Bill & Barbara
Bill and Barbara Spencer have been organic and were certified with CCOF from August 1999 to 2009. In more recent years, they have been transitioning Windrose to biodynamic. The farm has been “clean” for nearly 30 years — since its purchase in 1990. For the first three years, Bill worked to bring life back to the soil with compost and annual cover-cropping.
In 1993, Windrose began going to the farmer’s markets with produce from their first small market garden. At that time, both Bill and Barbara were involved in other occupations. Barbara was commuting weekly from Los Angeles, working as a studio musician, and Bill was in real estate locally. At the end of 1995, they took the plunge into full-time farming. Having already discovered the enjoyment of growing many “specialty” varieties of vegetables — most particularly heirloom tomatoes and potatoes, they also found they loved selling to wonderful restaurants as well as to their friends at farmer’s markets throughout California.
It has been a joy for the Spencers to see the tasty dishes prepared by the talented chefs at restaurants such as Patina, Campanile, Melisse and Lucques in Los Angeles. In 2002, Windrose became a member of the Santa Monica Farmer’s Market.
1998 saw the addition of the apple orchard. Working with Terry and Carolyn Harrison of Sonoma Antique Apples, Windrose planted 40 different varieties — including antique types specifically for eating, baking, sauce and cider. It has been amazing to Bill and Barbara to see and taste how different apples can be.
Bill and Barbara state that “The longer we farm, the more enthralled we are with the old traditional seeds and plants. We strive as much as possible to use open-pollinated or heirloom varieties and have begun our own seed-saving program. Every day brings us more knowledge and a stronger belief in the principals and practices of sustainable organic farming. It is complex and labor-intensive – but the burst of life in the soil and the habitat of our little valley is astonishing.”
Windrose began opening the farm twice a year for a Spring Open House in April and also a Tomato Tasting the third weekend of September. What began as a way to say thank you to their friends and customers evolved into a whole new focus for Windrose. They have always believed that this beautiful spot was more than just a “food machine” and should be shared with as many as possible.
The Spencers wish to express their thanks to all their friends, customers, and especially the wonderful fellow market farmers who have been so generous with their knowledge. All share in the past and future growth of Windrose Farm.