Explore the Farm

Our hope is that you will find your tour both educational and fun. You will have the opportunity to hand feed the alpacas and see how they are cared for, get as close to the Dexter cattle as they’ll tolerate (and if you are lucky, we’ll have a baby calf), walk through the garden,  and maybe even a chance to gather some fresh eggs from the coop as the chicks become old enough to start laying.  The tour will take around an hour and then you will have time to check out the store and just enjoy the serenity of our little slice of heaven here on Lake Gaston.

Organic Garden

An 1100 sq ft organic garden keeps us busy on the farm year round and is a critical component of our Integrated Garden Livestock Farming Cycle.  Organic materials from our compost piles are used to fill the raised garden beds.  Pest control is handled through companion planting and occasional use of diatomaceous earth.  Chemicals are never used. We occasionally experiment with different growing ideas such as trellising Zucchini, or various ways to plant and support tomatoes.  And we are always looking to grow something new. The garden area is a bit of a science project as well as a place of respite.  There is nothing healthier for the soul than growing something.

Alpaca Fertilizer: Magic Beans 

The only fertilizer used in our gardens comes from our alpaca manure. Alpaca manure is a natural fertilizer and is known as “beans” due to its small size.  

Using alpaca manure as fertilizer is beneficial. Alpaca manure is considered a rich soil conditioner. Alpaca fertilizer improves the soil quality and its ability to retain water. It is also good for plants, providing a fair amount of nitrogen and potassium and about average levels of phosphorus. Since alpaca manure is mostly found in pellet form and doesn’t have the same components as other livestock feeders, like cows and horses, it does not need to be aged or composted before use. You can spread it directly onto garden plants without burning them. Best of all, it does not contain any weed seeds so there’s no worry about plucking sprouts from the garden following application, as with some types of manure.

Alpaca tea (also known as Liquid Gold), is great for fertilizing the garden when watering. It is made by soaking alpaca beans in water.  Alpaca tea bags will be available for sale in our Farm and Garden Store (open for tour guests). Bulk alpaca beans/compost may be available as well.  Bring along your bucket if you’d like to take some home.

Farm and Garden Store

A small Farm and Garden store will be open for touring guests.  Purchases from the store help support the livestock and farm function.   You will have a chance to purchase yarn made from our very own alpaca (and it is gorgeous and super soft), as well as other alpaca items such as socks.  Our Garden section will have fresh produce (as available) as well as planted grow bags of potatoes so you can experience the fun of gardening at home.  Nesting balls/cages filled with alpaca fiber to provide materials for birds to build nests will be available too.  These items all make great gifts.