Olimpia Bernard
As we close out another year at Cultivating Dreams Farm, I’m filled with gratitude for the individuals who work alongside me each day, the lessons we’ve learned together, and the incredible growth—both literal and figurative—that we’ve nurtured throughout 2025. This year was full of creativity, community, experimentation, and harvests that reflected the hard work of so many hands. Here’s a look back at our journey.
🧵 January: Sewing Kindness Into Every Stitch
We began the year with a community project close to our hearts. Groups helped sew 15 basic backpacks for people experiencing homelessness in the Poughkeepsie area. Individuals pushed the sewing machine foot pedal while I guided the fabric under the presser foot—true teamwork in action.
Each backpack was filled with toiletries, donated Bombas socks, gloves, and emergency blankets. These bags serve not only as storage but also as a pillow for those sleeping outdoors.
We hope to continue this project in 2026. A collection box labeled “Backpacks for the Homeless” will be located in the Farmhouse for donations such as laundry detergent sheets, tube socks, hand warmers, and disposable washcloths.
✨ Shrinky Dinks & Winter Magic
Shrinky Dinks made a comeback this year! Participants in the day program created colorful zipper pulls and keychains, watching their artwork shrink into hard plastic in just minutes—always a crowd‑pleaser.
In February, excitement grew as we prepared for the Harry Potter–themed Winter Gala. Groups crafted apothecary bottles and handmade wands using chopsticks, air‑dry clay, hot glue, metallic paint, and polished stones. The Gala, held offsite, brought together individuals from every county CBS serves. Seeing everyone in costume enjoying the night was pure magic.
🌱 Seedlings, Soil, and New Beginnings
By late winter, seed starting was in full swing. Heat mats, grow lights, and oscillating fans helped our seedlings grow strong and healthy. We started everything from eggplants and peppers to cut flowers and grasses—many requiring 12 weeks before transplanting.
We also successfully propagated lavender, rosemary, chrysanthemums, and Perpetual Basil from stem cuttings. Careful record‑keeping from previous seasons guided our choices and ensured strong germination rates.
🍳 Cooking, Creativity, and Confidence
Cooking classes continued to be a highlight. This year we made:
- Strawberry rhubarb empanadas
- Fresh pasta
- Pasta fagioli soup
Most meals were meatless, introducing individuals to new flavors and ingredients. Chef hats and aprons kept everyone clean and safe, and were clothing was washed after each class. Safety and supervision remained top priorities.
🌿 Spring: Growth Above and Below the Soil
As the weather warmed, we laid play cushion mulch on garden walkways to reduce weeds. We also planted a new asparagus bed with two‑year‑old crowns—an investment that will feed us for years to come.
This marked my third growing season at Cultivating Dreams Farm. I often share this adage about perennials:
“First year they sleep, second year they creep, third year they leap.”
If that’s true, 2026 is going to be our best year yet.
Working with individuals continues to be deeply rewarding. Even when tasks feel new or challenging, every moment is a learning experience for all of us.
🍄 Mushrooms, Harvests & Greenhouse Experiments
Our shiitake mushroom logs—first inoculated in spring 2024—produced beautifully this year. After a 12‑hour soak, they flushed with mushrooms all at once. These logs will continue producing for four years or more.
🌶️🥒🍅 This year’s harvest included:
Peppers: Cubanelle, Shishito, Lunchbox, Marconi Bell, Poblano
Eggplants: Rosa Bianca, Violetta, Casper, Black Beauty
Zucchini: Black Knight (grown in raised beds)
Tomatoes: Pineapple, Yellow Pear, Green Zebra, Oxheart, Chocolate Cherry
We experimented with Rollerhooks in the greenhouse to trellis our 8‑foot tomato plants. The system worked wonderfully for tomatoes, though less so for peppers and eggplants—adjustments are planned for next year.
Cucumbers and garlic continue to challenge us, but we’re determined to keep trying. Soil structure and pH remain key areas of focus, supported by compost enriched with chicken manure and plant matter.
We also began an experiment to overwinter half of our pepper and eggplant plants for an earlier harvest next year. Time will tell—but we learn from every attempt.
🐛 Battling Pests the Natural Way
This year brought aphids, armyworms, and tomato hornworms. We used organic methods like lanolin clay, Neem oil, and insecticidal soap. Individuals helped remove pests and even fed some of the caterpillars to the chickens—a favorite treat.
We also saved seeds from many plants, drying and labeling them for future seasons.
🍂 Autumn: Soil Care & Seasonal Crafts
In autumn, we planted winter crops to protect and enrich the soil. Our no‑till gardening approach supports regenerative practices and healthy microorganisms. I highly recommend the documentary Kiss the Ground for anyone interested in this vital work.
As outdoor chores wrapped up, we moved indoors to bake with our sourdough starter—Chocolate Crinkle cookies, cinnamon buns, and crackers filled the farmhouse with delicious smells.
We also prepared for the Holiday Fair at Hudson Valley Inner Arts, creating:
- Handmade holiday cards
- Soy candles
- Simmering pot potpourri
- Candied pecans
- Christmas toffee
- Recipe‑in‑a‑jar gifts
After the fair, we crafted wintergreen centerpieces for individuals to take home and enjoy.
As we end this year, I want to thank everyone who has been part of our journey—individuals, staff, families, and supporters. Every seed planted, every meal cooked, every craft made, and every challenge faced has been shared with heart and purpose.
Peace to all, and here’s to the New Year.
— Olimpia Bernard, Agricultural Coordinator
Cultivating Dreams Farm
Olimpia Bernard
Olimpia brings a bright spark of energy to Cultivating Dreams Farm as the agency’s Agricultural Coordinator and our monthly guest blogger. She has a gift for helping people connect with the earth, the seasons, and one another—whether she’s tending crops, teaching hands‑on skills, or sharing stories from the fields. With a talent for making things grow and a passion for building community, Olimpia keeps us rooted, inspired, and always looking forward to what’s sprouting next.
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