Just a little ways up the road stands a little farm. Most of the people who have been residents of Solano County are not even aware of its existence. I know I hadn’t a clue until a few years ago. It’s actually been around since 1974!
The name of the farm is Loma Vista. Loma Vista Farm is a public and private venture between the Vallejo City Unified School District and the Friends of Loma Vista Farm, a community-based nonprofit organization established in 2003. This farm is run by Rita LeRoy, a.k.a., Farmer Rita to you. There are other volunteers and children who help keep the farm running.
Just last Friday, the trainee Master Gardeners (MGs) and a handful of veteran MGs went out to the farm. The trainees learn how to propagate plants and how to make compost from Farmer Rita. She shows them the details about how plants are easily propagated from seeds, cuttings and the like. Out in the back, she shows them the various types of compost bins and also demonstrated how to create a worm bin.
The farm is about 5 acres and has just about every animal you can think of, and then some you wouldn’t expect. There are chickens, geese, rabbits, cows, and regular farm critters. And there are is also a peacock. You never know what you’ll see when visiting the farm. We encountered the greenhouse cat named Spirit. He is a super-friendly guy and loves a pet!
Loma Vista Farm holds events for the public as well. There is an upcoming Spring Festival on May 19. The public will be able to see the animals, do crafts and other nifty things!
It’s funny how you can live in an area for a long time and never know something so special was just around the corner. I say go and discover the fun little farm in Vallejo!
Attached Images:
Begonia for sale. (photos by Jennifer Baumbach)
Mr. Spirit
Beautiful peacock