Far Flung Farm Owner Kelly Lovejoy Blooms Where She is Planted

By Meg Hale Brunton

When Far Flung Farm owner Kelly Lovejoy envisioned having a farm as a child, thoughts of a farmhouse surrounded by cows, pigs, and horses is what came to mind. She never considered gardening and even thought of it as “a waste of time.” 

While her husband was in the military, the family had been stationed overseas for many years. When they returned to the US, they settled in Columbia, SC. At a farewell party thrown by some of the other officers’ wives, Kelly was given a plaque that said, ‘Bloom Where You Are Planted,’ a recurring sentiment shared among military families that struck a chord in her. “I thought, ‘If I’m staying here, I’d better do that,’” she recalls thinking, even though she wasn’t quite sure what that looked like yet.

In Kelly’s many years as a military wife and mother, she pursued other interests that had nothing to do with farming or gardening. She worked as a dog groomer and a dog show judge. Kelly also homeschooled her sons and ran a conference for homeschoolers. Though she embraced her many talents, something about her experience in her small garden called to her.

Kelly says she learned about gardening primarily through trial and error. “I was a horrible gardener,” Kelly says. “I killed more plants than I grew.” Having always wanted to live in the mountains, the couple relocated to Canton, NC. Kelly found the region's soil to be rich and nourishing, so she began farming flowers. She then enrolled in a course through NC State University’s Extension Master Gardener Program, which advanced her skills immeasurably. 

In 2018, the Lovejoys officially opened Far Flung Farm out of their home on ten acres. They began selling seasonal herbs, floral arrangements, and farm-fresh eggs. To this day, the entire farm is run by Kelly and her husband, who also has a full-time job. She says they were overjoyed to find a location for the farm with relatively flat land. “I wanted to start this in my 40s,” she says, of planning the farm. “Now in my 60s, I’m too old for that. I can’t be one of those young, energetic farmers.”

While the farm has a roadside stand where people can select the fresh produce and leave their payment in a cash box, Kelly knew she needed to bring her products directly to consumers. Kelly joined the Smathers Farmers & Public Market (now Mill Town Market), a 501-c3 market in Sorrels Street Park, open through October 28th every Thursday evening from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

Kelly professes to enjoy the versatility that running a farm obliges her to possess. “This is a seasonal, cyclical business,” she explains. In January, she begins setting up her planting room and buying seeds. Planting in the greenhouse starts in February/March, with more planting (and maintaining) happening throughout the summer. Kelly says in WNC there is always potential for a late frost, so you have to be careful not to plant too early. 

Besides growing and selling, Far Flung Farm is also beginning to make money for its stunning location with its gorgeous mountain views and babbling creek. So far, the farm has been host to a few dog events and two low-key weddings. They have also begun offering farm stays at Far Flung Farm through hipcamp.com. Through this, guests can pitch their tent or set up their camper on the premises and enjoy the serene setting, gorgeous views and amenities, such as fire pits and picnic tables. Kelly says the farm was a big hit with hip campers during the COVID-19 pandemic and is always popular for leaf-peepers during fall.

Though she started her farm a bit later in life than she’d hoped to, Far Flung Farm is a dream come true for Kelly. She encourages budding gardeners to stay encouraged. “You’re gonna kill stuff,” she warns, “that’s just the way it is.” Kelly never lost hope on her own green thumb, and now, as the owner and manager of her own farm, she has certainly bloomed where she was planted.  

For more information on Far Flung Farm, visit their website: www.farflungfarm.com