Sustainability at Glenraven

Sustainability at Glenraven grows from the ground up. It is not a program or a statement, but a way of working that ties every task back to the land itself. The health of the soil, the balance of water, and the movement of insects and animals all shape how we grow.

Water and Soil

Rainfall across the property gathers naturally into a pond that provides water for irrigation. This system keeps use balanced and returns what the land offers. The soil is fed with OMRI-certified compost produced locally from organic material collected on the islands. Composting has now begun on site, and by next year the first batches will feed the gardens. Each addition strengthens the structure of the soil, helping it hold moisture through dry spells and endure the winter rains.

Growing Media

All potted nursery plants are grown in a custom-blended, peat-free mix supplied by a trusted producer. The blend supports strong, balanced root growth and reduces the need for synthetic inputs. Each season we review and adjust, refining the mix as our knowledge and plant palette grow.

Pollinators and Bees

The hives sit along the meadow near the nursery beds, fruit trees, and gardens. Honeybees share the space with wild bees, hoverflies, and butterflies. No pesticides or neonics are used anywhere on the property. The beds and fields are planted to flower across the full season so that pollinators can move through without interruption. Their constant presence is both a sign of health and a measure of success.

Animals and Pasture

Sheep graze the meadows through the growing season, keeping the grass managed and enriching the soil. Rotational grazing will begin as new divisions and fencing are completed, allowing the ground to rest between grazings. Chickens will join the farm in time, free ranging through the orchard and gardens, bringing life and fertility wherever they move.

Materials and Waste

Pots and trays are reused for as long as they last, and customers are welcome to return them for reuse. Materials are chosen for durability, and waste is kept to a minimum. What can be composted is returned to the soil. Nothing useful is thrown away.

Working Toward Regeneration

Farming at Glenraven follows traditional methods shaped by season and weather. Regenerative practices are being introduced gradually as experience grows. Each change, from soil management to pasture care, is part of the same long process of learning how to build fertility and resilience.

A Continuing Practice

Sustainability here is not a destination but an ongoing conversation with the land. It is built through repetition, patience, and small adjustments that add up over time. The goal is simple: to leave this place stronger, healthier, and more alive than it was when the work began.