Over 150 tiny homes surround Green Gate Farms’ "agrihood" in East Austin. Organic vegetables, herbs and flowers are sold at the farm’s red barn on Saturdays from 9 a.m.-noon.
”By combining food and housing, you're dealing with some of the most essential things that people are seeking and needing,” Flynn said. “It really is a model that people need to know more about.”In 2009, Connett and Flynn purchased 32 acres along the Colorado River northeast of Bastrop off FM 969. Part of Wilbarger Bend, the property represents the couple’s dream to promote community farming.
What to expect
The farm's Bastrop location offers guided tours and technical training opportunities. Volunteers are welcome by appointment Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m.-noon.
Flynn said Bastrop is one of the few locations in Texas with high-quality soil and water near customers.
“What we have in Bastrop is really, really rare,” Flynn said.Flowers and some vegetables are grown on the Bastrop property. At this time, farmland preservation in Bastrop is especially important, Flynn said.
“There's so much development going on right now [in Bastrop], but you know, our affordable housing and food are completely siloed,” Flynn said. “Currently, the way it's working is that farmers are selling out.”
The big idea
Green Gate Farms was inspired by projects such as The Intervale Center, a nonprofit in which land was set aside for recreation and food production. Tended by a community of farmers, the center grows food for the city of Burlington, Vermont.
“That's our big vision for Bastrop,” Flynn said.
- 156 Howard Lane, Bastrop
- www.greengatefarms.net