The amazing Jen Welch of The Crowded Acre had been tirelessly working for a couple of years to corral some feisty farming ladies, and to put on the Sweet Roots Festival in Buena Vista this past June. Natanielle and I were so happy to join them and attend the wonderful Farm to Table dinner.
Many people helped with the dinner and Sweet Roots festival, and I did not meet them all, but we had a great time. I was particularly impressed with Jane Hudon, of Rancho Verde Flowers, who grows specialty cut flowers and uses them in natural weddings. I got to “play” a bit with her amazing flowers and she made the most lovely arrangements for the tables.
The next day Jane invited us to her incredible farm to see her flower gardens and greenhouses, workshop… where she also makes candles and exquisite hand designed silk scarves.
Another talented woman, whose name I cannot recall, decorated the tables with farm decor, and it really was enchanting.
Little girl helped with the tableware.
and beautiful Jen was the ever fun director who had pulled it all together.
the silent auction was filled with wonderful donated items
Jen and her husband Brian (brave fire fighter who is now in the Pacific Northwest fighting those huge fires) kept their cool, as the rain was not going to ruin the party.
The food was amazing
and no one minded the rain at all
Jen had made special vignettes of each Farmers Femme and had spent so much time on the decorations and signage for the booths the next day at the Sweet Roots Festival.
there were many more I did not get a photo of, and yours truly. I love that photo Allan Ivy snapped of us, as I feel like I’m seeking solace while sitting next to a storm. 😉
Thank you for everything Jen, and I’m sorry I can’t make it to your meeting tomorrow, as the storm has other plans. xoxo
My camera ran out of battery that evening but Nonny got some great shots of the booths and Festival the next day, including Jen’s heartfelt farm speech, which I’ll post later.
grassfood. 
Lilacs are probably my favorite flower, so I loved seeing the tables, etc. – really lovely. Also thought the food looked wonderful!!! It’s as if you’re in a whole different world – amazing!
Lilacs are definitely ONE of my favorite flowers, as it is difficult for me to narrow it down. It is incredible how they do grow around here, along the old homesteads like weeds, but ours are sheered off by nibbling sheep and deer. grrr. We do often feel as if we are in a very different world, as tonight sitting around a fire outside and watching the full moon rise over the valley. truly amazing. xoxo