The Ranch
In 1993 we came to Tiber Canyon. It was to us, then, a secluded
spot to pursue our craft of hand blown art glass. We built
a timber-frame barn where we live and have our glass studio.
Wanting to share both this wonderful place and our love of
good food we planted olive trees in 1998.
Tiber Canyon Ranch is situated on 50 acres
of oak and manzanita woodland nestled in the hills between
the Pacific Ocean and the Edna Valley wine growing region of
San Luis Obispo county. According to local legend, about 10
acres of the ranch were cleared during WWI and planted in apricots.
When we came to the ranch, only five of the ancient, gnarled
trees were still hanging on. Now, where their companions once
stood, we grow ten different varietals of Northern Italian
olive trees.
Our olive grove is maintained using sustainable farming
practices. We use no petrochemical fertilizers or pesticides,
and we use no herbicides. Even though this often seems to
be the hard way to grow olives, we are dedicated to maintaining
these methods for both our wellbeing and that of future generations.
About 30 acres of the ranch remains untouched
as a woodland wildlife preserve. This diverse habitat is home
to deer, foxes, bob cats, coyotes, raccoons, the occasional
cougar, myriad birds and many more. The flora includes coast
live oak, Edna manzanita, toyon, hummingbird sage and mountain
mahogany, to name just a few.
We tend the trees in the spring and summer, preparing for
the fall harvest. Winter months we pursue our craft in our
glass blowing studio.
Chris' parents live on the ranch as well. They live in a 100
year old farm house overlooking the olive grove and the coastal
hills in the background. They enjoy helping with the various
events that go on at the ranch, in particular doing the barbeque
lunch for the picking crew every year. |