This is the second in a series on local farms in and nearby Denton County
It isn’t too often we are given the privilege of sharing someone’s story at the beginning, as it unfolds. Like a rock band that seems to become an overnight sensation when in reality they have been doing the work it takes to get there for years, this farm is in its infancy and I am inviting you to come along and share their journey as they grow.
This farm is so new it has no name. Leah and Michael Daily are the owners of this charming, nearly 15 acre farm just a hop from I-35 off Hwy 380. They live there with their 3 children – David, Samantha and Hannah. These kids play an important role in maintaining the property and helping with the chores around the house. Their oldest son Cody is stationed at the air base in Wichita Falls with his wife and 10 month old son.
The Dailys thought of calling this getaway Cottonwood Farms, because as Leah says, “only cottonwoods seem to grow here”, but these people are changing all that. In deciding what to plant, they performed a soil test that proved they were well-suited for berries, so that’s where they started.
This year they planted their first two hundred blackberries choosing two thorned varieties – Kiowa and Shawnee as well as two thornless – Apache and Ouachita. They also chose to start fifty of a drought tolerant raspberry that grows well in North Texas, Dorman Red. This farm irrigates from a well and being concerned about water conservation, they buried drip irrigation as they planted. In addition, they utilize tree mulch to cool the ground for the plant’s roots, preserve moisture to minimize watering and reduce weeds and grass invasion.
Leah and Michael are on schedule for additional plantings this winter and since these first plantings will have limited production in 2010, they are hoping to open to the public in 2011. The berries are only one aspect of this charming farm though.
The Dailys are hoping that this farm, complete with a stocked catfish pond, vegetable garden, fruit trees and ducks galore, will grow into a family destination for holiday and seasonal activities. Being social, they love to bring people together for Easter egg hunts (3000 eggs last year!) and Fourth of July celebrations. Several local churches participated this year in a “Celebrate Recovery “July 4th party complete with hamburgers, potato salad and fireworks!
As is true for many farmers these days, Michael and Leah both work “outside the farm”. This is their second job and there’s no question they love the farm and the potential they see. Leah is at the brink of establishing a web site to keep her followers connected, so to get on her mailing list contact her by email at mddaily21@msn.com.
For more local farm info try: www.SlowFoodUSA.org, www.LocalHarvest.org, www.NaturallyGrown.org or www.EatGreenDFW.com. Most importantly if you know of great farm in your community, email me at suenewhouse@yahoo.com
