The CCE Local foods team recently visited Our Little Grewve, a new farm in Hermon. It was a pleasure to learn more about their operation and offer a free professional photo shoot as part of our Farm-to-Table Initiative. Catch a glimpse of the farm through the camera lens.
When visiting Our Little Grewve you might think the farm has been established for years. In reality, owners Elizabeth Seeley and John Anson are just in their second season of producing flowers and produce.
Their self-serve farmstand at 2202 county route 21 in Hermon greets you when arriving and is stocked with single stems, bouquets of flowers and fresh vegetables.
Garden beds with mulched pathways dot the property with flowers in full bloom or ones waiting for their turn to pop There is also a greenhouse that they added this past winter, which has helped with starting plants early and having a nice warm place to get their seedlings established.
They built a custom tomato trellis with local cedar posts to support their cherry, paste and slicing tomatoes.
With backgrounds in finance and zoology, John and Beth decided to establish a flower and vegetable farming business in the North Country. They each fill a crucial role on the farm, with John doing much of the business management and flowers and Elizabeth taking charge of planning and growing the vegetables. The couple’s farm is growing quickly; they sell flowers and veggies at the Canton Farmers Market, provide online ordering, and create custom arrangements for special events.
The sheer abundance and diversity of flowers are eye-catching at their market stall and farm stand.
The many color options of lilies like the Forever Susan Asiatic, the rare form of the Crane Pink flowering kale, the delicate sweet pea flowers… it’s a feast for the eyes. The flower varieties they grow are dictated largely by zone hardiness and growing conditions, but it’s clear they also like to select and experiment with other annuals and perennials based on the demand and interest of consumers and friends. It seems like no flower is off-limits.
Our Little Grewve is also expanding their vegetable production, providing some unique options like Fioretti cauliflower along with purple and white striped dragon’s tongue beans, something everyone can enjoy… even the family dog Penny!
Ideas are already in the works for expanding the farm’s offerings; they are looking to add more to the on-farm ecosystem to make the growing process ‘full circle’ with thoughts pointed to long-term management that could lead to a flower and food forest.
How to purchase from Our Little Grewve:
- Farmstand in Hermon at 2202 County Route 21
- Friday’s at the Canton Farmers Market
- Online Order
- Free delivery within 20 miles of farm on orders over $50
- Orders can also be picked up at the farm or the Canton Farmers Market.
Lauren grew up in neighboring Vermont exploring and loving the green mountains and vast landscapes. Her undergraduate degree made her appreciate the communities that surround local foods and a Master’s Certificate in Food Studies from the University of Southern Maine made her want to pursue a career in the food system. In 2021 and 2022, she was the Local Foods Marketing and Development Educator for Cornell Cooperative Extension of St. Lawrence County.