Mayblossom Farm is
Sue and Stew (and Blue!)
Pleased to meet you and welcome to the farm.
We are Susan Haney and Stewart Fisher.
Our story began over 35 years ago when we met in California as students pursuing graduate degrees in Chemistry. Over the years, we have shared a life of teaching, chemistry research and raising a family of two daughters in the suburbs of Boston. It was rich and rewarding, but by 2018 we were facing numerous transitions of a life well-lived: our children were leaving the nest and the ambitions of our traditional career were achieved. As with all important life transitions, this prompted some deep soul-searching for purpose in our next career phase. It was time for something different; something on our bucket-list that would challenge us to the core.
Life at Mayblossom Farm is the result of that journey and it represents both a grand adventure and a return to our roots. For Susan, it is a chance to follow her passion for gardening and a return to the rural life that she experienced as a kid growing up in upstate NY. For Stew, it is realizing a goal to return to the Green Mountain State after graduating from UVM in 1989. For Blue, it is a life of daily off-leash explorations of the woodland forests and clear mountain streams.
For all of us, it is an opportunity to build and manage a farm that produces the best fruits, nuts and vegetables using organic principles so that we continue to stay young at heart and mind. Thanks for joining us on this exciting journey.
Why Mayblossom?
As you look across our fields, a single tree stands prominently in the Western view set against the Green Mountain skyline. This lone tree is a common hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) which, in good years, is covered in white blossoms in May.
Mayblossom trees have a rich folkore in farming dating back to medieval times. They are symbols of love, protection and fertility, and are featured in May Day celebrations. Some believe that these trees harbor protective fairies, which is why these lone trees are often called “fairy trees”. Given these good vibes, it seemed natural to make this tree our namesake, as each spring we hope for good weather and productive crops.
Whatever happens at our farm, we won’t cut this tree down, as this is a harbinger of bad luck and even instant death!