While delving into historical texts on pastoral and rural foodways, I discovered a fascinating concept – the ferme ornée or ‘ornamental farm’ in English. This idea has captivated me, as it mirrors my own vision for my homestead: a harmonious blend of function and aesthetics. As I’m excited to share my findings with fellow homesteaders who, like me, value not just self-sufficiency but also the joy and beauty that comes from working the land.
If you’re similarly inclined, join me on a journey through the history of ornamental farming, and explore practical ways to integrate its principles into your own homesteading endeavors.
Ferme Ornée a.k.a Ornamental Farming History
Although Stephen Switzer, an English garden designer and writer from 1682 to 1745, coined the term ‘ferme ornée’ in French. He used it to describe a country estate that blended aesthetic principles with farming practices. This concept was first practically applied at Woburn Farm in Surrey, England, one of the earliest examples. The Romantic movement of the 18th century saw several other adaptations follow suit.
Marie Antoinette’s ‘Hameau’ at Versailles is another notable example, focusing more on ornamental aspects than agricultural productivity.
Mythical Arcadia
The concept of ferme ornée, or ornamental farms, was inspired by the mythical place Arcadia, where nature and human life were in harmony. In this imagined paradise, nymphs and other mythological creatures frolicked amidst rich forests and varied landscapes. This idealized vision of a natural haven, capable of providing basic necessities for a comfortable life, is at the heart of ferme ornée.
The idea of marrying a pastoral lifestyle with practicality resonates deeply – who wouldn’t want to live in an idyllic paradise that meets their needs without harming the environment? However, this dream was largely reserved for wealthy landowners during its peak popularity. Ornamental farms were often used as vacation or retirement homes for the elite.
Historical landscape design author Andrew Jackson Downing shed light on this concept in his 1841 work ‘A Treatise on the Theory and Practice of Landscape Gardening…’. He described an ornamental farm as a desirable retreat for a gentleman seeking to retire into the countryside, experimenting with new agricultural methods.
Great American Ornamental Farmers
The concept of ferme ornée didn’t remain confined to European aristocracy alone. Thomas Jefferson and George Washington, two prominent American Founding Fathers, were also drawn to the idea of creating their own versions of ornamental farms in America. Their estates, Monticello and Mount Vernon respectively, served as working plantations that relied heavily on slave labor.
Yet, both men dedicated portions of their properties to experimentation and innovation in agriculture, incorporating techniques pioneered by champions of ferme ornée. Visitors to these historic estates will find many elements of ferme ornée still in operation today, alongside the harsh reality that their beauty was underpinned by slave labor.
Fortunately, modern enthusiasts can recreate this style of farming without relying on slave labor, requiring only their own effort, modest investments, and a well-thought-out plan.
8 Features of an Ornamental Farm
As we delve deeper into the concept of a ferme ornée, it’s essential to examine the key elements that elevate a working farm into an aesthetically pleasing and functional haven. The term ‘ornamental’ refers specifically to the deliberate incorporation of visually appealing features that not only serve a practical purpose but also add charm and character to the overall landscape.
Serpentine Avenued Walks
In contrast to traditional farming methods where plots are typically planted in large, uniform squares, ornamental farms employ a more visually appealing approach. Instead of separating plots with narrow strips of trees or cleared pathways for equipment use, these farms utilize winding walkways lined with ornate features such as hedges and decorative tree species, creating a scenic and inviting atmosphere.
Irregular Plant Plots
Meandering pathways originating from the house traverse the property, weaving through a tapestry of diverse, irregularly sized farm plots. A decorative potager-style vegetable garden might be situated near the residence, giving way to small orchard plots featuring intermingled fruit trees.
As you venture further, you may encounter larger production crops like wheat or corn, but these would be intentionally fragmented into smaller sections and planted in unconventional shapes, bordered by fragrant or flowing hedges. The aim is to cultivate a symphony of edible land use while mirroring the organic beauty found in nature’s patterns.
Water Features
A serene oasis wouldn’t be fully realized without the soothing presence of water. A plethora of options are available to bring a sense of tranquility to a small farm, including lakes, ponds, streams, fountains, creeks, rivers, and small waterfalls, which can collectively transform the space into a breathtaking natural paradise.
Lovely Views
As part of the strategic planning process for an ornamental farm, it’s essential to design the landscape in a way that invites visitors to pause and appreciate the breathtaking views. One approach could be to create a visual ‘window’ effect by leading guests up a gentle slope to a vantage point overlooking an orchard or through a tranquil forest that opens up to reveal a serene pond teeming with aquatic life, including fish, ducks, geese, or majestic swans.
Beautiful Buildings
The grand house of a ferme ornée is characterized by its understated elegance rather than opulence. The structure’s design likely incorporates natural materials such as thatched roofs or locally sourced stone, blending seamlessly into the surrounding landscape. Outbuildings, too, would prioritize functionality while still exuding rustic charm.
Stables, barns, and storage sheds would be crafted with attention to their aesthetic appeal, unlike those found on a production farm where functionality takes precedence.
Lush Pasture
A picturesque farm landscape is incomplete without a diverse array of animals grazing on lush greenery. In contrast to traditional production farms where over-grazing and overcrowding are common, these ornamental farms would feature beautiful breeds with ample space to roam freely. While the pastures might be narrower and more defined than those found on large-scale operations, they’re designed to allow the animals to move about comfortably, ensuring a constant visual treat for visitors.
Decorative Plantings
On ornamental farms, visual appeal was just as important as practicality. Strategically placed topiaries served as focal points, while mass plantings of harmoniously colored flowers created striking borders along pathways. The beauty of a flower meadow also complemented the structured crop and orchard areas, adding depth and visual interest to the landscape.
Invitation to Leisure
While agricultural productivity was a consideration, the primary focus of these farms was on creating serene and picturesque environments that encouraged relaxation and connection with nature. To achieve this, designers incorporated features such as carefully crafted picnic areas, strategically placed benches, gazebos, and secluded spots for quiet reflection, all designed to foster a sense of calm and contemplation among visitors.
How to Create an Ornamental Farm
As I look out at my homestead, I’m struck by the realization that it’s become exactly what I had envisioned – a haven with meandering paths, inviting seating areas, and serene water features. The concept of ferme ornée, or an ornamental farm, has been a guiding influence in shaping my property into a harmonious blend of function and beauty.
I didn’t set out to create a ferme ornée; it was more the culmination of years spent exploring the designs of historic estates like Mount Vernon and Monticello, as well as French country chateaux. The result is a homestead that’s not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing.
After six years of dedicated work, I’m confident in saying that achieving this balance on even the smallest budget is possible.
To create a landscape that’s both productive and beautiful, there are some practical considerations to keep in mind. Here are a few key takeaways to get you started:
Harmony with Nature
While achieving sustainability on a homestead requires a harmonious balance between natural surroundings and human activities, aesthetics play a crucial role. Overstocking pastures, for instance, can lead to unsightly over-grazing and subsequent reliance on external feed sources – hardly a definition of self-sufficiency.
Instead, it’s essential to stock your land with the optimal number of animals that your ecosystem can support, ensuring your property remains visually appealing throughout most of the growing season. This harmonious coexistence is, in fact, inherently built into the homesteading ethos.
Scale is Key
The concept of ferme ornée, as envisioned by Switzer, Downing, and others, typically involves a modest farm of around 10 acres to a few hundred. However, many modern homesteads are even smaller, ranging from a quarter acre to 5 acres in size. Despite the reduced land area, it’s still possible to create a thriving ferme ornée with some adjustments. For instance, right-sizing livestock is key.
In the past, cows and sheep might have been common on these farms, but today, you can opt for smaller, more land-efficient animals like mini-goats, free-range chickens, ducks, or geese that can thrive on smaller pastures. This approach not only reduces land requirements but also offers a more manageable and sustainable farming experience. In addition to right-sizing livestock, planning for protection is crucial.
Smaller livestock is often more vulnerable to predators, so it’s essential to incorporate protective measures into your pasture design. Moveable tractors with enclosed chicken coops can be an effective solution, providing both shelter and predator protection. Alternatively, you could consider using portable fencing or small paddocks patrolled by livestock guardians for added security.
Itty Bitty Buildings
When space is limited, consider scaling down your ambitions by constructing smaller structures that serve a single purpose. For instance, instead of building a large multi-purpose barn for various livestock, you could opt for a cozy chicken coop, a charming duck house, or a rustic goat shelter. Smaller buildings can also be an opportunity to get creative with repurposed or freecycled materials, allowing you to craft unique and authentic structures that add character to your homestead.
This approach may even help you avoid potential permitting issues in certain areas.
Workable Walkways
Paths can be a valuable asset in your homestead, serving both practical and aesthetic purposes. To make the most of them, consider using your paths not only for leisurely walks but also for wheelbarrow or tractor access, as well as creating shortcuts to reduce the number of steps needed. One aspect to keep in mind when planning your paths is the creation of microclimates.
As the paths compact and dry out, they can heat up faster than surrounding areas, making them less suitable for moisture-loving plants. On the other hand, dry-loving plants tend to thrive in these conditions. This highlights the importance of considering the specific needs of your plants when designing your pathways. Another crucial factor is how paths interact with water. Like roofs, they can collect and redirect rainwater, which can be both beneficial and challenging.
A sloped path, for instance, can send rain flowing downhill, requiring a catchment area at the bottom, such as a pond or plant bog. Alternatively, you can create swaled switchbacks between planting beds to harvest water where it falls. Ultimately, how you design your paths will depend on factors like rainfall, slope, and soil type.
While it may require some compromise on your vision, incorporating practical considerations into your path design can lead to a more harmonious and functional homestead.
Delicious Decorative Plantings
As homesteaders, growing our own food is at the core of our lifestyle. While decorative plantings have their charm, it’s essential to prioritize edibles that serve multiple purposes. With limited space being a common constraint, focus on cultivating plants that are both edible and ornamental. The good news is that many edibles possess stunning visual appeal. For instance, you can train apples, pears, or peaches to grow espaliered, resembling grapevines.
Alternatively, consider creating a trellised vineyard as an eye-catching feature on your homestead. Furthermore, various edibles can be used as hedges around your ornamental garden, doubling as functional and aesthetically pleasing boundaries.
Livable Lovely Views
While planning breathtaking views might not be feasible at every turn, I strongly encourage setting aside 1-2 spots in your landscape where you can pause and appreciate the fruits of your labor. One effective approach is to leverage natural topography by creating a lookout point that takes advantage of a slope or hill. Alternatively, you can get creative and construct a small roof deck atop an outbuilding or install a platform within a sturdy tree’s canopy.
The key is to think outside the box and find innovative ways to elevate your perspective in even the smallest of spaces.
Ornamental Homesteading – Paradise on Earth
As we conclude our exploration of the world of ornamental homesteads, I hope you’ve been inspired to bring your own unique vision to life. Imagine a haven that combines functionality with beauty, where nature and artistry blend seamlessly together. If a more modern take is what you’re looking for, consider Patina Farm as an example – although it may be on the higher end of the scale, it’s certainly a stunning showcase of what can be achieved. And who knows?
Maybe one day you’ll find yourself cooped up in their very own chicken coop (I know I would!). Whatever your path may be, happy homesteading and remember to nurture that spark of creativity within you.
