At Blossom’s Farm in Corralitos, owners Delmar McComb and Carin Fortin are doing things differently.
A “biodynamic” farm, Blossom’s attempts to be self-sustaining—utilizing land, plants and animals to create a single living organism, which is a concept introduced by Rudolf Steinfer in 1924.
“We are trying to create a farm where we grow everything we use,” said McComb. “It can be difficult—how can we generate more for the animals, who in turn will help us? It can be challenging.”
Blossom’s Farm, which specializes in herbal skincare products, was open to the public last weekend for the 2019 Open Farm Tours. The event had 14 farms from Corralitos to Royal Oaks open to the public for two days of tours, educational activities and sales.
McComb said in addition to supporting them financially through farm store sales, the event helps spread the word about biodynamics.
“I think it’s a great way to get people interested in what we do,” he said.
Just down the road, Blue Heron Farms was set up to sell its cut flowers and produce. The organic farm, established in 1985 by Dennis Tamura, also offered guests insight into its production.
“I think [Open Farm Tours] really brings attention to all the different microclimates in this area,” Tamura said. “You travel to a farm just two miles from here and you have a completely different situation.”
The “hub” of Open Farm Tours was Alladin Nursery in Corralitos, where guests could stop by for lunch from Fired Up Fresh, Cuevas Express, Efi’s Dutch-Indonesian Kitchen and Rogue Pye. Elkhorn Slough Brewing and Santa Cruz Cider Company offered drinks. Taki-Runa provided live music and a special photo booth sponsored by the Santa Cruz Community Farmers Market had families posing for free pictures.
Open Farm Tours now includes locations south of Watsonville, but the event originally began in Corralitos—something that is not lost on McComb and Fortin. Blossom’s is currently opening a store, which will feature its products as well as local produce and a coffeehouse, in the iconic, long-empty 5 Mile House building.
“It’s a great little community we have here,” Fortin said. “I think [Open Farm Tours] really shows that.”
