Meet Doug Ernst “Poet of Rocks”
Potton resident, Doug Ernst’s farm has been described as a true work of art and for good reason; the artist has worked on this masterpiece for over forty years now. The creation of many beautiful walls and stone structures surrounded by a plethora of multi-coloured gardens, both flowers and food crops, nestled in one of the most picturesque landscapes leaves all who visit in awe of the beauty and creativity.
The old hill farms of Potton are abundant with rocky soil and according to Abbondanza Greenhouse Gardens and Education Centre owner, Gwynne Basen, “Ernst has taken a lemon and made lemonade.”
Basen, an award winning film maker, writer, gardener and activist shares with us that, “Ernst has been holding a one day workshop teaching folks the basics of creating dry stone walls for the last four years as part of the Abbondanza Farm summer workshop season.”
On his property in a healthy fertile soil built up by Ernst over the last forty years, the stone walls create a micro-climate and things seem to grow with incredible vigour and stature. While the stones build walls that are structurally sound, they are stunning to the eye.
“Even Ernst’s sugar house is built out of stone,” says Basen. “Walking through his gardens is like walking through living sculptures, it really is a unique experience.”
In August, Basen is organizing a hands-on workshop in building your own stone walls and structures featuring expert wall builder, Doug Ernst. The workshop will take attendees through the basics of design, selecting and handling rocks, essential tools and materials. The session will culminate with Ernst’s guiding the group in building a new stone wall. Entitled, “Rock It!” this workshop will be held on Sunday, August 20th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
There has been a lot of interest in what Ernst does because so many “Pottonites” find themselves with an abundance of natural resource rocks! You can read all the details about this and other workshops being organized by Basen on her Abbondanza farm website: www.abbondanzafarm.com
The fact that the “rock poet” is willing to share his unique artistic ability is a true gift to the community and provides a rare opportunity for those wanting to take their own backyard lemon and make lemonade with a chance to learn from one of the best how to do so. The resource of Potton rocks are everywhere, couple that with knowledge and you have a winning combo. This is an opportunity not to be missed.