Today we’d like to introduce you to Bridget O’Brien.
Hi Bridget O’Brien , we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Dr Charlie Brennan and Bridget O’Brien are Directors of Gateway Farm, and also their design consultancy Garden Juju Collective. This former golf driving range was converted into a farm in 2016. Initially we were brought in to create a whole farm design and plan. Following this Garden Juju Collective installed phases of work to make Gateway Farm an amazing demonstration and destination farm showcasing permaculture-inspired design, regenerative urban agriculture, conservation and rewilding, extensive food forest, farm-to-table dinners, events and event hire, markets, yoga and community engagement and collaboration. Best of all the farm is certified organic and the food is just the best – healthy, delicious and so enjoyable. Charlie & Bridget have been the directors since early 2023. This amazing farm is now looking for investors the bring the farm up to it’s full potential. We’re so happy to be sharing this farm story with Voyage Michigan Magazine!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Oooooh. Hahahha! Farming is rarely a smooth road. We have a great staff here that ranges between 15 – 20 people. Farming is a great life and definitely not an easy one. As farmers we need to be physical, resilient, able to multi-task, work in (almost) all weathers. People who work here do so often because they want to work in an occupation in which values are important. Increasingly people understand the importance of food and landscapes. Challenges include – weeding, working in the cold / heat, physically demanding, crops aren’t always successful. As farm Directors the challenges are those plus the economics of food production. Our biggest challenge overall is to convey to clients, consumers and the community in general how important organic food is, and how fundamentally important it is to regenerate our farms, landscapes, communities, economies & Planet Earth.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Gateway Farm / Garden Juju Collective?
Gateway Farm, Plymouth, Michigan – offers Certified Organic produce direct to consumer through a Farm Stop, Community Supported Agriculture Food Boxes, community markets and a range of value added products. The farm is a showcase for regenerative agriculture, permaculture, no-dig growing, rewilding and water management. We specialise in a broad range of heritage and unusual annual and perennial crops. We also offer educational events, farm to table dinners, event space hire, photography, markets and more.
Garden Juju Collective – is a design consultancy offering design, mentoring, in-person and online educations, and installation of eco-landscaping. We have travelled widely and draw upon projects that we have done ourselves or from projects we have visited around the world. We, Bridget & Charlie & team are very passionate about what we do! Bridget is particularly passionate about design & food forests; Charlie about Elder Trees and ecopsychology.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Find the people, projects, practices and places that inspire you and then network, relate, follow, visit and learn. Also read widely and have a critical reflective practice. Don’t be shy!
Pricing:
- See our websites. gatewayfarmplymouth.com & gardenjujucollective.com
Contact Info:
- Website: gatewayfarmplymouth.com /gardenjujucollective.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gatewayfarmplymouth
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GatewayFarmPlymouth
