I created all images, text, and graphics on this page for Cornell Farm.
I lead the charge to get our houseplant collection online. I photographed hundreds of plants and researched every one, then wrote the descriptions. Here are just a few samples.
When I started working as the Marketing Coordinator, there was very little information on the website to let people know about visiting the site. To address this and make customers feel more welcome I added a diversity statement, pet policy, details about gender-neutral bathrooms, and accessibility information.
Cornell Farm visiting info
Diversity Statement
At Cornell Farm we acknowledge and honor the fundamental value and dignity of all individuals. We actively endeavor to create an environment that is inclusive and embracing of all. It’s our goal to continue to build an ever-expanding community of diverse friends and neighbors that call our nursery and café home.
Pet Policy
Your whole family is welcome to visit Cornell Farm, including your pets!
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We received so many questions from the public… I organized this FAQ to address some of them.
Cornell Farm FAQ
Cornell Farm FAQ
What is your return policy?
Receipt required. Items in original packaging and in saleable condition are eligible for a full refund within 7 days. Outdoor plants are eligible for store credit within 90 days. All sales final on discounted and holiday items.
Is your site ADA accessible?
Yes! We have detailed accessibility information available on this page.
Can I take pictures at the farm?
Yes, we love it when our guests take photos at the farm!
If you upload them to social media, please tag us! We’re @CornellFarm on instagram. Our Facebook page is here.
If you’d like to do something more in depth, like a photoshoot, please get in touch to discuss details. Email: info@cornellfarms.com
Since houseplants are such a huge growth area for the nursery industry, I created a series of articles that went in-depth about their care. Here are some samples.
Selecting houseplants (article for Cornell Farm)
Selecting Houseplants
There are many factors to take into consideration when choosing houseplants.
Of course, the easiest way to decide is to come to Cornell Farm and let your joy drive you — by purchasing the plants you love and figure it out from there — that is exactly how lots of houseplant lovers get started!
If you want to take a slightly more measured approach, let us help you figure out how.
Plants and Light (article for Cornell Farm)
Plants and Light
Light requirements for houseplants can seem complicated at first. (What, after all, does “low light” really mean?) But, when trying to understand a plant’s light needs — and needs in general — a good place to start is by doing a little research about the conditions your plant would have in its native habitat.
Cacti and succulents originate in dry, sunny locations like deserts. As such, they are going to perform best when placed in a south-facing window that gets as much sun possible.
Generally, plants that are grown for flowers and fruit need access to high levels of sunlight that provides them with the energy they need to successfully produce fruit — imagine sunny gardens and farmer’s fields. Many of these plants will enjoy your south-facing windows as well.
Humidity (article for Cornell Farm)
Humidity
Certain houseplants need more humidity than we usually have in our homes. In fact, some can even exhibit health issues if they need more moisture in the air than they are getting.
Often, as concerned houseplant owners, we look for more obvious fixes (like watering or light) to address problems. We can then end up overcompensating with too much water or starving our plant of light, when the issue could be fixed with just a bit of increased humidity.
Substrate (article for Cornell Farm)
Substrate
Making sure you have the right substrate (potting media) is the foundation of successful houseplant care. It’s not just dirt!
Substrate holds the plant in place, provides nutrients to the roots, and perhaps most importantly has a strategic role in how much water and air is available to the roots. The wrong mix could play a part in leading to root rot or desiccation of your plant.
I also created many articles about outdoor gardening. Here are a few samples.
Perennial vegetables (article for Cornell Farm)
Perennial vegetables
There are many perennial vegetables that we can grow in Portland. (For beginning gardeners, perennials are plants that return year after year.) It’s a great idea to get some of these established in your kitchen garden. With very little work they will give you a huge harvest over the years.
Artichokes
Artichokes are thistles! We eat the bud before the flower opens. They are hardy to 15 degrees in winter, so they are a great perennial veggie for the Pacific-Northwest. Have a bit of patience, you’ll usually have to wait until the second year an artichoke plant is in the ground before it will flower. If you let some of your artichokes go to flower, the pollinators will quite enjoy it.
Pruning Fruit Trees (article for Cornell Farm
Pruning Fruit Trees
When approaching a pruning project, keep in mind that there are two main purposes to fruit tree pruning: Keeping a tree healthy and productive and maintaining its beauty.The best time to prune is when your tree is dormant. Without leaves in the way, it is much easier to see the overall shape of the tree. We recommend the winter months, beginning in mid-January and stretching to mid-March. If you plan to apply an organic pest control regimen in the winter, it is a good idea to prune your trees first.
Mason bees (article for Cornell Farm)
Mason bees
Did you know that mason bees are the primary pollinators of fruit trees in the Portland area? It’s true! These solitary nesting bees are native to our area, and they fly in cold, wet conditions when other species stay home, making them vital pollinators for all sorts of early-blooming flowering plants. You can even host these gentle, blue-green bees in your own backyard!
Keeping mason bees is an inexpensive and fun way to get started with beekeeping — especially if you have fruit trees on your property — but it does come with a few responsibilities. Since you are hosting them in the same spot every year, you will need to protect them from harm.
