Tangleweed Farms

After a long absence, Tangleweed Farms will reopen to the public on Saturday, April 21. The new owners, Susie and Scott Crooke from Orcutt, Calif., plan to maintain the sustainable, organic farm as it was by prior owners John and Laurie Thorpe. The Crookes took possession of the property last October just as Susie found out that she was pregnant. This slowed down their move to Tehachapi and the work on the farm.

Scott has been trimming trees and bushes and making a few other changes to the property to make it ready for the reopening. The pond has been removed to make room for a big new barn but the market store remains the same as do the rows of Olallieberries and the field of lavender. While they await the growth of their own produce, they will be reopening with produce supplied by CalOrganics, better known as Grimway Farms in Cummings Valley. In the next week or two, Scott and Susie plan to plant the vegetables and flowers that they will eventually add to the farm market. The fruit trees are beginning to bloom and there should be apples, peaches, plums and more by the end of summer.

Scott said that they want to focus on healthy, organic, heirloom and interesting vegetables; different varieties of vegetables than are normally found in the supermarket. An example would be the Honeynut Squash, which Scott says is bred for flavor not size. Succulents are a hobby for Susie and she will be adding those to the farm offerings as well.

Plans for the farm don't stop there. Scott plans to plant wine grapes, as well. One-year-old Cabernet Sauvignon vines will be added soon, although it will be a while before they will be ready for their first crush. The vineyard will be known as Southern Sierra Vineyard and the tasting room will be located under the oak trees next to the store. Scott said he also plans to add a Santa Maria-style barbecue, patio cover and picnic tables. The farm will be open Friday through Sunday from 10 to 5 p.m.

Tangleweed Farms will also be available as a wedding and event venue. Their first event will be a Farm House Dinner planned for Saturday evening, May 5 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Tickets are $40 per person and it will give attendees a chance to check out the venue and learn more about Scott and Susie's plans for the farm.

To purchse tickets go to http://www.TangleweedFarms.com/events or call Susie at (805) 717-7672.