On a blistering August afternoon at Serenbe Farms in Chattahoochee Hills, the anxious farmers gathered around a single dark green watermelon the size of a soccer ball. The perfect orb had been carefully cut from the tangles of vines in a sunny field towards the back of the 25-acre farm. The Sugar Baby melon, the season’s first, was cradled in the arms of Alena Zavodny, one of six farmers who currently work the land.
They stood around her like expectant parents. Will it be healthy, with a shock of dark pink flesh and so very sweet? Alena cut into the melon and slowly peeled the halves apart to a collective sigh of relief and gratitude.
Slices were passed while everyone considered the crisp color, texture, and (finally) the heavenly taste of sweet summertime.
Farm Manager Brandi Whitney lives for these first bites.
It’s been months since the melon seeds were planted.
First, she and her team clear snarled field beds, tilling and raking mostly by hand, orchestrating irrigation and considering successful co-plantings. The seeds germinate and bud in the 50-foot greenhouse where fans whirr and heat and watering are monitored like clockwork. Organic fertilizers are carefully mixed and measured, added strategically. With so many variables stacked against a new sprout on an organic farm, it’s no wonder Brandi is constantly educating herself, talking to other local farmers, and leading conversations about the future of the farm.
“Farmer Brandi Whitney’s success stems from her deep ability to connect with the local community, from fellow farmers to our neighborhood veggie buyers,” says Garnie Nygren, COO of Serenbe. “She doesn't just manage the land; she creates a welcoming community at the farm, making people want to be present and actively participate in what she is growing!”
Since the farm’s first harvest 20 years ago, Brandi and the caretakers before her have tended the fields through extreme weather and drought, bouts of unwelcome microbial life, struggles with nutrient-depleted soil, and labor fluctuations to feed the community.
“The farm has seen significant growth, tripling its vegetable options and varieties over the years. We now offer over 300 varieties of certified organic vegetables, herbs, flowers, and fruit,” says Garnie. “Our sales and distribution channels have expanded to include a thriving CSA program, local restaurant partnerships, and two robust markets: our Saturday Farmers Market and a popular Tuesday on-farm veggie stand. Additionally, we have introduced amazing youth education programs, including a 10-week kids' gardening program and summer farming and cooking camps.”
There’s a joy felt at the farm that is infectious. Kids run to cling to Farmer Brandi’s overalls at the markets. Volunteers return to plant, weed, harvest, learn, and get their hands in the dirt. The farmers lean on one another throughout the day, sharing successes, struggles, and advice.
“I like working at the farm because every day is an opportunity to observe and learn something new,” says Alena, who brings a wealth of agricultural knowledge and passion to her role. “I also truly value working for a greater purpose and being a part of the essential local food system.”
Alongside Alena and Brandi, Farmers Molly Coyne, Noah Heimbigner, Michael Hulsey, and Chris Thomas represent a mixed bag of ages and life stages. Heidi Newcomer is the farm administrative coordinator. Loyal volunteers work hard across the seasons too. “This team is a rare find. We all bring different strengths to the tasks and everyone works incredibly hard,” says Brandi. She and her husband, John, live in Palmetto and have six grown sons and three grandchildren. “I couldn’t do this alone. Georgia farmers like the iconic Tony Sharcko in Fairburn continue to be open books, sharing lessons learned and checking in with me now and then, truly wanting the farm to succeed.”
Farming is a demanding and unpredictable landscape and Brandi, a former chef and farm-to-table restaurant owner, brings positivity, resilience, and a rock-solid work ethic to the fields—all 21 of them.
That’s nearly 2 miles of certified organic beds of produce feeding the community.
Volunteer or check the events calendar at SerenbeFarms.com.
Serenbe Farms
8715 Atlanta Newnan Road
Chattahoochee Hills
“The farm has seen significant growth, tripling its vegetable options and varieties over the years. We now offer over 300 varieties of certified organic vegetables, herbs, flowers, and fruit,” says Garnie Nygren.