St. Mary’s County pastoral was on view Saturday at the 9th Annual Plant Sale at Summerseat Farm in Oakville. The weather was perfect and the grounds were open for wandering around and soaking up Southern Maryland farm life on the 100-plus-acre farm tucked away just off busy Route 235.
The house that sits on the hill overlooking the farm land was built in 1884, but the property records go back as far as 1678. Summerseat was purchased by a non-profit organization from private owners in 2001 using funds from a Maryland General Assembly bond bill and a loan from the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation. It continues to be operated as a working farm by volunteers.
Proceeds from the annual plant show go towards upkeep, programs, equipment and maintenance of the farm. The group is dedicated to “preserving the history, agricultural and natural resources of the farm and well as its agricultural programs.”
The farm has an active Volunteer group involved in maintaining the grounds and gardens and caring for the animals. To volunteer or to find out more about Summerseat check their website www.summerseat,org or call 301-373-6607.
