The Gardens at James Ranch
The Gardens at James Ranch are run by Jenn and Joe Wheeling. We provide fresh produce, flowers and herbs grown using clean water and organic methods in Rocky Mountain soil during our 90 day growing season. We are able to stretch our season by using hoophouses and controlled spaces along with black plastic and garden quilt row covers. The annual season begins around Feb 1st when artichokes are seeded in the growhouse and continues through October before beginning its winter nap.
We grow perennial fruits, berries, asparagus and rhubarb. Add to that, annual vegetable and herb crops that range from artichokes to zucchini. We are implementing a new program this year to help those of you who have special requests for produce. After completing an order form and paying a deposit, the requested produce will be freshly-picked and held for you on the requested date at the James Ranch Market. The order forms will be at the James Ranch Market. We ask that you plan a week ahead to ensure availability.
Flowers for cutting are an increasingly important part of the Gardens. In the past few years we have hosted many brides to help with the selection of local, fresh, seasonal flowers for their weddings. Once the flower type and color decisions are made, we pick and deliver the day before the wedding for maximum freshness. While we don’t do the arrangements and bouquets, we do have a freelance flower artist that can be asked to help with arrangements and bouquets if needed.
New this year, we are experimenting with “Flower Fridays”, a custom pre-ordered bouquet program for your home or weekend event. Orders can be made over the phone or at the James Ranch Market. Your bouquet will be ready to be picked up on the Friday of the week ordered at the James Ranch Market.
The Gardens participate in the Durango Farmer’s Market on Saturdays, mid-May thru the end of October. Seasonally, we also have selected produce at Nature’s Oasis. Our produce can also be enjoyed, in season, at several Durango restaurants including:
- The Ore House
- Cocina Linda
- Mahogany Grill
- Diggs Restaurant
- The Yellow Carrot Catering
We participate in the Durango School District 9-R’s “Farm to School” program working to provide produce to school cafeterias throughout the Durango area. We are proud to say that we have a prominent presence at the Fort Lewis College cafeteria where we have a salad bar and various specials during the fall and early winter terms.
