Farm History

GREEN ACRES FARM

A Brief History

5.94 acres in Sumner County, Tennessee, near the town of Portland, was purchased in 1998 by Dan Strimer, with plans to learn about growing organic food. Green Acres Farm was started there that Autumn.

The first garden was planted in the Spring of 1999 by Dan and his wife Lena, and Summer and Fall gardens followed. Since then, many folks have enjoyed the fruits (and vegetables) of the farm. Dan said, “We had good reports from friends on our tasty wild blackberries, sweet potatoes, green beans and most especially, our tomatoes!”

That first season was a fun learning experience and a great success, with Dan practicing biodynamic farming and Green Acres Farm gaining Organic Certification. They sold produce to several local markets and restaurants. Around that time, Dan - with Lena by his side - also started Nashville's very first organic farmers' market in his East Nashville neighborhood. He has been a "behind the scenes" supporter for local organic food growing for many years.

Dan and Lena's house of residence is in Nashville, Tennessee, but sits on a small lot, surrounded by large shade trees and is not suitable for growing vegetables or fruit, so finding this special “place in the country” was perfect for them.

Soon after the farm began, spine injuries suffered by Lena and subsequent surgeries curtailed any "big farming" plans, and Dan scaled-down the garden plots to grow just for his family and close friends. Usually, just once a week on a weekend day was enough time for Dan to do what he wished to do. Lena always came too, and helped out, as her health allowed. She cherished the time she spent there, feeling replenished after her visits. Today, though, Lena’s health makes it difficult to participate in the gardens to the degree she would like to.

Prior to placing the property up for sale, on a special Facebook Page, GreenAcresFarm.com, and on a previous version of this very web site, Dan and Lena shared their gardening adventures with friends and followers. Lena enjoyed cooking - inspired by the food they grew - and often shared recipes. She was also a dedicated canner and posted many “how-tos” on the Green Acres’ Facebook Page.

Last year, they did not plant their usual garden plots, since they knew they were going to put the farm up for sale. The lucky buyers were not too disappointed that “vegetables ready to harvest” were not growing. When preparing to sell the farm, Dan and Lena also hoped that the photos - of past gardens - they shared on this web site showed the great potential Green Acres Farm has.

Why did they sell Green Acres Farm? It was time.

Dan and Lena met the family that bought their beloved little farm, and know they will love it as much as they did.