Unique Experiences at South Jersey Farms Tucked in Forested Side Pockets – Artsphoria: Special Events Advertising & Reporting

By Andrea K. Hammer

One South Jersey marvel is the convenience of commercial enterprises along major roads–and the discovery of farms in forested side pockets. Each one has a distinct personality, and two extraordinary ones expanded our list during a recent excursion.

Our original destination was FesTomato! at Walking Bird Farm in Galloway, New Jersey. The Northeast Organic Farming Association of New Jersey hosted the 8th annual event to promote New Jersey’s popular crop and the farmers growing them. As one of the four Garden State celebrations, FesTomato! featured tastings, culinary demonstrations, music, vendors and more.

Along flowered paths and near large greenhouses, Walking Bird Farm was brimming with activity. Next to a lemonade food truck, Farmers Against Hunger distributed pamphlets to raise awareness about opportunities to volunteer with the organization. The program of the New Jersey Agricultural Society, bridging the gap between reducing food waste and preventing families from going hungry, offered cans for picking up tomatoes in a massive field. The special event at Walking Bird Farm gave adults and children a hands-on farming experience.

Inside the main open barn, vendors discussed and sold their farm-fresh products. A fascinating conversation about the creation of pure honey as well as information from Stockton University’s Maple Project and the New Jersey Democracy Collaborative were just a few of the highlights. The latter distributed important information about supporting beginning farmers, crop insurance and the ways reliable local markets help area farms grow.

Outside the barn, across from several large tractors and between a couple of large food trucks, the Organic Garden Doctor smiled from his open booth. Framed with photos of “friends or foes,” Al Johnson patiently answered questions about dealing with ravenous creatures such as deer and woodchucks gobbling flowers. The independent organic inspector, accredited by the Independent Organic Inspectors Association to assess crops, livestock and processors, shared helpful tips about using chicken wire to protect gardens.

Further down the road, Swimming Flowers Fishery was a welcome oasis after all the activity. Family owned and operated since 1996, ponds filled with massive koi and pond plants for sale beckoned. Farm animals, including an emu making a drum-beating call as well as peacocks, chicken and a goat, created another unique and memorable experience.

To learn more about Swimming Flowers Fishery, visit www.swimmingflowersfishery.com. For details about upcoming Northeast Organic Farming Association of New Jersey events, see www.nofanj.org.