Some people see potential where others see problems, growth where others see limitations.
This month’s stories celebrate those who have learned to nurture. Emily Blessington didn’t grow up on a farm, but she discovered her calling in the controlled environment of Farmbox Greens, where seeds transform into harvest-ready greens in just seven days.
“If you have a passion for plants, and if you’re willing to learn, then you can learn anything,” she tells us.
Her journey proves that sometimes the most fulfilling paths are the ones we never expected to take.
Brian Rusk found his own unexpected path in aquaponics, where fish and plants work together in perfect balance. After decades as a geology professor, he discovered that tending to this living system—naming his koi, talking to them, watching them thrive alongside his greens—brought him more joy than any classroom ever could.
“As long as they’re in balance, they can continuously work together,” he explains, describing both his farm and his new life.
These modern cultivators understand something timeless—growth requires both patience and innovation. Each part of the story, beginning on Page 12, reveals how traditional farming wisdom adapts to new challenges.
Even our kitchen feature celebrates this spirit of cultivation. Fresh basil becomes the foundation for everything from classic pesto to inventive vinaigrettes. Each recipe honors the herb’s journey from seed to plate, transforming simple ingredients into something memorable.
Dave LaBelle’s photography column reminds us that cultivation isn’t always about plants. Sometimes it’s about cultivating awareness—learning to see the stories that unfold when we pay attention to gestures and body language, the quiet moments that speak louder than words.
What draws my attention to these cultivators is their willingness to tend patiently to what they’ve planted. They understand the most rewarding growth often happens in controlled environments where every element—light, nutrients, timing—receives careful attention. They’ve learned innovation doesn’t mean abandoning tradition. It means finding new ways to honor what we’ve always known about nurturing life.
As summer abundance surrounds us, I find myself wondering what I’m cultivating in my life. Are there dreams that need more deliberate attention? Skills that deserve patient development? Relationships that could flourish with better balance? Sometimes the most meaningful harvests come from the gardens we tend with daily care.
Until next time,
Chasity Anderson
Editorial Director