Ag destinations Farm-fresh gifts keep on giving

Central Coast Farm & Ranch·Monday, December 11, 2017·

By MICHELE WILLER-ALLRED

Central Coast growers possess a giving spirit that often shines brightest during the holidays. Some use this season as a time to give back to their communities, donating proceeds from their products to charity. Central Coast Farm & Ranch’s annual gift guide helps readers make this the season of “farm giving” with charitable opportunities from three local farms, followed by other gift suggestions featuring this region’s varied bounty.A different bleatGoat yoga, you say? Om … yes! Getting your namaste on with goats is the latest trend to hit farms throughout the nation, and Lavenderwood Farms does it for a good cause. Baby goats often dressed in pajamas nuzzle or sit in laps of participants as they do yoga poses in classes offered Fridays through Sundays at the micro dairy in Thousand Oaks.Lavenderwood Farm owner Danette McReynolds said goats lessen the intimidation factor and make yoga fun for everyone. Money raised from the classes led by experienced instructors goes to fund youth agriculture projects through the Santa Rosa Valley 4-H. Recently, sales of the farm’s goat yoga and goat milk beauty products helped students attend a national dairy goat show in Wisconsin as well as purchase equipment. Goat yoga with wine and cheese events are offered through the holidays. Classes start at $25. Gift certificates available. Call (805) 428-2684. Class signups at lavenderwoodfarm.com.

The giving treesWhile holiday tree farms dwindle in Southern California, Marilyn and Don Cameron continue to grow more than 10 varieties on their 15-acre Christmas Ranch Tree Farm in Thousand Oaks and another two-acre plot in Simi Valley.

Started in 1971, their farm hires local students to help sell the trees, which customers may cut on their own. The farm also participates in the Trees for Troops with the nonprofit Christmas Spirit Foundation. Growers support military families through the program by providing more than 84,000 fresh-cut Christmas trees. Tree sales begin after Thanksgiving. Handmade wreaths and garlands also are sold. Trees average $50-$65, depending on size. More at christmasranchtreefarms.com.A rosy ideaIt’s difficult to choose from more than 800 varieties of roses available at the 40-acre Otto & Sons Nursery in Fillmore. Though, a standout is Children’s Hope, a 2017 variety introduced

by Weeks Roses. The compact bush with dainty, bright pink clusters features a slight fruity fragrance. Sales of Children’s Hope aid children with brain and spinal cord tumors through research, education and advocacy at the Children’s Brain Tumor Foundation.Otto & Sons also offers a Rose Care University in January. Go to ottoandsons-nursery.com for rose availability and event list. Still searching? Try these other unique gifts: Rustic bouquetsOn trend are arrangements of roses mixed with branches and berries to create a more natural looking bouquet. Padaro Floral Designs knows how to make it work with roses grown hydroponically by their parent company, Myriad International in Carpinteria. “The roses are available in every color. We also have test roses that are very unusual,” said Michelle Goans, floral designer at Padaro. Visit them at 3680 Via Real, Carpinteria, or padarofloraldesigns.com.

Hipster houseplantsThe trend among urbanites is filling their homes with more exotic houseplants. Carpinteria-based Westerlay Orchids’ best-selling potted Phalaenopsis, or “moth” orchids boast graceful stems and exceptionally long-lasting blooms. Westerlay produces annually more than 2 million potted Phalaenopsis and Cymbidium orchids, as well as many other plants in their greenhouses located on 21 acres. Check out their showroom at 3504 Via Real, Carpinteria. What the kale?It seems like the ultimate leafy green — kale — is found just about everywhere now, and rightfully so due to its health benefits. Ving Vodka’s latest spirit is the world’s first kale-, lemon peel- and cucumber-infused vodka, featuring organic and gluten-free ingredients without sugars or other additives. The first pallet run comes from sustainable organic produce supplier Cinagro Farms in Ventura. $39.99 a bottle at vingvodka.com.

Jam on itThere’s a good reason why Carpinteria-based Red Hen Cannery’s Heirloom Tomato and Spice Jam won first place in this year’s Good Food Awards preserves category. Indian flavors, smoky chipotle and sea salt are layered amongst sweet tomatoes in this chunky jam. Ingredients for this artisanal, small-batch company come from Foley Farm, Bailard Ranch and other Central Coast farms. $12 for one jar, $23 for two online at redhencannery.com and at Santa Barbara farmers markets.Drink pinkRosé continues to show strong growth, and Central Coast vintners are producing wines in every shade of pink. Lompoc-based Kitá Wines’ 2016 Grenache Rosé stands out, winning Best Pink Wine and other awards in this year’s Central Coast Wine Competition. One-hundred percent Grenache Noir grapes are used in this pale pink wine with aromatics of fresh strawberries, watermelon, hibiscus and orange zest. $18 a bottle at kitawines.com.For the booksSanta Barbara chef Robin Goldstein shares her recipes inspired by the bounty of California’s Santa Ynez Valley in her new book “Simply Delicious Wine Country Recipes.”

Prosciutto-wrapped grilled peaches, baked brie with caramelized apples and onions, wine-harvest grilled pizza and mulled red wine ice cream are among the 70 recipes featured in the vividly illustrated book. December book release, with pre-sale signed copies for $27.95 at ATasteOfCA.com.Also, “Eubie” is the latest novel by former Limoneira Ranch supervisor turned novelist Alfonso Guilin. The ranch family dog Eubie discovers an abandoned baby in a nearby citrus grove, and the discovery sets up the first of many mysteries. $16.50 at amazon.com.— Michele Willer-Allred is a Moorpark-based freelance journalist.