09/04/2026
There’s always something new growing at Hawthorn Hollow’s Farmstead! This year, our amazing farm team, along with some incredible volunteers, is showcasing creative ways to make the most of garden space while growing a variety of food and flowers. The Farmstead’s purpose is to promote healthy eating in our community through educational programs.
Our former pumpkin patch has been transformed into a vertical growing space with an H-shaped tunnel structure. Pumpkins, squash, gourds, and cucumbers are climbing the sides and will eventually cover the tunnels, creating an immersive space for children and adults to explore. It’s also a great example of how vertical growing can maximize space and make produce easier to see and harvest.
We rebuilt the Farmstead’s teepee using natural branches from Hawthorn Hollow, woven grapevines, and twine. Malabar climbing spinach (Basella alba) is being trained to grow up the structure. Unlike traditional spinach, this heat-loving vine thrives in summer and produces edible leaves with a mild, peppery, slightly citrusy flavor.
Thanks to a grant from Wild Ones - Root River Chapter, we’re also stocking the labyrinth with native perennial plants selected to attract pollinators. In our raised beds, tomato plants are being trained using espalier techniques, while our herb garden features a spiral rock bed designed to maximize growing space and drainage.
Thank you to our Farmstead supporters—Racine Community Foundation , SC Johnson, A Family Company, The Milwaukee Brewers Community Foundation, and the Kloss Foundation. Their support makes these educational programs possible. Be sure to visit the Farmstead during your next trip to Hawthorn Hollow and explore some of these unique and interesting growing spaces!
