Why We Garden ...

Who We Are 

Diane Mulligan, President
West Barnstable
“I was just sittin’ here enjoyin’ the company.  Plants got a lot to say if you take the time  to listen.”  
- Eeyore
Joseph Leary, Vice President
West Barnstable
 “There is inherited wealth in the land and inherited joy in working it.”
Earl Springer, Vice President and Secretary
West Barnstable
As a teenager I worked with my grandfather maintaining the town cemeteries. Ever since then I have felt the need to be connected to the land. The farm fulfills that need in many ways: horticulture, agriculture, arborculture, stewardship of the land and a community of like -minded people. The farm is where it all comes together for me. As a long- time board member, it is gratifing to see the progress made so far and I am looking forward to  being part of the Farm’s future.
Dianne Walsh, Treasurer
West Barnstable

Although the fruits of gardening are fresh, nutritious veggies and beautiful flowers, my main interest is in the organisms living in the soil. Increasing fertility with organic amendments, green mulches and compost are of primary importance and have led me to worm composting in addition to building my regular compost pile. Right now I have over 2000 red wigglers in a vermicomposting box on my patio! Though the worms make a good compost, it is the myriad of microscopic life beneath the surface of every garden that creates healthy soil.

As gardeners, we have an opportunity to conserve and improve soil health by using soil enriching products and techniques. Meetinghouse Farm provides education and participation for those who care about soil as an essential natural resource.

"An agricultural adage says the tiny animals that live below the surface of a healthy pasture weigh more than the cows grazing above it. In a catalogue selling composting equipment I read that two handfuls of healthy soil contain more living organisms than there are people on the earth. What these beings are and what they can be doing is difficult to even begin to comprehend, but it helps to realize that even though they are many, they work as one."

- Carol Williams, Bringing a Garden to Life, 1998

Ellen Karel, Director
West Barnstable

“I step on the grounds of Meetinghouse Farm and I immediately feel a sense of calm. I breathe a sigh of contentment. The outside world recedes.

I’ve taken an interest in Meetinghouse Farm from the start; my curiosity has been peaked over and over.

While in Tulum, Mexico on vacation several years ago, I experienced walking a labyrinth for the first time. I was immediately intrigued. Walking this circuitous path affected me deeply, bringing calm, and helping me move toward clarity of mind.

I began to wonder about the possibility of a labyrinth at the Farm. I floated the idea with Judy at one of our random fortuitous run- ins around town. She let me know there were others expressing interest as well. My excitement took hold! Soon I learned the group was inching toward making the labyrinth a reality. I attended local workshops about labyrinths, bumped into Judy numerous more times, and soon I was invited to join the Board of Directors.

I am enthused about my role on the Board and committed to bringing a labyrinth to the Farm. A labyrinth is a vehicle for meditation, prayerfulness, self-reflection; a place of quiet, solitude and healing; it fosters growth, renewal and well-being. As well as simply being beautiful in and of itself. A perfect fit for the Farm and the community!

I have been told that we don’t find labyrinths, labyrinths find us… yes, I can attest to that. ”

Kathi Cremeans, Director
West Barnstable
Last year after one of our only significant snowfalls, my daughter and I decided to snowshoe at Meetinghouse Farm.  It was an amazing day, stunningly quiet and beautiful. We “met” only animal tracks in the snow, admired massive birch trees and shimmering icicles dripping from the potting shed window box. We discovered the Farm is a wonderfully peaceful place, especially in the winter.  Though I was familiar with the Farm, after this memorable visit I inquired about volunteering there and joined the Board.  I am hoping that my experience in event planning and fundraising will support the Farm and attract more visitors to this beautiful place.  
Stephanie York, Director
Marstons Mills
 
Matt Chamsarian, Director
Marstons Mills
 
Jeanne Pelletier, Director
West Barnstable
 

 

Meetinghouse Farm Board of Directors convene, July 2014