WELCOME TO WOLLAM GARDENS. The purpose of this write-up is to provide information to interns concerning expectations and operations at the farm. This is by no means "complete" and many more "guidelines" will be written as the need arises.

INTERN PROGRAM: Every intern will have an opportunity to do everything that is part of this farm operation. This not only includes fun things like going to the farmer's markets, but also includes lots of weeding and cutting in the hot sun or in the rain. Part of the experience of being on a farm is getting the sense of the long hours and the hard work.

Interns are paid $30.00 per day. Internships are normally 10 weeks, but we are providing shorter opportunities for those who can only get away for a few weeks. Interns are provided with a room (it may be shared with another intern) and all food. There are linens and towels and 2&1/2 baths. The beds are all decent and the rooms are big. If you have favorite towels, sheets, pillows or other sleeping stuff you should bring them. Also, interns must be sure to bring good work boots, gloves, and rain gear.

The farm is a shared living experience. We all share the chores of living here including cooking, shopping and cleaning. We'll work out a schedule as everyone arrives. Smoking in the house is not permitted. There is a washer and dryer and a TV with a video machine. We also have a computer with a modem and a color printer. We have Email (bob@wollamgardens.com) and a website (www.wollamgardens.com).

Guests are welcome at the farm. Parents and friends are encouraged to come and see what's going on. Of course, they must be able to cook or weed! We have 3 cats at the farm (they stay outside all of the time) and we have a neighbor's dog who visits too often. We have plenty of pets here, so please leave yours behind.

Time cards are not kept for interns but we expect them to work a minimum of 40 hours per week (sometimes 6 days). In terms of the work to be done, many days will be longer than 8 hours. On cutting days in the summer we will begin cutting by 7am and we will also have to do some evening cutting. Because of the work needed to get ready for and attending the farmer's markets, everyone is expected to work on Friday and Saturday. A schedule will be worked out when you arrive.

Our simple application form should be completed by anyone interested in working at Wollam Gardens. In addition, a W4 form must be completed and a photo copy of your driver's license should be sent for anyone who is already scheduled to be part of the program

PLANS FOR 2008: The main focus of our business is to grow high-quality cut flowers. This year we expect to have over 7 acres of flower production - 60% of this is woodies, perennials or over wintered annuals.
Half of our business is selling to florists. We deliver to florists in the DC  metro area once a week and sell to designers and to the public at the farm 6 days a week.  We also participate in farmer's markets on Thursday and Sunday in DC and two markets on Saturday in Warrenton  and  Arlington.

In principle we would like this operation to be "chemical free" and we started this 17 years ago with the intention of being "organic". We have backtracked after several thrip infestations and lots of powdery mildew. With IPM we now selectively spray some plants when necessary, but this will be minimal and we remain open to alternative methodologies for keeping our flowers looking good and lasting long. But, just so everyone understands, this is not an organic farm.  We are certainly becoming more sustainable and someday expect to be able to call ourselves organic.

As you will see from the next paragraph, Bob is not always at the farm but in 2008 Suzy Neessen will be living at the farm in her capacity as field and market manager.  Suzy was an intern here in 1998 and has been running her own flower farm in Iowa for the past 10 years. 

BOB'S PERSONAL SCHEDULE: Bob is a resident of D.C. and lives there with his wife, Judy Taylor, and their 16 year old son, Ben. Because of his "home" location, the farm's market orientation (both farmer's markets and florists) has always been D.C. where demand for unusual flowers is high.  Starting in April he expects to be at the farm on Monday, Tuesday morning then again on Thursday and Friday. This means he will stay overnight at the farm on Monday, Thursday,  and Friday nights. His schedule is dictated by florist deliveries during the week, helping parent Ben for one more year and farmer's markets on the weekends.

MORE INFO: If you would like more information about the farm, check out other  sections of our website at www.wollamgardens.com. Thanks to my former farm manager, Joe Caputi (joe@virginiaflowers.net), there is lots for everyone to see about our operation. We also suggest you contact one of the following former interns about their experiences here.