Granby Drummer (https://granbydrummer.com/category/grow/page/44/)
Farmington native Brittany Gauthier wanted to experience what it would be like to work on a farm, to be directly involved with the food she ate. A history of farming on her mother’s side of the family and her early career as an educator for Whole Foods Market had given rise to this curiosity, although it took her a few years to actually get her hands in the soil.
This month I am going to share one of my favorite recipes—it’s not exactly a typical “dinner,” but if you have ever had just chips and salsa for dinner or you just want to be a hit at the next party, then this one is for you.
2021 marks the 28th year since the creation of the Friends of Holcomb Farm. Formed shortly after ownership of the property transitioned from the University of Connecticut to the Town of Granby—per the will of siblings Tudor and Laura Holcomb—the volunteer, not-for-profit Friends have stewarded the property on behalf of the town, and within the Board of Selectman-adopted “Plan of Use,” which outlined agriculture, education, arts, and passive recreation purposes.
Being the partner of farmer Joe O’Grady, Emma Hoyt is well aware of the goings on around Holcomb Farm. Last year, in fact, the Drummer published a story about her mobile chicken coop and its productive occupants who are now laying lots of eggs and eating lots of insect pests in the growing fields.
Now entering its third year of development, the Holcomb Farm Tree Trail is really taking shape. The entrance, off Day St. South near its intersection with Simsbury Road, will soon host an information kiosk, and more interpretive signs and maps are planned.
The Friends want to acknowledge the recent passing of our friend and neighbor, Charlie Warren. Charlie and his wife were known for many things; for us, they were Santa and Mrs. Claus around the large Christmas Tree in front of the Farm, for years.
Invasive Plant Activists (IPAs) now gather monthly on the second Saturday morning to control invasive plants and allow natives to flourish.
In the fall of 2006, Donna Snyder arrived in Granby with her young family, returning to the New England area where she had been born and raised. The next spring, she discovered Holcomb Farm when she was looking for a place to purchase pick-your-own vegetables.
I am so happy that the local farms are starting to open and we can once again get fresh vegetables and fruits. I love asparagus season and am always on the lookout for a new recipe that showcases this versatile veggie.
Thanks to the success of the COVID vaccination program, things are beginning to return to normal, and one of those normal things is having Granby’s Open Farm Day!