to break from their hibernation. The greenhouses in the Bloomerie are beginning to teem with life as well, as seedlings await the arrival of our last frost so their roots can take their final resting place in the warming soil outside. In the forests of Patina Meadow, the expanse of grey branches is beginning to be broken up by blooming red buds and unraveling green leaves like beacons of light seen from a stormy sea. Beneath the branches, sparse green growth and delicate flowers are bursting forth from the depths of the soil into the light of day, serving as harbingers of more verdancy and vibrancy that is yet to arrive. The creeks are filled, water making its way over pebbles and around bends, leaving life and flourishing in its wake. Although every day always brings something different, no matter the season, the impermanent nature of life is more apparent during these first days of spring. The return of leaves to bare branches, the grass growing at a gallop, the blossoming of flowers we could only have dreamt of days prior, they all showcase a truth that we are quick to forget — the only constant is change. Sometimes that fact is comforting and other times, it can feel quite the opposite. And in those moments, all we can do is remember the lesson that spring longs to teach us. The grass will grow, the flowers will bloom, and the sun will shine to illuminate the beauty of it all. Love, Brooke + Leila

Hi! I'm Leila! I grew the plants that you have chosen to add to your home garden :) First off, I would like to thank you for trusting me to grow plants for you and your family. I grew these seedlings in the greenhouses at our farm at Patina Meadow, using only organic compost-based potting soil and compostable pots. That means that these little guys have never been touched with chemical fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides, fungicides, or plastic! Now that these seedlings are in your care, I thought I would share some tips on how best to plant them in your garden so you can have a successful harvest. STEP 1: PREP YOUR BEDS Before you start transplanting, ensure your garden bed is prepped and ready to go. Clear away any debris, weeds, or rocks that might hinder your seedlings' growth. Loosen the soil with a garden fork to ensure good drainage and mix in approximately 2" of compost if this is your first time amending your bed for the season to give your plants a nutritious boost. STEP 2: TIMING YOUR PLANTING Timing is key when it comes to transplanting seedlings. Check the weather forecast and aim for a mild, overcast day to minimize stress on your plants. Early morning or late afternoon are also ideal times to transplant, as the sun won't be as intense. STEP 3: HANDLE WITH CARE Handle your seedlings with care to avoid damaging their delicate roots and leaves prior to planting them in the ground. Since our seedlings are in biodegradable pots, you don’t need to worry about stressing your plant by removing it from its pot. STEP 4: DIGGING IN Dig a hole in your prepared garden bed that's slightly larger than the pot. Place the seedling in the hole, making sure it sits at the same depth as it sits in the pot. Gently backfill the hole with soil, pressing lightly to secure the seedling in place. STEP 5: WATER After transplanting, give your seedlings a good drink of water to help them settle into their new home. STEP 6: TLC Now that your seedlings are in the ground, it's time to give them some tender loving care. I recommend watering them every day for a couple of days to help them establish their roots, but then, depending on your soil and the rainfall, you can decrease your watering to a couple of times a week to encourage healthy root growth. Keep an eye on them in the coming days and weeks, monitoring for any signs of stress or disease. With a little patience and attention, your transplanted seedlings will soon be thriving in their new environment. If we get a frost, I would recommend covering them with a sheet or frost blanket to protect them while they are still getting established. If you have any questions about caring for your transplants, leave them in the comments and I will be sure to give you any tips I can offer! Happy growing! Love, Leila

One of the reasons I love gardening is because it allows me to immerse myself in the seasonal rhythms of nature. Spring is a time of rebirth, a time to emerge from dormancy and bring forth a new hope for the future. While we may still technically be in winter, the emergence of daffodils and the budding trees suggests otherwise, serving as a signal that it is time for me to join in on the reawakening. One of my favorite ways to welcome this season is by starting seeds, so today, I thought I would share some tips on seed starting in hopes that it helps you find harmony with nature (and so you can grow yummy food of course :) ) FIGURE OUT FROST Before you (and I) get too excited and start planting willy-nilly, we have to consider how long our seeds can live in their pots or blocks (more on that later) before they need to head outside to continue their growth. The last thing we want is a bunch of heat-loving plants like watermelons that need to be planted out, while we stare at frost in the forecast. So, to avoid this, look up your last projected frost date. You can do that here. Now, this is just an estimate based on previous years' weather. As we all know, Mother Nature likes to keep us on our toes, so you might end up getting hit with a frost 2 weeks after you expected! But, in gardening and life, all we can do is plan for the future using the information we have presently in front of us. READ YOUR SEED PACKETS The back of a seed packet is your best friend. Here you will find all the information you need, and usually more, for starting your seeds out on their best foot or root…sorry, bad plant joke. Take stock of the time to transplant (usually this is somewhere between 4-8 weeks before you want to plant outside), the temperature your seeds like, and the planting depth. PICK A LOCATION I am blessed to have access to greenhouses, so I begin all my plants there, but you absolutely do not need a greenhouse to get plants started. Depending on your climate and the plants, you can start your transplants in many ways. If you are starting cool-season vegetables, like broccoli, beets, cilantro, cabbage, and lettuce, depending on your climate, you can start them outside now, just cover them with a sheet if you are expecting a frost or you can bring them inside. If you want to go for a low-maintenance way of planting, a lot of people have success starting seeds in winter in milk jugs or gallon containers outside (more on that here if you are interested!) For warm-season veggies, like peppers, that can be started now but prefer warmer temperatures, start them inside. Now, if you want to get fancy and speed things up, you can place them on a heating mat and put them under grow lights, but putting them in an area of your home with direct sunlight will also get the job done, SELECTING A SEED STARTING MIX Throughout my gardening journey, I have found that plants are a lot like people. In that vein, seedlings are a lot like children, the environment in which their roots are planted matters and impacts the rest of their lives. For this reason, I highly recommend using an organic potting soil or seed-starting mixture. Non-organic options can contain unknown ingredients such as chemical fertilizers and products for insect and pest resistance, which harms the microorganisms that are imperative to the health of your plant. I like Fort Light by Vermont Compost. It is a compost-based potting mix with excellent drainage, which is optimal for seed starting. However, any organic potting soil will do. I would recommend sifting your medium if it contains large pieces of bark or other organic matter so as not to inhibit the roots. PICKING A POT (OR NOT!) Since I try to avoid plastic wherever possible in my gardening, I opt for soil blocks or biodegradable CowPots for my seedlings. Soil blocks are a relatively recent discovery of mine, and have quickly become my favorite way of starting seeds. Rather than having to purchase expensive pots year after year, you just purchase a soil blocker (here is the one I have), and some trays (here is the tutorial for ours) and you’re all set for the foreseeable future. I made a little video on my Instagram making soil blocks if you would like to see how I make them! For plants that need a bigger start, or if you would prefer to start all your seeds in a pot, I think CowPots are a great option. Instead of being manufactured out of plastic, they are made of cow manure, which means you can plant them directly in your garden. Both options are great, not only because they avoid plastic, but because they reduce the chance of transplant shock, a condition that can occur when plants are removed from the container they are initially grown in and moved into the soil. They also create stronger root systems through something called air pruning. Air pruning is when some roots either grow through the soil block or CowPot, which forces those roots to stop growing and allows the roots within the block or pot to strengthen. SOWING YOUR SEEDS Now that all the preparation is done, you can sow your seeds! I like to play some music and allow myself to get lost in the flow. It is a rather meditative task that quiets the monkey mind and brings me so much joy. After you have tucked your seeds into the soil, or placed them on top of the soil, depending on the specifications of your seed packet, give them a long misting or gentle watering so that you thoroughly wet the entire block or pot but don’t disturb your newly sown seed.  Make sure you label your trays with the name of the plant and the date you started it so that you can keep track of everything! CARING FOR YOUR SEEDLINGS It may take up to two weeks for your seed to germinate, depending on the kind of seed you have sown. Make sure to mist your starts whenever they are drying out as consistent moisture is necessary for germination and healthy growth. On sunny days, this may need to be done 2-3 times daily so just keep that in mind! After what seems like forever, your seedlings will start to emerge. Water them whenever the soil begins to dry, but make sure you don’t overwater. It’s hard to say what overwatering is, but don’t worry, you’ll find out the hard way like I have many times if you are! A telltale sign is a yellow discoloration of leaves, and then if you don't heed their call, they’ll just give out on you and keel over, it’s very fun!! You don’t need to feed them until they establish their true leaves, which will emerge after the cotyledons, which are the first leaves that will shoot up from the seed. After that, you can fertilize them with an organic liquid plant food diluted to half strength once a week until they can be planted out. If you have to keep your plant indoors for longer than expected, you can transplant it into a larger pot to allow it to continue to grow since plants will only grow as large as their roots can support. Thank you for joining me as I nerded out on seed starting. If you have any additional questions, please leave them in the comments and I would be happy to answer them. If you can’t tell, I love talking about this stuff! Happy growing :) Love, Leila

When I was thinking about what I wanted to write about in this week’s blog post, I found myself considering a range of topics. An update on the Shed? Another look at the Attic? Our plans for the future? And while those are all topics I am excited to share with you, during my rumination, I found my gaze drifting through the back windows of the cabin to our animals. While I was fixating on projects that have yet to be finished, and days that have yet to come, they were nibbling on the grass, fixing their focus only on the next blade. It hit me then, that in my excitement for all of the change happening, I’d forgotten to share one of the greatest loves of my life that exists now – the animals at Patina Meadow. IN MEMORIUM BUTTERCUP & SHERLOCK As I said, our animals bring so much joy. But that abundance of joy means that we inevitably find ourselves on the other side of the spectrum when they pass on. Over the past few months, we have sadly had to experience that other end as we have had to say goodbye to two members of our Patina Meadow family unexpectedly: Buttercup and Sherlock. Buttercup was one of the first farm animals we added to our lives. She was such a sweetheart. She would walk right up to anyone and push up close, not in a demanding way, but in a comforting one, letting her companion know they were safe by her side if they pet her and gave her a few carrots. Her sweetness and strength encouraged us to continue to grow our pack. She is dearly missed. Arriving at Patina Farm from the city streets of Los Angeles with his brother Watson, Sherlock’s life was out of a storybook, and he was too. While he had his shy side, once he warmed up to you, he would become your shadow, climbing all over you and cuddling close. He was love incarnate and we miss him dearly. His brother Watson is still with us, spending his days exploring the creek bed by Leila’s airstream and greeting us with his unique and wonderful meow. I'm sorry to start it off on a sad note, but, it didn't feel right to move forward without acknowledging the solemn reality of loss because it is a part of life just as much as the good moments. During the difficult times, I remind myself, "It's better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all." The loss of two of our sweethearts encourages me even more to share the rest of our family with you all because I know firsthand how much comfort they can bring. Our goats, Dot, Sammy, Ida, & Thelma are enjoying their time exploring the pastures, nibbling on the fresh grass that emerges on warmer days. We recently added another buddy to their menagerie. Everyone say hi to Pepper, the newest addition to our herd here. He is such a sweet soul with beautiful blue eyes and a personality resembling one of a dog more than a goat. He is currently quarantining as he has just arrived on the farm, but we do not doubt that he will get along wonderfully with the rest of our herd. His arrival marks the first of many new goats we will be adding to our farm to help with brush clearance, and to add even more adorable personalities to the mix! Our sheep, Cash, Linen, Paisley, Flannel, and Mo, have been enjoying the warmth of their wooly coats all winter. In a few weeks, their protective layer will be sheared when warmer days arrive, but until then, they happily don their coats as they munch on the grass. Our three little pigs, Hank, Alice, and Prudence, head off on an adventure every morning. They meander around the pasture and wander through the forest, enjoying the delicious grubs they find along the way. Their lengthy galavants leave them exhausted, so they make their way back to the barn and tuck themselves in for the night far earlier than their other friends. With rain in the forecast, we let our donkeys, Daisy, Huckleberry, and Blossom into the pasture to seek refuge from the upcoming deluge in our three-sided shed. Due to their propensity to eat more than their fill, we usually have to keep them on a less lush section of our land, so they take full advantage of the breaks in the rain to eat up! Our highland fold, Beatrice, Clementine, Annabel, and Adelaide, spend their days exploring the back half of our land. They lope through the forest and graze on the grass, but also make sure to spend a fair share of their time lying down and enjoying the warm rays of the sunshine. While our other animals are out and about, our pack of guard dogs relax and snooze in the sun. They patrol the property at night to keep predators away from their slumbering family, so when the sun rises and the others head out to explore in the safety of the light, they can rest. Bonnie and Clyde are still loving life in Tennessee. After getting stuck in a tree, Clyde has found himself practicing a bit more restraint, preferring now to hang out outside our cabin, taunting our gang of shih tzus, who love the cabin's abundance of windows. Bonnie, on the other hand, is more elusive, and as wild as ever, slinking into the forest, stalking whatever prey she prefers that day, and only returning home for dinner time. I am sorry that it has taken me so long to update you all on this sweet bunch. I hope that this update reminded you to appreciate the present moment and to cherish loved ones, because, at the end of the day, that is what matters. Sending you all lots of love. xx Brooke

Tucked in the back corner of Patina Home & Garden, you’ll find our Patina Farm Shop, a room filled with delicious wonders. Day to day, this wood-clad room takes on new life. On the weekdays, when the main street of Leiper’s Fork is lined more with the cars of locals than visitors, it is visited by our neighbors, picking up after-school snacks for their children or their favorite grocery items for family dinner. On the weekends, when time allows for more leisure, the room is filled with visitors from near and far, grabbing refreshments to quench their thirst as they explore our quaint village or cheese and crackers to enjoy while looking out over the creek. While this space is ever-evolving, one thing that remains unchanged is our commitment to providing you with delicious provisions that you can feel good about. One of the ways we ensure that we are upholding this value is by supporting local vendors who share it. So today, I wanted to highlight a few local companies whose beautiful products line our shelves and fill our bellies. ON OUR SHELVES BAKED AND FREE Every Wednesday, our store is filled with the delicious smell of freshly baked bread when Maryanna Lapp of Baked and Free drops off her Organic Artisan Sourdough Loaves. She bakes each loaf on delivery day with the 3 simple ingredients — organic flour, water, and salt. Our neighbors return week after week to pick up a loaf and sing its praises! GARDNER GROVE FAMILY FARM Gardner Grove Family Farms is run by James Gardner, a self-proclaimed “Morganic” farmer, taking organic practices on his farm in Lewisburg, TN to the deepest level — carefully stewarding the soil to ensure the heirloom produce he grows is mineral-dense as nature intended. We are proud to carry his delicious farm-grown jarred goods. 11TH HOUR FIRE CIDER Want a natural way to support your immune system and gut health? Look no further than 11th Hour Fire Cider. Handcrafted in Nolensville, TN, each batch of this timeless remedy is packed with good-for-you ingredients like apple cider vinegar, ginger, and garlic to keep you and your family healthy all year round. MINDFUL MOON WELLNESS Crafted by Franklin, TN residents Arden and Ricardo, Mindful Moon Wellness’ range of delicious organic herbal teas is expertly crafted to support your mind, body, and soul. THE DELTAZ RUB Inspired by a lifelong love of BBQ, the Deltaz Rub was created by local Leiper's Fork musician Ted Siegel of the Deltaz after his time on the road led him to try the best barbeque our country has to offer. He took a little bit from all his favorites and brought them together into one seasoning to help you "make it a thrill to grill." IN OUR FRIDGES NOBLE SPRINGS DAIRY Located just down the road from our shop, Noble Springs is a family-owned Grade A Goat Dairy and Artisanal Goat Cheese-making operation.  Their goats are treated with the utmost respect and spend their days nibbling on the natural forages from their sprawling farm. They also host educational tours, baby goat cuddling, and concerts at their farm. What could be better?! MAYPOP Made in small batches in Nashville, MayPop specializes in refreshing sparkling water made with real fruit juice. Founders Matt and Keaton have created a brand that goes beyond bubbles; one that values community interactions and supports local causes like the Cumberland River Compact. SAGE FROM SCRATCH Baker Sage whips up her famous shortbread cookies in East Nashville and delivers them to our store for you all to enjoy, and we can’t get enough. Although she started her business in 2020, baking has been a lifelong passion of hers and one of the many ways she brings joy to those around her! WALKER BROTHERS Founded by brothers Sam and Luke Walker, Walker Brothers Craft Kombucha was created to bring a non-alcoholic beverage option to the masses that would taste as nuanced and flavorful as their favorite craft beer. Their motto "A Family Culture" is a testament to their commitment and care to all those who create & love their delicious drinks. IN OUR FREEZER REMEDY BONE BROTH Remedy Bone Broth is a family-owned company driven by its mission to bring the medicinal qualities of high-quality pasture-raised bone broth to your home. VALLEY GOLD CREAMERY While our stock may be limited at the moment due to cooler weather, as the warm days of spring and summer arrive, our freezer will be chocked full with this delicious ice cream once again. Their mighty fine ice cream starts with fresh milk and cream from grass-grazed Kentucky Cattle that are free of antibiotics, added hormones, and rBST/rBGH. COMING SOON... THE BLOOMERIE AT PATINA MEADOW Since we opened the Patina Farm Shop, we have dreamt of having our own organically grown produce available for our community. Over the last year, Leila has been working to make that dream a reality, and we are excited to announce, that this spring, it will finally come true. We will be sharing more details about our produce in the coming months, but I couldn't help but give you a sneak peek today. We are proud to partner with the wonderful people behind these companies to bring you all the provisions that nourish your body and spirit. Whether you have stopped in once or a hundred times, thank you for visiting and trusting us. xx Brooke

Hi! I’m Leila! I love to grow food & flowers; and this year, I hope to help you do the same. Over the next few months, I will be sharing my tips and tricks on growing an abundant garden in the hopes of making gardening a tad less overwhelming. Here in Tennessee, the green foliage of the daffodils and tulips is starting to poke through the soil, and I can’t help but get excited for the promise of a verdant and blossoming spring on the horizon. While it may still be a bit early to get out into the garden, this is the perfect time to get planning so that’s what I’m going to dive into first! THINK ABOUT YOUR GROWING SPACE If you haven’t gardened before, please don’t let the overwhelm of starting something new keep you from doing so! It is such a rewarding way to spend your time and it is so empowering to know exactly where your food came from. You can start with one raised bed, or even just one pot, and go from there. I don’t want to get too deep into the weeds (no pun intended) about establishing a growing space, because there is a lot to cover, but I would highly recommend checking out YouTube for some great content surrounding putting together your space. Some of my favorite resources include Blossom and Branch and Epic Gardening. PLAN YOUR PLANTS My favorite way to select seeds is to think about what my family and I like to eat. Although tomatoes are a garden staple, there is no reason to dedicate an entire bed to them if you and your loved ones despise them! Consider the items that you frequently purchase at the grocery store. Perhaps you can’t get enough carrots, you’re koo-koo for kale, or you have a romance with rosemary; let your taste guide your choices. Also, consider the seasons that your selections favor. In the spring and fall, while the weather can have cold moments, opt for vegetables like beets, onions, lettuce, spinach, broccoli, arugula, peas, kale, carrots, and cilantro. In summer, you can plan on planting your heat-loving varieties, like tomatoes, peppers, squash, melons, basil, and sunflowers. Don’t forget to add some nasturtiums, marigolds, borage (pictured above), and other flowers to your garden bed. You can interplant these with your vegetables to attract pollinators and protect your plants from pests. SELECTING YOUR SEEDS If you’ve never gardened before, or you usually head over to your local nursery for plant starts, I highly recommend starting at least one of your veggies from seed this year. It is so rewarding to see the process from seed to seedling to plant to harvest! Plus, you’ll know exactly how your plants were treated from the beginning of their lives. I will be doing a whole post on seed starting in the upcoming weeks, don’t worry :) Even if you prefer to get transplants, certain vegetables like root vegetables, peas, dill, and arugula do best when directly seeded into the garden because their roots do not like to be disturbed. While you are shopping for seeds you’ll probably notice that they are identified as either hybrid, open-pollinated, or heirloom. Hybrid seeds are the result of the intentional breeding of two plants to select for desirable traits, like increased yield, disease resistance, and taste. Think Seedless Watermelons, Sweetcorn, and Meyer Lemons. The main downfall of this kind of variety is that you can’t save the seed as it will not produce the same as the parent variety, if it produces at all, which requires you to repurchase seed year after year. On the other hand, open-pollinated seeds are the result of more natural forms of pollination from insects, wind, birds, and even incidental touch from humans. This means that they have a greater diversity than hybrid cultivars. Most notably, you will also be able to save to seed from these crops to use year after year. Heirlooms are open-pollinated varieties that are at least 50 years old, meaning they predate breeding work done by humans post-WWII. While they may not be as vigorous as their hybrid counterparts, like other open-pollinated varieties, they are more diverse, more flavorful, and have adapted to the climate they have been grown in. Although I purchase some hybrid varieties, I like to select open-pollinated seeds, and more specifically heirlooms for the majority of my seeds.  Although they may not be as vigorous as their hybrid counterparts, I value preserving genetic diversity, history, and flavor in the garden! My favorite seed sources are Johnny Seeds, Seed Savers Exchange, and Southern Exposure Seed Exchange. I would recommend locating a small seed company that is located in your state so that you can select heirloom seeds that are more acclimated to your growing environment. Here is a list of heirloom seed companies by state! CONSIDER YOUR SPACING Now that you have chosen your varieties, and found your seeds, you’ve got to figure out how many seeds you need! First, look at the seeds you want to plant. Somewhere it should state the desired spacing. You can almost always go closer than what the packet states. Frustratingly, through trial and error, you will figure out the best spacing for your climate. I am going to use an example of a 4’ x 8’ bed and onions to show how I figure out my spacing. I am sowing my onions 10” apart in rows that are 10” apart. So I need to figure out how many plants I can fit in one row and how many rows I can fit in one bed. Now it’s time to put on your math hat. So we will order 60 seeds to fill a 4x8 bed! If you are going to be direct seeding, I would go ahead and double the number of seeds as you will need to sow your seeds thicker outside and then thin them down to the desired spacing. Once you’ve figured all that out, see how many seeds there are per packet, order your seeds, and patiently wait for their arrival! Once they get to your home, make sure to keep them somewhere cool where the temperature doesn’t fluctuate too much just to keep them viable. That’s it for now! Next time, I’ll be sharing more information about planning your season and starting your seeds, both in pots inside and outside in your garden. If you have any questions or anything you would like me to talk about in the future, please leave a comment. Thank you for reading and I hope this inspires you to get growing. Love, Leila

Last week, I shared my journey with the design process with you and the lessons I have learned along the way. This week, in the same vein, I wanted to give an update on the design process of one of the most perfectly imperfect spaces at Patina Meadow: the Attic. We knew from the beginning that this space would offer up its own challenges, as we attempted to squeeze a studio apartment in the eaves of a 600-square-foot attic. A few months ago, I shared the beginning of the design process; from the cozy Cotswold apartments that inspired the space to our tile selections, along with images of a model of the space that our team created. Over the past few months, the construction crew here has been working to bring the ideas expressed in the model into reality, and Steve and I are so pleased with how our ideas are translating and transforming the space. This week, the blank canvas of the walls and roof were seen for the last time as panels of the Sutton Vintage Blue Wallpaper by Caroline Inchyra were put into place. The delicate natural scenes printed on the linen fabric perfectly capture the essence of our vision for this property and bathe the room in beauty. Its refined nature juxtaposes with the robust warmth of the aged wooden beams that we installed on the ceiling and walls to ground the room. I am especially fond of the quirky coziness it creates in the bed nook. Also recently installed, the Absinthe Zellige tile from Zia Tile in the kitchen complements the blue tones that are found in the peaceful scene now on display on the walls and roof, and the wood boards painted with Raffia from Portola Paint pair perfectly with the neutral linen background. In the bathroom, we used the same Absinthe Zellige Tile as a backsplash above an antique stone sink paired with an Atmosphyre faucet. We will place a skirt underneath the sink, which will sit above our favorite Higgins Cottonwood Limestone on the floor to tie it into the other spaces on the property. Over the next few weeks, the lights will be installed... the wooden floors will be uncovered... and the final touches of drapery, hardware, and furniture will make their way into the space to complete it. The Vintage Check in Natural from Inchyra will be used for the drapery and the Plume Stripe Linen in Forest Green will be used on skirts and pillows. The deVol Oval Knobs and Pull Handles in Aged Brass are the main hardware pieces we will use throughout the Attic. I will show you our furniture selections once they are in place :) We will sit by the woodburning stove, tick another room off the list, and inevitably forget the, at times, difficult design process that led to its creation. I hope you enjoyed this update on our property here at Patina Meadow. If you have any questions or comments, please leave them down below. Speaking of comments, I just wanted to express my gratitude and awe at the vulnerability you all have shown in the comments of my previous posts. While I could not respond to all of them, please know that I have read and appreciate them all more than you know. I hope you all have a wonderful week. xx Brooke

I've always been a perfectionist. When I was younger, this trait was applauded, as my constant striving for the optimal result forced me to exceed expectations in any aspect of my life I could control. But, as time went on, it left me paralyzed. I would stand at the starting line and never let my foot fall on the other side because I couldn’t predict a perfect finish. This pattern went on for years, and slowly my world grew smaller and smaller. It wasn’t until I started designing over 30 years ago that I was forced to confront this fear head-on as I became acquainted with the design process. The design process is not for the faint of heart, and it is most definitely not a comfortable journey to embark on if constant perfection is your goal. It’s a messy process, a winding road that forces you to lean into the discomfort of maneuvering around a bend without knowing what is on the other side. It runs you through the whole gamut of emotions, from excitement to dread, from feeling secure to lost in a matter of moments. When I first began, I spent many days sitting behind my desk with my head in my hands, trying to keep my eyes from watering as I stared, completely overwhelmed, at a blank slate. I would spend hours trying to identify the “perfect” first step that would minimize failure and make the entire process more comfortable. I started project after project this way until I slowly realized that I had been approaching it all wrong. The only way to get comfortable was to make a decision, with no idea if it was the “right” one, and just work from there. It feels akin to what I imagine skydiving feels like — the first idea, the leap into the free fall, and every idea after that a parachute that eventually leads you to a safe landing. Throughout this time, I also discovered a love for antiques. Rather than being drawn towards the refurbished cabinets with a fresh coat of untainted paint and sparkly new hardware, I found myself enthralled by pieces that looked their age — cracked leather couches, scratched tables, and quirky clocks. As time went on, I started to apply this love of imperfections to myself, seeking out my perceived flaws and attempting to admire them in the same way I admired a storied scratch. Throughout my career, I’ve learned a lot. I know how to arrange a living room to feel cozy, the ideal height for a dining room table, and how to pair patterns. I’ve also learned that perfection should never be the end goal because it doesn’t exist in the terms we apply to the idea. The process is perfect because it is a journey, it’s perfect for all the reasons we believe it is not. It’s a rollercoaster ride of ups and downs, one that is full of unexpected beauty that allows for much more joy in the end. What is a lesson you’ve learned from an unexpected teacher? I would love to hear about them in the comments. xx Brooke

“Are we there yet?” A question that has been bellowed from the backseat of cars or with dragging feet. I remember presenting my parents with this infamous query on trips both long and short, and later my kids doing the same to me.  It’s a universally human cry, one that showcases our impatience for the journey. I have been posing this question to myself as a year of living in a construction zone at Patina Meadow has come and gone. To be honest, while I can envision the peaceful future we will have at our farm, at the moment it is not as picturesque, especially as the pristine blanket of snow that covered the property last week melts away to reveal reality, one that includes more plywood and mud than I would prefer. I can’t tell you how many times I have dreamed of fast-forwarding a bit to when everything here is completed and my space can once again feel like a quaint haven. But, I’ve noticed that once I allow those thoughts to become the most prevalent in my mind, I get sucked into a spiral of despair that swallows me, and all the things I love about my life, whole. I’ve realized that life lies in the in-between, in the moments between the first inspiration and the finished creation. If I wish to jump to the future, I miss out on the unexpected beauties that lie in between. While living in an active work zone, so many wonderful things have come to fruition in other aspects of my life that I would have rushed by on my way to the finish line if a more naive version of myself was given a remote to fast-forward to the future. There are still days when I wallow, where I look out on buildings that feel will never be done and am flooded with a sense of impatience. But, in those moments I remind myself that all of this is life, no matter how slow or how fast it feels like it is passing by, it still is, and to wish it away is not something to aspire to. We are meant to feel it all, to bask in the glory of all the experiences because they are all life in the making So I still ask the question, “Are we there yet?”, but I make sure I don’t forget to look out the window to admire the view as it swiftly passes by. What is something in life you are trying to get more comfortable with? I would love to have a discussion with you all in the comments. xx Brooke