Wild Place Homestead: Everybody Eats
Exploring Sylvania Alabama's Newly Established Farm by Angie Hood
Located in the town of Sylvania, Alabama, Wild Place Homestead stands out as a space to welcome plant enthusiasts and the spirit of community. This newly established farm started as a small garden plot. It is owned and operated by Taylor Allison and Destin Padgett and is a place where plant enthusiasts and aspiring gardeners alike can immerse themselves in a variety of engaging activities.
A Bounty of Blossoms
At the heart of Wild Place Homestead lies a vibrant landscape adorned with lush greenery, native plants, and a myriad of colorful flowers. Recently, tulip season was in full bloom, offering an abundance of tulip bouquets for sale. Currently, Taylor and Destin are diligently preparing for their upcoming spring plant sale. They have been busy potting a diverse selection of plants, ensuring a wide variety for customers to choose from. The available plants will include Wild Bergamot, Scarlet Bergamot, Wild Strawberries, Yarrow, Horsetail, Greek Oregano, Mint, Nasturtiums, Bachelor Buttons, Craspedia, Calendula, Cosmos, Sweet Peas, Squash, Lettuce, and Aloe.
Green-Fingered Gatherings
Wild Place Homestead hosts two plant sales each year, one in the spring and one in fall.
Mark your calendars for the upcoming spring plant sale on May 3rd and 4th, from 10 AM to 3 PM.
This year's event features exciting new vendors, including Whispering Homestead offering bread and produce, Bee Gum Creek Flower Farm with a variety of flowers, Ceramic Chaos showcasing pottery, and Marcie Hall Photography providing mini sessions (sign up via her social media).
Returning vendors include Cultivate Soap with their soap and skincare products, Bogs and Beauties offering carnivorous plants and houseplants, Soil ‘N Green specializing in native plants, Thornback Farms with native seeds, and Kori Lankster and Corri Akins presenting plants and art.
This is a great opportunity to support local businesses and find unique items for your home and garden!
Educational Endeavors
Wild Place Homestead is more than just a farm; it’s a learning environment where people of all ages can engage in hands-on educational experiences. They host a variety of events that cover topics ranging from plant and seed swaps, wreath making, to educational events that help students better understand companion plants. Past events have included pottery classes that are in collaboration with Ceramic Chaos. In a recent class, participants crafted pottery containers and selected plants to fill them. This year, their plant sale will offer learning opportunities. Additionally, they are planning a class focused on creating small container gardens, which promises to be both educational and fun.
Looking to the Future
As Taylor and Destin continue to develop Wild Place Homestead, they remain steadfast in their dream. Their plans include expanding infrastructure, adding farm animals, and cultivating a greater variety of plants. Additionally, they have conservation efforts in mind, details of which will be shared in due course.
A Day at Wild Place Homestead
Whether you are a seasoned gardener or a curious novice, a visit to Wild Place Homestead promises to be an enriching experience. Their plant sales are not just transactions; they are lively events with learning opportunities, fostering a strong sense of community. Currently, Wild Place Homestead welcomes visitors during scheduled events. However, if you happen to drive by and see them tending to their gardens, don’t hesitate to stop and strike up a conversation. Stay connected by following them on social media to keep up with all their upcoming events.
To forget how to dig the earth and to tend the soil is to forget ourselves. — Mahatma Gandhi