What’s in a Name? The Story Behind Tapestry Homestead

How we chose ‘Tapestry Homestead’ as our farm’s name

When we founded our farm in 2017, we named it “Tapestry Homestead” for several meaningful reasons. Over the years, people have often asked about the significance behind the name, and we’re always delighted to share the story. Our name reflects the values and vision that guide us in everything we do.

Canadian Prairie farm outbuildings against a blue-sky backdrop

The Inspiration: A Quote from Eliot Coleman

The name “Tapestry” traces back to a quote by Eliot Coleman, widely regarded as the godfather of modern market farming. In his book The New Organic Grower, Coleman writes about the natural world using a compelling metaphor:

“The picture of the natural world as represented by an embroidery, or an embroidered tapestry hanging from the rafters. We’ll see the pesticide enthusiasts are all looking at the back side of the tapestry. From that perspective, they see loose ends, stray threads, and confused patterns. Their science isn’t bad. It’s just that they can’t see the logic of nature’s woven fabric. They need to step around to the front side.”

When I first read this quote, it deeply resonated with me. Coleman’s words highlight the complexity and interconnectedness of nature’s systems—a beauty that isn’t always apparent at first glance. His perspective reminded me of how our human tendency to seek simple solutions often overlooks the intricate and hidden processes that sustain the natural world.

This idea became a guiding principle for our farm. By naming it Tapestry, we’ve made a commitment to consider the complexity of natural systems and approach every management decision with thoughtfulness and care. It’s a reminder to avoid quick fixes and instead focus on solutions that honor the integrity of the whole.

Farming as Art

The second reason “Tapestry” resonated so deeply with me is its connection to art. As a lifelong creative person, the idea of transforming a piece of land into a living work of art was incredibly appealing. Each element of our farm—the animals we raise, the grasslands, the Aspen parkland, and even the soil microbiology—is like a thread in a tapestry. Together, these threads weave a rich and beautiful fabric that represents our farm’s ecosystem.

We’ve intentionally embraced diversity on our farm. If we specialized in only one breed of animal or one crop, the tapestry would lose much of its complexity and become fragile. By maintaining this diversity, we create a more resilient ecology that closely mirrors what might exist here naturally. This commitment to ecological resilience is at the heart of everything we do, and it will remain our guiding principle as we grow.

The Homestead Philosophy

The second part of our name, “Homestead,” reflects the scale and ethos of our operation. While “farm” often evokes images of large, industrial-scale agriculture, “homestead” emphasizes small-scale, self-reliant living. For us, homesteading means feeding our family first and sharing the surplus with others who value the same principles of sustainability and nourishment.

Homesteading also speaks to the lifestyle we envisioned when we began this journey. We wanted to create a life centered on producing high-quality food for ourselves, and then sharing that abundance with clients who share our priorities. Even as we scale up and grow our operation, this homestead philosophy will remain central to our identity.

Big Things from Small Places

By calling ourselves Tapestry Homestead, we’re also celebrating the idea that big and meaningful things can come from small beginnings. We honor the work of larger farms, but our focus is on creating a system that is intimate, intentional, and deeply connected to the land we steward.

A Name That Guides Us

Our name is more than just a label. It’s a philosophy, a reminder, and a celebration of what we’re building here. From the intricate, interconnected systems of our farm to the artistic vision we bring to its management, Tapestry Homestead is a reflection of our values and our commitment to cultivating something beautiful, sustainable, and enduring.

We hope this sheds light on the story behind our name and the meaning it holds for us. Thank you for being part of the journey we’re weaving, one thread at a time.

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