Just because her new business is called Growing Green, Janie Farner doesn’t want people to label her as a ‘tree-hugger.? She’s still very much a ‘city girl? at heart.
But the 50-year-old Oxford resident has a passion for things most city girls don’t have a clue about such as canning vegetables and making butter.
Farner wants to pass on that unique knowledge through her home-based business, which focuses on all things homegrown, handmade and recycled. Her motto is ‘Helping the environment one household at a time.?
‘Everyone is getting on the going-green/environmental bandwagon,? she said. ‘I’m on the same bandwagon.?
But unlike many eco-focused endeavors these days, Growing Green is not about political preaching; it’s about hands-on teaching.
‘It’s about making things instead of buying them pre-made,? she explained. ‘It’s about learning.?
That’s why Farner offers classes on a variety of subjects she called ‘lost arts? such as canning vegetables, making cheese, butter, jelly and jam at home, cooking with a pressure cooker and creating healthy baby food.
All classes are taught in the comfort of her own kitchen.
She also writes and publishes a monthly newsletter ? free of charge to those who subscribe ? that regularly covers topics such as organizational tips, herbal medicine and ways to prepare and serve vegetables straight from the garden.
‘A lot of people really don’t know what to do with their produce whether it’s herbs or vegetables or anything in between,? Farner said.
Every issue of her publication also highlights different local businesses and entrepreneurs that Farner frequents.
‘It’s more like a magazine ? minus all the advertising,? she said.
Farner is currently in the process of transforming the old potting shed on her 7.5-acre property off N. Baldwin Road, just north of Seymour Lake Road, into a shop that will sell ‘things that don’t harm the environment.?
Scheduled to open next spring, the shop will offer hand-painted greeting cards, recycled furniture and aprons; facial scrubs made from salt or sugar and other beauty aids; homemade dishwashing powder and other cleaning products; and herb packages.
For more information about Growing Green call (248) 561-1625 or growinggreen2009-newsletter@yahoo.com.