Applegarth Greenhouse

In Mary Stewart’s retelling of the Arthurian legends, Merlin, the fabled wizard, retreats from his role in shaping the world to a haven he names Applegarth. Here, he immerses himself in creation and opens his doors to kindred spirits seeking to explore deeper realms of awareness.

The concept of Applegarth is built upon weaving together the experiences of many lifetimes into a labor of love and creativity. When all the tools and talents are brought together in harmony, the result is a breathtaking realization of vision, born from deliberate communication and collaboration.

As Merlin matures, both in age and wisdom, he crafts this sacred space dedicated to conscious growth—a realm for experiential learning and spiritual refinement. The pursuit of true happiness lies along a unique, inward path, free from worldly shortcuts or predefined maps. This journey is personal to each soul, yet one constant remains: the practice of self-love. When fully embraced, it dissolves the illusions of the world, revealing the essence of true reality.

self-love; outreach

The exploration of consciousness forms the bedrock upon which all other experiences flourish. Applegarth Greenhouse will gather a community of both students and teachers, though the teachers will humbly claim to be students, and the masters will find wisdom at the feet of beginners. Everything that unfolds in this Sacred Place will be centered on the journey of learning to give and receive love. As beauty is cultivated in the physical realm, deeper insights will naturally emerge within the inner world. Love is a dance the soul must engage in with itself, and emotional awareness is only the first step toward greater realities and true understanding. Every activity and project will be infused with experiential awareness, shared freely as a gift to all who are open to receive—without expectation of anything in return. Love, after all, cannot be bought or sold; it can only be given with pure intent.

Through the experience of caring for living beings—whether small animals or garden plants—empathy is nurtured as gentle lives are held in one’s hands. Farm life teaches the value of local, fresh, and nourishing food while also deepening one’s appreciation for the miracle of their own physical body.

By offering these essential life skills to those struggling with mental illness and addiction, the community can help heal those who are grappling with their own existence. Through cultivating their personal “peace of paradise,” individuals can rediscover a sense of purpose and well-being. Working on a farm or in a greenhouse provides practical agricultural experience that fosters healing, growth, and the development of valuable life skills.

Programs

Horticulture demonstrations & workshops, master gardening courses
Community service opportunities
Children’s sensory gardens and experiential learning
Mental health programs

conservatoire greenhouse

By blending ancient techniques with modern technology, we will create an environmentally-controlled conservatory greenhouse, a space of breathtaking beauty. It will resemble a vibrant tropical paradise, designed to produce botanical treasures that will not only enrich the surrounding landscape but also contribute to its own economic sustainability. This greenhouse will become a sought-after destination, offering a touch of sunshine and warmth even during the coldest, darkest days. A curated collection of rare and exotic plants will thrive within, eventually finding their way into local gardens and homes. From tropical plants to herbs, produce, and year-round vegetable and fruit gardens, this space will offer propagation services, specialty plants, and even host elegant wedding receptions, making it a hub of growth and celebration.

Heating Systems

Propane heat
Geothermal heating
Radiant heat
Metal pipe heat
Recycled oil furnace
Backup generator
Alternative heating methods

Cooling Walls and Ventilation Fans

Ventilation fans and cellar wall
Drainage and sump wet wall
Purified water mist system

hightunnel gardens

Olericulture & Fruit Production

Olericulture is the field dedicated to the production, storage, processing, and marketing of vegetables. It covers every stage of crop development, from seeding and transplanting to selecting cultivars, preparing seedbeds, and rejuvenating soil. This field includes the care and maintenance of crops for both commercial and non-traditional vegetable production, such as organic gardening, sustainable agriculture, hydroponics, and biotechnology. The range of crops includes potherbs and leafy greens like spinach and collards, salad crops like lettuce and celery, cole crops such as cabbage and cauliflower, root crops and tubers like potatoes, beets, carrots, and radishes, bulb crops such as onions and leeks, legumes like beans and peas, cucurbits including melons, squash, and cucumbers, solanaceous crops like tomatoes and peppers, and sweet corn.

Fructiculture

Fructiculture, also known as pomology, is the study and cultivation of fruit, focusing on the development and physiological study of fruit-bearing trees and plants. The primary goals of fructiculture are to enhance fruit quality, regulate production times, and reduce costs. This field encompasses the management of various orchards and crops, including traditional fruit orchards, tropical orchards that produce fruits like oranges, lemons, limes, figs, pomegranates, and bananas, as well as berry crops such as raspberries, blackberries, currants, huckleberries, strawberries, and other specialty berries. Viticulture, the cultivation of grapes, is also an important part of fructiculture.

Community Integration Programs

Garden classes and internships
Volunteer and participant agreements
Seed to garden social media program
Food processing and storage
Walk-in cooler
Farmers market

arboretum & botanical collections

The grounds of Applegarth will reflect the harmony of the Inner Worlds, each aspect carefully aligned with itself and those who nurture its growth. Guided by those with a deep understanding of aesthetics, visitors will be encouraged to appreciate the form, texture, and expression of each garden. Colors and textures will blend seamlessly, speaking to one another in a silent, radiant dialogue. Those who wander through these gardens will feel the gentle presence of love woven into the very fabric of this creation.

Applegarth will serve as a model of landscape design that adapts to the unique challenges of the local environment. Emphasis will be placed on educating visitors about native plants, including how to identify them, their medicinal properties, and methods for preparing them. Instruction in propagation techniques will be offered, empowering individuals to expand their own gardens while responsibly collecting and preserving these local botanical treasures in an eco-conscious way.

soil sustainability

Sustainability refers to the practice of minimizing harm to the environment and preserving natural resources to support long-term ecological balance.

At Applegarth, resource integration will showcase how waste can be recycled back into the farm, enhancing its overall health. With thoughtful planning, we can work smarter and save time. Farm chores, often daunting and repetitive, can become manageable through the implementation of over 20 years of time-saving techniques and hands-on small farm experience.

Chickens and Eggs: Chickens will play a vital role in the farm’s ecosystem. As they consume garden waste, their golden-yolked eggs will be produced, and their manure, when mixed with compost, will help enrich worm beds, accelerating the composting process. Coop designs will be carefully integrated with outdoor gardens to streamline the removal of old plants and aid in the control of insect infestations.

Rabbits and Meat: Rabbit farming will focus on meat production, with careful breeding practices to optimize yield and ensure genetic diversity. Their manure will also contribute to the farm’s vermiculture composting system, pushing the quality of compost to a new level. Comprehensive record-keeping will ensure optimal breeding and sustainability within the rabbitry.

Practices at Applegarth will include:

An innovative, sustainable greenhouse with heating and cooling systems
A root cellar and walk-in cooler for food preservation
Seed collecting and a seed bank for biodiversity
A robust vermiculture composting system
Energetic landscaping that complements the natural environment
Composting systems utilizing poultry and rabbit manure
Spinning composting drums to efficiently manage organic waste

residential perennial display gardens

Designing landscapes that can thrive in high mountain Zone 3 desert climates presents numerous challenges. First, it can be difficult to source plant materials that haven’t already broken dormancy or that are properly hardened-off for the local ecosystem. Second, the shorter growing season requires meticulous planning to maximize blooms and highlight foliage. Third, landscape designs must be able to withstand heavy snow loads that can cause winter damage to woody plants. However, with creative solutions, even residential landscapes in such harsh conditions can radiate beauty.

Applegarth will serve as a demonstration of these innovative landscaping options, offering practical designs that can be easily replicated throughout the valley. Over time, specific plants will be cultivated, grown, and divided for sale to local residents—plants that have been raised and acclimated to the same climate where they will be planted.

As Soda Springs continues to urbanize, the demand for cold-hardy landscaping materials will rise. Through education, Applegarth will help prevent costly mistakes made by designers unfamiliar with the unique challenges of the region’s climate.

annual containers

The beauty cultivated at Applegarth will extend beyond the grounds, shared with others through exquisitely crafted botanical garden-quality containers. These arrangements will teach more than just gardening—they will offer a valuable lesson in harmony. Just as carefully chosen plants can complement each other within a single container, so too can people learn to uplift and support one another, creating a thriving community.

These containers will showcase how, with the right nurturing, even the most delicate and exotic plants can flourish in challenging environments. Through the thoughtful selection of plants, each pot becomes more than just an aesthetic piece; it becomes a living metaphor. The interplay of different textures, colors, and growth habits in a single container represents the diversity and balance required for both gardens and communities to thrive. Just as we ensure the needs of each plant are met for it to grow and blossom, we are reminded that, with care and attention, we too can thrive, even in the most trying circumstances.

This mindful curation will encourage a deeper connection to nature while offering insights into how balance, support, and understanding can help us all grow in challenging times. These containers will be living symbols of resilience and unity, blending artistry with life itself.

floriculture

The outer world can be artistically mirrored and transformed within, as colors, forms, and textures reveal a canvas of endless possibilities waiting to be shaped by our hands. When the garden enters the home, it becomes a living inspiration, encouraging us to explore the source of its beauty and inviting us to discover how nature and creativity intertwine. Each element—the curve of a leaf, the play of light on petals, the intricate patterns of bark—serves as a quiet reminder of the limitless potential we hold to create beauty.

Tending to the garden deepens this connection. As we nurture the land, we nurture ourselves, finding within the simple acts of planting, pruning, and cultivating a reflection of the care we give to our own inner growth. The beauty that manifests in the garden isn’t just a visual delight; it becomes a source of contemplation and creativity.

Layer by layer, this dynamic relationship between the outer garden and the inner world reveals itself, offering endless opportunities for artistic expression. What begins as a simple act of care for the land grows into an ongoing dialogue with the self, a dance of creativity that brings beauty into both our surroundings and our hearts. The garden not only inspires—it teaches, encouraging us to embrace our own capacity to transform and create, just as nature does.

aquatic plants

Water, the element of emotion, invites us to immerse ourselves in the effortless ebb and flow of our feelings. It embodies nourishment, not only for the physical body but for the soul, as it moves through every living being on this wondrous planet. Water is the universal lifeblood that connects all of creation, flowing through us in a shared bond of interconnectedness. In a place where water is the essence of life, honoring this vital force by fostering ecosystems that restore nature to health becomes a sacred act of giving back to our Earth Mother.

The property’s aquatic features will be a reflection of this reverence, transforming water into a source of both beauty and renewal. By thoughtfully incorporating botanical accents, these water elements will become living works of art—calm, flowing spaces that soothe the senses and reconnect us to the heart of nature. Aquatic plants, water lilies, and carefully curated greenery will ripple with the soft motion of water, creating a serene environment that invites exploration and contemplation.

In honoring water’s essential role in sustaining life, we will cultivate aquatic organisms that not only bring aesthetic beauty but also contribute to the health of the ecosystem. These features will demonstrate how water can be harnessed to heal, cleanse, and sustain, embodying the flow of life and emotion that unites all living things.

herbology

Reviving the ancient wisdom of herbology bridges the knowledge of the past with the needs of the future. This timeless practice begins with the careful identification of medicinal herbs and flowers, recognizing their unique properties and healing potential. From this foundation, herbology expands into the art and science of growing, harvesting, and tending to these plants, respecting both their natural cycles and the environments in which they thrive.

But the journey does not end with cultivation. Herbology delves deeper into the careful collection and preparation of herbs, ensuring that each plant is gathered at the peak of its potency. The process continues with the transformation of these raw materials into usable products, such as tinctures, teas, salves, and essential oils—each crafted to capture the full spectrum of the plant’s healing properties.

This practice is not just about creating remedies; it is a holistic approach that connects us to the earth and the ancient traditions that have guided healing for centuries. Through the recovery and sharing of this knowledge, herbology becomes a tool for educating future generations about sustainable living, natural wellness, and the profound connection between human health and the natural world. It offers a pathway to not only heal our bodies but to restore our relationship with the earth, ensuring that the wisdom of plants continues to nurture both people and the planet for generations to come.

root cellar & food storage

“Seed to Table” is a holistic cycle that begins with planting and nurturing, but truly comes full circle with the careful collection and storage of seeds, preserving the potential for future harvests. By saving seeds from season to season, we create a legacy of resilience, ensuring that future generations have access to the same robust plants and vital nourishment that sustained us.

But the journey from garden to table doesn’t stop at harvest. The practice of canning and preserving transforms the abundance of the growing season into a pantry of treasures, extending the freshness and flavor of homegrown produce well beyond its natural season. By using traditional methods of preservation—such as pickling, fermenting, and jarring—gardeners can stockpile a rich variety of foods that carry the taste of summer through the coldest months.

In addition, the storage of root crops and gourds in a root cellar is an age-old practice that sustains fresh produce without the need for electricity or refrigeration. This simple yet effective method ensures that even in the harshest winter, the table remains bountiful with naturally preserved fruits and vegetables.

Together, these practices form a sustainable lifestyle that promotes health and wellness, even in the toughest of times. By honoring the cycle of growth and preservation, we protect our future, build self-reliance, and maintain a deep connection to the land that provides for us. Through “Seed to Table,” we create a legacy of abundance, security, and well-being, ensuring that both the earth and its people continue to thrive.

rabbits

Rabbit manure is truly garden gold! Rich in essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and a wide array of vital minerals and micronutrients, it far surpasses other common manures in its fertilizing power. According to the Michigan State University Extension, rabbit manure contains four times the nutrients found in cow or horse manure and twice the amount of nutrients in chicken manure. One of its greatest advantages is that it’s a “cool” manure, meaning it doesn’t need to be composted or aged before being applied directly to plants or added to worm cultures. This makes it ideal for vermiculture, where worms can process the manure into rich, organic compost without the need for additional carbonaceous material like leaves or straw. Remarkably, just one doe and her offspring can generate up to a ton of manure annually, contributing immensely to soil fertility and garden productivity.

Beyond its composting benefits, rabbits are an excellent source of human nutrition. Rabbit meat is a lean, dense protein, offering more iron and fewer calories than other farm-raised livestock. It’s also lower in fat than chicken, making it a healthy and sustainable protein option for farm-to-table meals.

At Applegarth, contained or caged rabbits will be an essential component of the gardens and food systems, playing a dual role in both enhancing soil fertility and providing a valuable food source. Their manure will fuel the garden’s growth, while their meat will offer nutritious sustenance, further contributing to the sustainability of the farm. This integrated approach to rabbit farming supports both the health of the land and the people who depend on it.

poultry

Poultry at Applegarth will be a true powerhouse of sustainability, providing not only eggs and feathers but also playing a vital role in the farm’s composting system. These industrious birds will efficiently consume almost all garden waste, turning what would otherwise be discarded into valuable resources that support the “seed-to-table” cycle. By converting garden scraps into nutrient-rich manure, poultry will enhance soil fertility, helping to sustain healthy gardens and increase crop yields.

The vision for poultry management at Applegarth will showcase innovative techniques that prioritize efficiency while honoring the principles of free-range farming. Chickens will have ample space to roam and forage naturally, ensuring their well-being while also contributing to the farm’s ecosystem. Thoughtful design will minimize labor and energy inputs, making it a time-efficient and sustainable practice. Their manure, rich in nutrients, will be used to create high-quality compost, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers and promoting organic gardening practices.

The inclusion of poultry into Applegarth’s operations exemplifies resourcefulness. Eggs provide a steady, nutritious food source, feathers can be repurposed for crafts or garden mulching, and their role in composting supports the entire farm’s ecosystem. The integration of poultry is not only an exercise in sustainable farming but a living demonstration of how animals and plants can work in harmony to create a balanced, productive system that nurtures both the land and its caretakers.