Our Farmers

Diamond Ridge Resources // Mark + Joell

Diamond Ridge Resources // Mark + Joell

Mark and Joell Rested of Diamond Ridge Resources added peonies to their homestead in the hills above Homer in 2011 with the help of their 3 teenagers and oversight by their goats, chickens and horses. The high elevation of Diamond Ridge provides a late spring, cool nights, and maritime breeze.  Among the varieties they cultivate, the Duchess de Nemour and Sarah Bernhardts are their favorites because they are good survivors in the harsh and unpredictable Alaskan climate. Mark is not just a hobby farmer, he studied agriculture at University of Alaska Fairbanks. However, his career trajectory didn't lead him from UAF directly into peony farming,...

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Alaska Homestead Peonies // Ina + Spek

Alaska Homestead Peonies // Ina + Spek

Spek and Ina Jones of Alaska Homestead Peonies are both children of families who homesteaded on the lower Kenai Peninsula before statehood. Like the Kilchers, the Jones last name is a cornerstone of Homer history. Their land is located close to the original Jones’ homestead near the head of Kachemak Bay. Spek and Ina’s farm is a family business, which includes raising beef cattle, horses and hay. Farming is not new to the family, but peonies are a new endeavor. Their peonies are grown in different areas of the homestead with varieties planted in each that benefit from the different micro climates. Ina...

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Rare Bird Peonies // Ahna

Rare Bird Peonies // Ahna

Anha Iredale of Rare Bird Peonies farms 10 varieties of peonies in hills above Homer. She employs organic methods in caring for her flowers. Ahna is also a professional potter at Rare Bird Pottery. You can also find her line of vases (made for optimum display of peonies) in the Peony-Inspired section. Instagram // @ahnairedale

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