The Bracketts Farm Charitable Garden
Education Events & Farm-to-Table Fruit & Vegetable Donations

The Bracketts Farm Charitable Garden is a partnership between the Louisa Extension Master Gardeners (LEMG) and the Elisabeth A. Nolting Charitable Foundation at Bracketts Farm to produce fresh fruits and vegetables for Louisa County residents in need. The Garden is funded by donations from individuals and businesses, as well as grants; it is managed/operated by LEMG and community volunteers. 

 

We offer a unique opportunity for volunteers to learn sustainable garden practices while reducing hunger. The fresh fruits and vegetables grown are donated to the Louisa County Resource Council's (LCRC) food bank in Louisa. Damaged items unsuitable for food bank donation are given to Hooves and Paws Rescue, a local animal rescue and sanctuary in Louisa.

 

Rising food costs, inflation, and supply chain issues have created greater demand on the LCRC than in years past, making our garden efforts vital to meet the needs of our community. Our 2022 and 2023 Spring/Summer planting season brought 4,327 pounds of fresh local produce to the LCRC food pantry and 660 pounds to Hooves and Paws. Our long-term goal is to exceed our annual donations through improved agricultural practices.

 

THE GARDEN TEAM

 

Master Gardeners involved in the planning, implementation and operation of the Garden have completed all the Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) master gardener requirements, as well as additional education and training both in and out of the VCE. Additional training includes seminars provided by VCE, a multi-day seminar through Virginia State University, the Piedmont Landscapers Association and the National Association for Advanced Technology in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture - Armed to Farm. Armed to Farm is a multi-day seminar including class instruction, guest speakers and hands-on work with other urban/rural charitable gardens.

 

We would like to increase our volunteer force, and we hope you join our team. Please contact us at LEMGGivingGarden@gmail.com if you are interested in becoming a garden volunteer, touring the garden, or learning about sustainable gardening practices. Come grow with us!

 

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OUR DONORS

 

We want to thank the following businesses and individuals for their gracious contributions to garden operations:

 

Louisa Extension Master Gardeners

The Elisabeth Aiken Nolting Charitable Foundation

Steve Phillips, Black Dog Produce

Deep Roots Farm & Garden Center

Louisa True Value Hardware

Hottinger's Nursery

Angel's Landscaping

Fluvanna High School

Beth Whitten

Debra Reese

Kimberly & Scott Randall

Ann & Kevin Mahoney

Alice Leigh Mason

Mike & Coreen Gelber

Tess & Dale Verheyen

Amie Vialet de Montbel

Bill & Margaret Marley

Matthew & Aviesce Brandt

Durwood Willis

Jack Maus

Richard Hinde

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BRACKETTS FARM

 

The Elisabeth Aiken Nolting Charitable Foundation is a testimony to the memory, vision, and energy of Elisabeth Nolting who resided in her family home at Bracketts Farm for many years. The 200+ year old farm lies within the Green Springs Historic District in Louisa County and is registered with the National Park Service.

 

For complete details on the Elisabeth A. Nolting Charitable Foundation and Bracketts Farm, please visit their website at https://www.bracketts.org.

 

 

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