Michaela Kiersch Climber + Gardener
“There is honestly no better feeling than waking up, making a cup of coffee, and harvesting a fresh breakfast exclusively from my backyard!”
Michaela climbing La Rambla 5.15a - wow - Photo - Collette Mclnerney
At Farm To Crag, we know it’s hard to grow things! We believe that if everyone just tried to grow a few things in their backyard, windowsill, or balcony, the world would be a better place. We are incredibly inspired by Michaela Kiersch as a climber AND gardener, so we asked her to tell us a bit about her garden :)
“I grew up in the city of Chicago with a small backyard and limited access to resources about sustainable living and growing my own food. When I moved out west, I discovered a passion for gardening and found so much joy in being able to grow the things I eat. I am so grateful to now live in a place with a spacious backyard that allows me to live a little more sustainably. In my garden, I grow a variety of flowers for our favorite pollinators, vegetables, leafy greens, fruits, and herbs. I am also the proud mom to 6 lovely hens who produce the most beautiful, nutritious, and delicious eggs! There is honestly no better feeling than waking up, making a cup of coffee, and harvesting a fresh breakfast exclusively from my backyard — the food scraps even go back to the hens! I’m so proud of my little space and the difference it can make.”
“I love being able to fuel my body for climbing with fresh, whole foods that I know were grown with care. However, when I’m actively gardening I go into a really mindful and peaceful place. I find it super therapeutic to care for living things — to weed and water and watch my fruits and veggies grow is a really wholesome feeling. Climbing can feel really mentally and physically challenging and my little backyard homestead is a sweet reprieve that also provides my body nourishment for those big demands.”
“I learned to garden and be a mother hen through practice and patience! YouTube and DIY resources were definitely a bonus! I am a member of a couple of Facebook groups, too — haha! “
Thanks, for the photos and words Michaela and Collette!
We are super inspired by all that you do and hope you join us at a Farm To Crag Gathering someday soon!