Mission
At BLeaves Farms, our mission is to embrace the simplicity and authenticity of a life rooted in tradition and nature. We are dedicated to living in the moment and cultivating a slower, more intentional lifestyle on our homestead. Through heirloom gardening, sustainable animal husbandry, and timeless homesteading skills, we aim to nurture our land and our community.
We are passionate about eating clean, fresh produce straight from our garden, and we strive to create a community that values health, wellness, and connection. By getting plenty of sun and exercise, we maintain our well-being and inspire others to do the same. We believe in sharing the joy and knowledge we gain from our homesteading journey, offering practical advice, farm-to-table recipes, and entertaining stories through various platforms.
At BLeaves Farms, we also provide a forever home to many rescue animals, including street dogs from Mexico, nurturing their lives and, in turn, allowing them to nurture human souls. Our farm is a sanctuary where these animals offer comfort and companionship to our visitors. With beautiful Gypsy Vanner horses that are like unicorns and a therapy dog in training, we aim to create an environment where people can find solace and healing through meaningful interactions with our animals. Additionally, our serene koi pond offers a tranquil space for reflection and relaxation, and hosting events like sound healing.
We enjoy crafting and creating art, writing, and animation, adding a creative dimension to our homesteading life. As master gardeners, we take pride in our ability to cultivate a wide variety of plants, ensuring a bountiful and diverse harvest with unbeatable flavor.
At the farmers market, we provide the fruits of our labor, from bountiful harvests to wholesome animal products, always eager to teach and recommend what has worked for us. Our goal is to foster a sense of togetherness, inspiring others to appreciate the beauty of a life lived with purpose and simplicity, and to share in the skills, stories, and joy that define BLeaves Farms.
About the Founders, Jeff & Britney
Meet Jeff, lovingly called “Jeff the Fire Chef”, a seasoned culinary enthusiast with over three decades of experience in the fire service. During his time as a firefighter, Jeff honed his skills in preparing large quantities of delicious food, satisfying the appetites of his fellow firefighters with meals that were both hearty and flavorful. This unique experience ignited his passion for cooking, leading him to master the art of creating dishes that are both healthy and comforting, using fresh ingredients straight from the garden in a true farm-to-table fashion.
Jeff’s culinary journey is deeply influenced by his Polish heritage, particularly the wisdom and recipes passed down from his beloved Grandma Verna. Her teachings are woven into his cooking, infusing his dishes with rich, traditional flavors that resonate with family history and cultural pride. Among his cherished creations is his secret Five Alarm Salsa recipe, a crowd favorite that has garnered admiration from all who taste it.
In addition to his culinary endeavors, Jeff enjoys the art of winemaking and crafting Polish brandy from berries, another treasured recipe from his grandmother. This passion for homemade beverages adds yet another layer to his multifaceted talents, allowing him to share not just meals but also memorable drinks that complement his farm-fresh cuisine.
Jeff shares his cooking adventures, step by step cooking basics, and recipes on the BLeaves Farms website, offering a wealth of knowledge and inspiration to those who visit. He also delights in sharing his food with visitors, creating memorable culinary experiences that reflect the farm’s commitment to wholesome, garden-fresh food and time-honored family traditions. Through his love for cooking and sharing recipes, Jeff continues to bring joy to others, one meal at a time.
Meet Britney, the visionary founder of BLeaves Farms. As a child, Britney had an ambitious dream: she wanted a pet cheetah. When her mom declared that a cheetah wasn’t welcome in their house, Britney resolved to save $1, 160,000 times, to buy her own property—a symbol of ultimate freedom and spurred her to work toward earning a homestead of her own. Her summers in Utah, where she participated in 4H and learned traditional skills, continued to fuel her passion for homesteading. It was during this time that she discovered the book Back to the Basics, which ignited her lifelong obsession with owning her own land with plants and animals galore.
Britney is a true Renaissance woman with a multitude of interests. An avid animal and plant lover, she also thrives on adventure and entrepreneurship. She co-founded a computer game company from the ground up with a friend from Australia, showcasing her entrepreneurial spirit. Her love for adventure led her to ride a bicycle from Arizona to the Panama Canal and to travel extensively around the world, including biking across East Africa. Britney’s love for languages, countries, cultures, freedom and learning is matched by her deep-rooted desire for a home base filled with animals, a garden, self sufficiency, stability and a sense of belonging.
Art, writing, reading and gardening are among Britney’s many passions. Inspired by her hero, Walt Disney, she studied traditional 2D animation under Don Bluth, honing her artistic skills. She delights in crafting, nurturing her menagerie of animals, bicycle commuting, fitness, and living a traditional lifestyle. As a Master Gardener with an MBA emphasizing marketing and entrepreneurship, Britney combines her extensive knowledge with her creative talents to share stories, lessons, and inspiration with her visitors.
Britney loves writing and sharing her experiences to inspire others, teaching about homesteading and traditional living. Through BLeaves Farms, she continues to cultivate an authentic life that blends her diverse interests, offering a haven for animals and a source of inspiration for all who visit.
About the Farm
BLeaves Farms is a charming, Hacienda-style 2-acre haven nestled just east of the Valley of the Sun and is our beloved home. It is centrally located in the bustling Town of Gilbert, offering incredible convenience, yet is in a peaceful farm neighborhood with lush flood irrigated acreages, making one feel as if they’ve stepped back in time–the best of both worlds! Our farm is a vibrant tapestry of life, featuring flourishing gardens, a fruit tree orchard, a citrus grove, ample pasture and training facilities for our animals. What began as an old, dilapidated farmhouse foreclosure in dire condition has transformed into a dream realized, thanks to years of hard work and dedication.
The journey began when Britney, with her unwavering belief in the potential of the property and her dream, won the bid on this old farmhouse—her first and only home. In retrospect, it was probably a naive move, but with unfathomable dedication and hard work, it all worked out in the end. The house was in such poor condition that there wasn’t even hot water. Everything was broken. The house had 7 rotting roofs installed upon each other, the pool had a crack it in and didn’t function, water came in windows, western exposure windows were single pane, the front door didn’t lock, gates were broken and tied together with electric cords, most trees on the property were dead and had to be removed, and the property had never been cultivated and was full of two acres of cement hard caliche dirt and weeds. The only live trees were skyscraper sized palms located so close to the house, they would drop fronds on the roof and break skylights with each monsoon storm. With a deep-seated belief in avoiding debt, Britney lived frugally and worked long hours to raise money to tackle projects one by one, doing much of the labor herself and with friends. About a year into her journey, Britney met Jeff over a stray dog, which ultimately led them to getting married, and their dog lived her entire life on the farm. They believe she still watches over it to this day. Together, Britney and Jeff continued embarking on the colossal project of renovating the property, bringing everything down to the foundation and rebuilding it from the ground up. Through this process, they learned and grew, infusing every corner of the farm with their unique, personal touches.
Our commitment to transforming BLeaves Farms extended to even the smallest details. We spent an entire year grinding down an unsightly perimeter fence by hand with a wire brush, then priming and painting it to blend seamlessly with our vision for the farm. This meticulous attention to detail ensured that every aspect of our farm exudes care and creativity.
Today, BLeaves Farms is almost like our own personal Disneyland, where every detail reflects our dreams and hard work. We created a serene koi pond as a family, built garden boxes from redwood, and designed inviting spaces for our guests. Our garden not only supports farm-to-table cooking but also surprises with tropical delights such as papayas, bananas, and passion fruit, thriving despite the desert climate. We also nurture a fig and elderberry forest, as well as an olive tree, adding to the diverse bounty of our farm.
After tending to farm chores, there’s nothing like a refreshing dip in our inviting pool to cool down during the scorching summer months. Our animals, from horses to pigs to poultry, roam freely, grazing on the lush pasture. Bleaves Farms is a serene sanctuary, welcoming visitors and travelers from around the world to experience the peace and beauty we’ve cultivated here.
Every aspect of BLeaves Farms tells a story of resilience, creativity, and passion. We invite you to share in our journey and find inspiration in the tranquil, nurturing environment we’ve lovingly built.
About Our Animals
If you would like to make a donation of food to our farm animals, please reach out to bleavesfarms@gmail.com. We accept fruits, veggies, and feed as well as monetary donations towards these things!
Wilbur the Mini Pig
Wilbur, the OG at the farm, has a story that began with an impulsive yet fateful decision. It all started when we drove past a sign saying “piglets for sale.” Knowing we didn’t need a pig, we decided it was best not to stop by. Bringing the kids along seemed like a recipe for persuasion, so we avoided it but caved in. A day later, Jeff played a joke on Britney, pretending he had bought a pig. When Britney found out it was a joke, she handed him money and demanded he not return home without a pig in hands. Wilbur the Juliana Pig, now a mainstay at the farm, thrives on attention and belly rubs. His presence adds to the charm and joy of our homestead, embodying the spontaneous and loving spirit that defines our journey.
Penny the Mini Pig
Penny’s arrival at BLeaves Farms is a testament to our soft spot for animals in need. Despite definitely not needing another pig, Jeff discovered a Juliana/Pot-Bellied mix in need of a rescue home. Born the runt, Penny was well-loved, bottle-fed, and even knew tricks. Britney, aware of the potential dominance struggles with integrating a new pig, cautioned Jeff that it might not be a wise idea but didn’t outright say no. By the next day, Penny had joined our farm family. Penny is now Wilbur’s best friend and an incredibly smart addition to BLeaves Farms. She pouts for food, sits on command, gives us five with her little hooves, loves belly rubs, and is sweet as honey. Her intelligence and endearing personality make her a cherished member of our farm family.
Oinkley von Oink the Mini Pig
Oinkley’s story is one of resilience and love. Born blind and the runt of his litter, he was orphaned at a very young age. Luckily, he found his way to BLeaves Farms, where we were able to rescue him and give him the care he needed. Despite his uncertain beginnings and unknown breed—our best guess is a mix of Kune Kune and Pot-Bellied pig—Oinkley has grown into the friendliest pig we’ve ever known. Oinkley adores belly rubs and thrives on the affection he receives from everyone at the farm. He has a forever home here, where he is cherished as a friend, not food. His presence at BLeaves Farms is a testament to the power of compassion and the joy that rescued animals can bring into our lives.
Adira & Misty the Gypsy Vanners
Princess Adira and Riverstone Irish Mist (aka “Misty”) were welcome into our lives after the tragic loss of our beloved off-track Thoroughbred rescue, Patriot. They are two young Gypsy Vanners that have captured our hearts and are like real-life unicorns on our farm. These intelligent and sociable horses are more akin to dogs in their personalities than traditional horses. Misty, always by your side and eager for affection, is incredibly “in your pocket,” while Adira, with her shy demeanor and heart of gold, wins over everyone she meets with her gentle spirit. Both Misty and Adira bring a ray of sunshine to our days, thriving on training sessions and the joy of being ridden. The Gypsy Vanner breed originates from Ireland, where they were cherished by Gypsies for their ability to pull caravans and serve as reliable riding horses. Known for their friendly and gentle nature, Gypsy Vanners are as striking in personality as they are in appearance. Their beautiful, colorful coats and sturdy build give them the charm of a personal-sized draft horse, making them a perfect fit for our farm and our hearts.
Baron the Doberman
Baron embodies the best qualities of the Doberman breed and brings joy and companionship to everyone at BLeaves Farms. Britney has always had a special place in her heart for the Doberman breed, ever since rescuing her beloved dog, Ben. After Ben passed away, she was determined to find another dog with his exceptional qualities. Having studied German and lived in Germany, Britney appreciates fine German engineering and considers the Doberman one of the smartest and most loyal breeds. Baron, despite his imposing size that intimidates many, is one of the most loving, gentle, and kind-hearted lapdogs on the farm. He adores everyone and is a true velcro dog, always leaning against you and seeking affection. Not only is Baron incredibly handsome, but he’s also an athletic wonder, charming everyone with his agility and grace.
Bella the Mexican Malinois
Bella’s journey to BLeaves Farms began unexpectedly during a vacation in Mexico. We stopped by a local rescue to donate dog food, and as Jeff humorously puts it, we needed another dog as much as we needed a hole in our head. Yet, out of 300 dogs, Bella stood out by following us everywhere, ignoring the other dogs, and making intense eye contact with us. Britney recognized this connection as a sign that Bella was a once-in-a-lifetime dog, and with the kids’ persuasion, we decided to bring her home. It truly felt like Bella was choosing us. Bella’s story is even more remarkable considering her past. She was a feral street dog on the streets of Nogales, surviving against the odds. Since joining our family, we’ve never looked back. Bella is incredibly smart and loyal, earning her a special place in our hearts. After getting her DNA tested, we discovered she is a unique mix of German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, and Pug. We affectionately call her our Mexican Malinois or Golden Shepug. Bella is everything we could have hoped for and more—a testament to the serendipitous moments that bring joy and love into our lives.
Maggie the Belgian Malinhuahua
Maggie’s journey to BLeaves Farms is a tale of resilience and love. She was a feral street puppy from Mexico, battling severe illness and nearly dying several times due to ticks and doggy influenza. Initially, we committed to adopting her for a friend who was looking for a dog like Bella. However, right before we went to pick her up, our friend said she couldn’t have her anymore. But we had already committed to adopting her, so we went and picked her up anyhow. On our way home, we bonded so closely with her and fell in love. As Britney always says, “I never want to live a life without Maggie in it.” She lights up our hearts with her pure love and joy. After getting her DNA tested, we discovered Maggie is a true melting pot of dogs, mainly Chihuahua and Belgian Malinois, and she looks like a Chihuahua-sized shepherd. Although small in stature, Maggie’s got the biggest personality, and her presence fills our home with warmth and happiness every day.
Bowser the Karakachan Livestock Guardian Dog
Bowser is our farm protector. Our natural oasis of a farm was being targeted by predators, and we needed a sustainable solution that wouldn’t harm them. Enter Bowser, a rare livestock guardian dog breed called the Karakachan, bred for over 3,000 years in Bulgaria to fend off wolves and bears. From his very first night on the job, Bowser proved his worth, fighting off a coyote and saving all our beloved pets—caught on surveillance and earning him the title of hero! Bowser is the most hardworking, dedicated, and loyal dog we could have asked for. He takes his job of protecting the farm against predators very seriously and would defend us with his life. Despite his fierce protective instincts, Bowser has the most gentle of souls toward all of us and our animals, nurturing them as if they were his own. His unwavering commitment, bravery, and gentle nature make him an invaluable member of the BLeaves Farms family.
Big Emma the Saint Bernard
Big Emma came to be when we realized we had lived our life on the farm without the joy of owning a Saint Bernard and decided it was time to bring one to live with us. We found a litter that would be ready to go home the same week we were attending a family reunion in Utah. It felt like a sign we were in the right state at the right time, so decided to adopt Big Emma. She has amazed us with her intelligence and her instinctive desire to rescue everyone and everything, a true testament to the breed’s history of saving people trapped in avalanches. We are training Big Emma with the goal of becoming a therapy dog to help people with PTSD. Thanks to her intelligence, gentle nature, and willingness to please, she has been thriving in training and is on her way to excelling in her role. Jeff, who had a Saint Bernard growing up in Michigan, always loved the breed and missed having one. Bringing Big Emma into our lives has filled our farm with even more love and joy.
Koi Pond
Our koi pond at BLeaves Farms is more than just a tranquil oasis—it’s a labor of love that began with jackhammering through tough caliche and digging out the earth ourselves as a family. This hands-on approach extended to building a charming bridge that spans the pond, adding to its picturesque charm. Home to several generations of koi fish, Chinese Hi-fin sharks, plecos, turtles, and frogs, our pond is a thriving ecosystem. Pond plants play a crucial role, fostering a natural balance: they provide oxygen for the fish, while the fish contribute nitrogen for the plants. The plants also offer essential shade, cover, and protection from predators, ensuring our aquatic residents thrive. The soothing sounds of the bubbling brook and cascading waterfall add to the serenity of our pond, making it a beloved retreat on our farm. Whether you’re drawn by the beauty of the koi gliding through the water or the peaceful ambiance created by the water features, our koi pond invites you to relax and reconnect with nature. The pond was inspired by Britney’s favorite childhood computer game “Quest For Glory” and the Erana Peace Gardens.
Shelly the African Sulcata Tortoise
Shelly came into our lives as a hand-me-up from our daughter, who needed to find her a “temporary” home. Since then, she has become an adored member of our farm family. As an enormous African Sulcata Tortoise, Shelly brings a unique charm to BLeaves Farms. She is Oinkley’s best friend and also plays a vital role as a living lawnmower, effortlessly maintaining our grass and indulging in farm goodies from the garden as she bumbles about. Surprisingly sociable for a reptile, Shelly enjoys interacting with visitors and has a particular fondness for homegrown red hibiscus flowers—they’re her favorite treat! With her gentle nature and quirky personality, Shelly adds a touch of curiosity and delight to our farm. Whether she’s peacefully grazing or exploring her surroundings, Shelly embodies the calm and harmony of life at BLeaves Farms.
The Flock
Feathered friends are cherished members of our BLeaves Farms family. From chickens to ducks, turkeys, and even a surprise pheasant-turned-quail, each bird lives out their entire life here, enjoying a happy and healthy existence. Our philosophy is simple: they’re our friends, not food. While they do provide delicious eggs daily, which we happily share with our community, their primary role is companionship and contributing to the vibrant ecosystem of our farm. They feast on goodies from our garden, ensuring they’re always content and well-fed. One notable story is that of our ducks. Jeff introduced Pato to his new girlfriend Daisy, and the rest is history—they ended up raising a delightful gaggle of ducklings on our pond. We couldn’t resist keeping them all, adding to the joy and diversity of our feathered family. Although we bid farewell to our beloved turkey named Thomas Jefferson, who lived out his entire life here, the spirit of companionship and the joy our feathered friends bring continue to enrich our farm experience every day.
Testimonials
BLeaves Farms is an agricultural wonderland located in a large metropolitan area. It’s like stepping back into the Midwest it seems. The animal population includes dogs, pigs, chickens, turkeys, ducks, koi, draft horses and more. You will be surrounded by fruit trees, citrus trees, herb gardens, a pumpkin patch and vegetable gardens of all kinds. You can purchase fresh eggs, herbs, vegetables and more. Their specialty is Elderberry Syrup. You have to try this one! For a truly educational and wonderful time, visit BLeaves Farms. The owners Britney and Jeff are wonderful folks. Every time I stop in, they make me feel right at home.
– Steve B.
I have been to BLeaves Farms. The fruits and vegetables are incredible. And their eggs. The animals are so great to play with. And the salsa and breads they sell are so good. Anyone that wants good food or to be around the animals, they should go there and take their kids and let them pick fruit and vegetables and play with all the animals.
– Sue B.
The bond shared between Britney and Jeff is nothing short of magical, a true embodiment of what love and partnership should be. Their farm is not just a place of work, but a sanctuary of passion and devotion. Witnessing their love for each other and for their animals is awe-inspiring. I had the incredible opportunity to visit their farm and it was like stepping into heaven. Every animal, every corner of the farm was touched by their love and care. The attention to detail and the sheer dedication they put into every aspect of their farm is nothing short of incredible. Britney and Jeff are not just farmers, they are true stewards of the land and the beings that inhabit it. Their farm is a testament to the power of love and hard work. Every animal has a name, a story, and a place in their hearts. It’s impossible not to be moved by the sheer beauty of their farm and the love that permeates every inch of it. Britney and Jeff are not just the dream team, they are a force of nature. Their love for each other, for their animals, and for their farm is infectious. Their passion and dedication are a shining example of what it means to follow your heart and create a life filled with purpose and meaning. Their vegetarian culinary creations are truly a work of art, crafted with love and care from the bountiful harvest of their very own beloved farm. Each post they share, filled with heartwarming tales of life on the farm, never fails to brighten my day. The sight of those precious animals, lovingly cared for at BLeaves Farms, fills my heart with joy and gratitude. Their authenticity and passion for their craft is palpable, shining through in every aspect of their farm. Their tireless dedication to nurturing both the land and the animals who call it home is nothing short of awe-inspiring. I am forever in awe of them on the beautiful sanctuary they have crafted.
– Ariel H.
BLeaves Farms is such a great place. Britney and Jeff have built this most welcoming, beautiful farm with some of the happiest animals by their sides. They have a deep love for taking care of their animals, and treat them all with such compassion and warmth. We are flat out envious at how amazing their gardens are, and the wide array of things they plant. We’ve had many of their baked goods, food they have made and various foods from their gardens, and it’s all spectacular. You simply could not ask for better people, with big hearts, and all of their pets/animals have got to be some of the luckiest animals to have landed at their farm. I highly recommend BLeaves Farms, and we are very fortunate to call Britney and Jeff dear friends.
– Tiffany H.
Going to your farm was like going on a retreat of serenity (a true Garden of Eden). Peaceful and welcoming. The animals were as nice as the people that cared for them. The food and salsa served was better than anything I’ve had at a restaurant. Fresh ingredients matter as do the professionals preparing them! (I wanted to move in but my wife wouldn’t let me). I hope to go back some day and experience this again. I rate it 5 stars!
– Richard H.
