Seeding The Future

Harmony Farm: The Journey to Manifestation

Harmony Farm took shape many years after it had first entered my consciousness—seventeen years, to be exact. At the time, I had almost given up on the idea, convinced it would never come to fruition. But then, in 2020, I decided to take a much-needed break from the frantic pace of my pandemic-related work and the endless California smoke-filled skies. I was headed to Bend, Oregon, but, as fate would have it, that area too was ravaged by fires that fall. So, I pivoted—though I have no clear memory of deciding to come to Taos, New Mexico. Somehow, it became my destination.

After six weeks of solitude and stillness, I returned to California, but something inside me had shifted. I could no longer hold space for my old life. To my surprise, former clients contacted me and shared that I was destined to acquire their farm in Taos. Naturally, I declined. But, after many conversations, it became clear: this was the farm I had been waiting for. The time was NOW.

Nine months later, the moving truck arrived at Harmony Farm, and the adventure began.

The Land and the Journey

Our first task was to tame the two-acre field that had only been partially planted with heirloom ryegrass. We began the first of many plantings, sowing a multi-seed dryland pasture mix to stabilize the soil, encourage living roots, and invite pollinators back.

Next, we turned our attention to the orchard grass in the south orchard, which was choking the fruit trees, some of which were also blighted. We built berms, added wood chips to the tree bases, and planted a diverse mix of seed to call in pollinators and enrich the soil —daikon, oats, vetch, and peas.

Then, we focused on the barren east side of the property. We planted support trees and more fruit trees, built berms, seeded the area, and watched in awe as grasses, vetch, and peas began to grow where only prairie dogs had once thrived.

With guidance from my permaculture mentor, we began hosting classes on tree training (to encourage a larger shade footprint around each tree), pruning, and orchard management.

Reciprocity and Mutual Aid: The Heart of Harmony

A core principle at Harmony Farm is Reciprocity—not just in the sense of what we give and receive, but in a deeper understanding of the circle of gifting. How do the birds give to us? How do the trees benefit from our efforts? We live in a continuous exchange of giving and receiving, and this interdependence sustains us all.

We are fortunate to live in a region that honors the centuries-old practice of reciprocity. Here, in Taos, in order to receive water on your land, all ditches must be cleared and maintained. We depend on our neighbors to have clear access to water, just as they rely on us. We are a mutual aid society. Water days, when the first flow of water runs in the spring, are a beautiful time for the community to come together. We share a midday feast, and the work becomes an opportunity to remember our deep bonds to the land, the water and each other.

Seeding the Future:

Much is fractured in society, and within ourselves. Yet, there exists a simple and beautiful path forward—one that invites us to once again honor the circularity of life. Whether through sharing meals with neighbors or organizing work parties to support one another, the small, everyday acts we embrace can help mend the broken web of relationships that once sustained both humanity and the planet for millennia. In doing so, we rebuild not only for our own benefit, but for the health of our lands, waters, and skies. Above all, we do this for the future generations—both human and non-human—that share this sacred Earth with us.

True Wealth: Connection to Land and Community

At Harmony Farm, we believe that wealth is not defined by a bank account but by the web of relationships—between people, the land, the birds, the water, the crawlers, and the four-legged creatures. This circle of connection is true wealth. It is sustenance. It is life.

We invite you to visit our farm, whether for an hour, a day, a week, or longer. There are many ways to participate: from renting an apartment and soaking in the buzz of honey bees pollinating, to engaging in work trades, enjoying our Hip Campsites, or attending retreats and weddings.

What are your interests and needs? How can you participate at Harmony Farm? We’d love to hear from you.