Michael Ableman has been farming for over thirty five years. His books, lectures and workshops have inspired people throughout North America. Ableman created Fairview Gardens, at its peak one of North America’s most successful models of local and urban agriculture, where he farmed for twenty five years. Michael currently farms at Foxglove Farm on Salt Spring Island. Read more about Michael here on his website: www.fieldsofplenty.com
Jeanne Marie Herman is a co-founder of The Centre For Arts, Ecology, and Agriculture. She has worked as a biologist, environmental consultant, and massage therapist prior to moving to BC. Jeanne Marie is a partner with her husband Michael in Foxglove Farm managing the accommodations, administration, and handling the millions of details that too often go unseen. accommodations@foxglovefarmbc.ca
Foxglove Farm
A former professional musician, Sean Hutchinson left the shadows of the nightlife for work in the green world of horticulture. His wife Dorie is a multifaceted artist who currently teaches fiber arts and directs and costumes children’s theatre. Sean and Dorie are partners with the Ablemans in Foxglove Farm.
Katie Blake is the program coordinator for the Centre for Arts, Ecology and Agriculture. She has a passion for the natural world, and has worked for the Nature Conservancy of Canada, Into the Wild Expeditions, and the Outward Bound School. Katie lives in Victoria, BC but feels right at home on Salt Spring Island.
Mark Timmermans, General Manager
Mark joins the Foxglove team in the Spring of 2011, after 8 years at Providence Farm (Duncan) as Executive Director. Mark has a unique combination of education and experience in the world of caring for people and crops. Before moving west to complete a Child and Youth Care degree at the University of Victoria, Mark grew up in southern Ontario, immersed in the greenhouse business. During that time, he completed a Horticultural Diploma and ran his own commercial cut rose business for three years before deciding to sail offshore and travel. Mark is married to Freya, and they live in Duncan with their children, Narah, Levi, and Skylar. Mark is excited to be part of the transformation and growth that Foxglove Farm is going through.
Sean Hagen, Field Foreman
Sean moved to Foxglove from Sacramento, California where he was farm manager of Soil Born Farms Urban Agriculture and Education Project. He has five years of organic farming experience with a diverse array of crops and livestock. Sean believes in the farm as a central pillar in the community for education and learning, and loves seeing people get excited about beautiful and healthy food.