Melrose Urban Farms Tour

The sign in the window stated that there would be a Melrose Urban Farms Tour on June 25th. Melrose had farms? How is that possible? It's a city.

Well I can attest Melrose has at least 12 urban farms and every one of them is fantastic in their own unique and whimsical way. Mike in the photo above certainly got into the spirit.

Those of us on the tour learned about beekeeping and got samples of honey from the very bees in the backyard of this woman's home.

Some urban farmers grow their vegetables in their front yards in raised beds they created themselves.

Others really do plant happiness or at least they share happiness. I was quite taken with the homeowners and their lovely gardens.

Some gardens were so downright pretty, fun, and colorful they made me smile.

Others had refreshments available and a backyard oasis so gorgeous it invited lingering just a little bit longer.

It was fun to see all the decorations in the gardens and farms. A small front yard and large backyard was a common theme.

We saw plenty of chickens and hens and the cool enclosures that house them and protect them from the elements and predators.

Some of the spaces were very zen.

And the goats were very zen too. This home had a backyard petting zoo.

 

This goat house looked like the Tiny Houses I've seen on HGTV!

 

Some of the entrances were so interesting you just knew the backyard would be cool.

Some of the gardens/farms were dedicated to family members and were well planned to maximize space.

Others can laugh at themselves.

These chickens were babies. They needed assistance to reach their water bottles.

 

Some adorable little girls were more than happy to show us their fairy garden. There were of course fairy lights for nighttime ambience.

Raised beds and some netting were the keys to keeping some critters out.

 

Some had native plants and were sanctuaries for wildlife.

 

Yes, beekeeping is very popular in Melrose.

This raised bed has been pressure treated so no vegetables will be grown here. The gnome protects a lavender crop instead.

We appreciated the little touches from some of the urban farmers. At this garden, we had a choice of lemon or cucumber water.

Fountains, lilypads, koi ponds, so much to see at some of the homes.

 

And even a screech owl house. The screech owls have yet to use it I was told by the homeowner. She thinks the house is too "new". Perhaps next year.

 

 

The Melrose Urban Farmers Tour was inspiring and educational. Who knew Melrose was such a hot spot for urban farming? Certainly not me. By the way, there will be a tour next year and new farms have already been added. Can't wait to see what next year brings!