Generally, what people do in their own backyard is “their own business”. Right? Well, so we would think. But when one uses her front-yard in a positive way to benefit the rest of the community, then it is a business that makes for “good news”.
One such business is currently being organized by a jovial neighbor in the village of Little Dix. Ms Ione Smith, who has always displayed persevering and ambitious qualities, is now launching out in the greenhouse business located right in the middle of her front-yard on a quality piece of arable ground which villagers traditionally refer to as “The Bottom”.
We chanced to find Ione hard at work in installing the last few pieces of black sieve siding that cover the massive dome shaped structure. This is no make-shift kind of establishment. It’s a high-grade professional-type nursery which has now transformed the little village into a source of nutritious healthy vegetables and herbs. These will be provided not only to commercial grocery outlets, hotels and local restaurants, but will grace the settings of the neighbours’ dining tables.
In speaking with Ione, she said in her usual gleeful tone: “This is a blessing to me. I had always wanted to do a greenhouse, and now that I am not employed, this will sustain me.”
This area in Little Dix, mostly iron bearing ferrous soil, is a prized piece of agricultural ground on which many of the villagers toiled and raised bountiful crops for their families over the years. If it could, the ground would testify to the “tons” of potatoes, peas, and corn which it has produced throughout history.
Ione intends to cultivate something different though. She says for now she will be growing mainly lettuce and a variety of herbs. With so many focusing on their health today, these delicacies would be in high demand.
We commend Ione for her diligent, hard work in establishing this beneficial facility for our community. We will maintain contact with her on this ambitious project and share updates as she grows her crops.
