Aggie asked me to publish blooms of peonies from my garden.
I promised I would.
Who is Aggie, you may ask?
Aggie and husband Lou run Isis Farms near Avery, Texas. They call what they do “beyond organic”.
“We want to grow and supply ‘real’ food, for ourselves, and as many people as possible. We think that good, whole food is a key to health.”
They describe themselves as stewards of their 30-acre land.
“As stewards of this land, we want to nurture a healthy ecosystem, maintaining the forest, reintroducing native grasses, and keeping the chemicals out.”
Aggie and Lou believe the planet cannot possibly sustain the average American’s lifestyle. So they are doing their part to reduce their impact on the earth.
“For example, we are planning for solar power, and rainwater collection and drip irrigation to minimize water usage. Our home is small, and we heat with wood, which creates no additional greenhouse gases, and is freely available in our forest. We purchase used items when practical.”
Aggie and Lou have been working very hard to realize their ideals. And they continue to do so, through what seems to be every single day. This kind of work and vision take commitment, but they seem to have it in spades.
So these blooms are a tribute to Aggie and Lou and Isis Farms.
And because Aggie asked to see them.
This post is dedicated to Aggie, Lou, and all who are doing something to “reduce their impact” on the earth.
*The second and third images above are by my wonderful photographer Hamlin Grange. (The rest are by that awful photo-taker who shall not be named.)
Cynthia Reyes 