View From Our Place
Preserving the past for the future is a priority at our Illinois farm.
In an area of Illinois settled by the French, one family preserves their farming heritage.
We lovingly call our farm Illinois Country Harvest because it lies in the heart of Illinois Country, an area atop the massive limestones bluffs near the mighty Mississippi River. Rich with history because of its fertile soil, it was settled by the French over 300 years ago with the construction of Fort de Chartres.
My great-grandfather worked this land until my parents bought a portion of it in the mid-1970s. I grew up roaming every acre of the farm, collecting wildflowers from the fields, playing in the creeks and spending countless hours sitting beneath the giant oak trees, staring into the endless skies. I dreamed about living and working there.
Five years ago, I purchased our 12 acres from my grandma. Shortly after that, I left my career as an electrician to become the full-time caretaker of our land.
My husband, Jason, and I are the fourth generation to operate this diverse farm, where we raise heritage pigs and grow heirloom and native flowers, fruits and
vegetables using all-natural and sustainable practices. Jason works full-time off the farm and devotes much of his free time to the many chores at hand.
We feel fortunate to have our own little piece of heaven and do everything we can to take good care of it—not only for us to enjoy, but also for future generations, including our son, Graden.
Each season of the year has its own appeal. Spring is filled with budding new growth as we scurry to seed, grow and plant. Summer is vigorous with growth and the enjoyment of harvesting our bounty, while fall is abuzz with preparing to put the gardens to rest. As we move into winter, we focus our attention on artisan woodworking and other projects. Come spring, the cycle renews. Everything we do, build, grow and raise is planned thoughtfully and carefully to serve many purposes and to be as naturally sustainable as possible. And, we try to keep the aesthetics of the farm to look as if it has been here for many years. Jason and I take great pride in creating habitats for wildlife, working with the contours and natural elements of our land, and growing plants that are native or have a past presence in this part of southwestern Illinois.
Our grain, flower and livestock are Certified Naturally Grown, a designation from a private nonprofit that requires a full commitment to organic practices. It’s something we take great pride in and hold close to our hearts.
We truly have a unique place, diversely planned and planted to use and we enjoy every inch of it.
A walk down our winding path through the farm takes you first past a prairie rehab, seeded and planted with grasses and flowers. The tall grasses sway in the breeze as the birds bustle about, collecting seeds and eating insects.
The opposite side of the path will be home to our future chicken yard. I cannot wait to be awakened by the crow of a rooster and to fill my apron with fresh eggs.
As you continue down the path, the slope of the land brings you to a natural wetland area topped with rows of elderberry, black raspberry and Aronia berry plants, sprinkled with flowers and herbs native to this area. These rows are planted across the slopes of the gentle contours of land.
Topping the rise are small, nearly
We feel fortunate to have our own little piece of heaven and do everything we can to take good care of it.
flat plots we have dedicated for grains and surrounded by grass waterways and paths. They are rotationally planted with heritage Cherokee White Eagle corn, saved from a start from one package of seed, as well as barley and oats to feed our heritage pigs. They are all planted by hand and harvested using old-fashioned methods.
As you round the corner, you are greeted by our heritage pigs, Rocky, Penelope and Petunia. They are a rare, threatened breed called Gloucestershire Old Spots. They never fail to meet visitors happily, full of excitement for a pat on the head and hopes for a treat of fresh squash or apple. They are raised using all-natural methods on rotational pastures and are the first of many heritage breed animals we would like to raise.
Adjacent to the pasture are our U-pick flower rows, where we invite people to relax and enjoy their surroundings while collecting flowers for a bouquet to take home.
The heirloom orchard nearby is filled with apple, peach, plum and cherry trees, with room for more, and underplanted with beneficial flowers and herbs. This is one of my favorite places on the farm, as peaceful work is joined by the buzz of bees, the whinny of neighboring horses and the bobwhite call of quail. The orchard is outlined with a planting of one of our heritage wheats, Rouge de Bordeaux.
I find the greatest joy in being surrounded by flowers, as visitors would be quick to notice. Flowers grow around every pasture, and along every path, structure and curve. A stroll here is like being in a fairy tale, with a magical cloud of butterflies greeting every step. Most of the plants and flowers are started here on the farm in our greenhouse, which we made from salvaged materials.
There is no greater joy than stepping out on our porch each morning to welcome the day, and the beauty that surrounds us. We strive to share that joy with others in the community through flower bouquets, farm tours, events and educational projects and activities.
Each season and each year bring new plans, new dreams, new accomplishments, and an overwhelming sense of gratitude for being able to live the life that we do. We love our place.
To learn more about Jennifer’s journey, follow her on Facebook or Instagram, or visit the website, illinoiscountryharvest.com.