Who we are
A Fairy’s Dream Farm is a diversified, human-scale market garden offering organically grown produce, herbs, and plants. The farm is owned by Charlene Parker and operated by Charlene and her husband, Brett, in Danville, Vermont.
What is a Market Garden?
Size: Usually small, about 1-2 acres.
Focus: Grows fruits, vegetables, and herbs for direct sales to people, markets, or local eateries.
Diversity: Offers a variety of crops, as opposed to monocropping, so the farm can be a thriving ecosystem.
Production: Uses intensive practices like raised beds, organic, and no or low till methods.
Labor: Often family-run with hands-on management.
Sales: Focus on community connection through local customer relationships, emphasizing fresh produce.
What we believe in
Resilience in Unity: Strong local food systems create resilient communities, capable of adapting to challenges and changes while ensuring access to nourishing food for all.
Healthier Communities, Happier Hearts: Access to fresh produce promotes better health outcomes, reducing illness and fostering social well-being, creating happier, healthier communities.
Cultivating Connection: Enjoying fresh food brings people together, whether it's sharing a meal or gathering at the farmers' market. Community grows when we share stories through food.
Nourishment for Body and Soul: Fresh food fuels our bodies with essential nutrients while connecting us to the Earth, fostering a deep appreciation for the natural world.
Sustainable Choices: Fresh produce reduces reliance on processed foods, promoting sustainability and a healthier planet. Every bite is a step towards a greener future.
Healthy Soil: Sustainable farming turns soil into a vibrant community of microorganisms, earthworms, and other critters that work tirelessly to keep it healthy and nutrient-rich. These soil superheroes break down organic matter, ensuring that plants not only survive, but thrive.
Why support us?
Increasing Accessibility: We ensure fresh, clean produce is accessible to all through our giving garden and partnerships with local food banks to promote healthy eating!
Building Community: Our commitment to fostering community means creating connections through farm events, workshops, and volunteer opportunities, ensuring everyone feels like a part of our whimsical farm family.
Local Flavor, Local Power: Supporting local farms means embracing the unique flavors of our region, making every meal a celebration of community identity.
Education Through Experience: Engaging with fresh food encourages curiosity and education about where our food comes from, inspiring healthy habits in future generations.
Celebration of Seasons: Eating fresh food allows us to celebrate the seasonal bounty, connecting us with the rhythms of nature and fostering gratitude for what the land provides.
Biodiversity Benefits: Supporting diverse farms leads to a varied diet rich in flavors and nutrients, while also promoting local ecosystems and wildlife habitats.
Follow Along
Charlene shares farm updates as well as stories about her journey from corporate/government finance to first-generation farmer, personal musings and perspectives, vulnerabilities, hopes, and dreams through publications on Substack.
In a time when we all feel so divided and disconnected, she strives to build and strengthen community resilience. In a time when diversity is being shunned, she endeavors to celebrate, harness, and create it. In a time where everything is a commodity, she aspires to turn food back into the gift it once was.
To follow along, please subscribe here: https://substack.com/@afairysdreamfarm