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SOLERA DIAMOND VALLEY | JUNE 2022 11 By Theresa Rossetti, Resident In April, 11 members of the Garden Group had quite an adventure in nearby Aguanga. GG member Joyce Johnson did a phenomenal job of arranging a tour and lunch at Farmy Farms. In 2019 two men decided to buy 24.5 acres in rural Aguanga and start an endeavor that quite frankly is awesome. Although still in its early days, the farm's plan is to produce for and educate the public about indigenous, heirloom, rare and exotic plants and animals through organic and self-sustaining practices. Plans are in the works for U-pick berries, apples, pears, and even a cider mill. Our tour started with our group being greeted by CJ, owner and guide and a rather large duck. On to a pen with chickens, ducks, turkeys and probably other birds I've left out. Free range eggs lie waiting on the ground to be collected later for the Farm Stand. We were followed by the "barn" cats, Thing 1 and Thing 2, who keep the fields free of mice, rats and squirrels. Then on to the cows, horses, three pigs (Prosciutto, Pancetta and Bologna), and too many goats to count. Oh, did I mention the two-day-old baby cow? So cute. Then there were the tortoises (childhood pets of CJ). All of this as we wandered through the hundreds of fruit trees planted, the vegetables either getting started or about to be sown, and the greenhouse with a macadamia tree, a few banana plants and other semi-tropical plants. The farm plans on being completely self-sustaining in a few years. Already they have their own wells and composting system (most of it is feed for the animals). Their plans are extensive for this and for offering services to their local community by growing locally requested veggies and fruits. But have they stopped there? Obviously not. On a set of tables in a semi-cleared area, we enjoyed a delicious lunch; sandwiches made to order, apples, chocolate chip cookies and chips as well as a gluten- free charcuterie board for a gluten-free member. In addition to the tours (by appointment only and limited in size) they host special events all year long. If Goat Yoga, Brunch with the Goats or Afternoon Tea on the Farm intrigue you, there's plenty of information on their website. Farmy Farms Garden Group Trip