The who behind Talking Tree

Owner of Talking Tree, Sylvain is currently building & improving the project infrastructure by expanding the market gardens, growing in the greenhouses, & managing the food forest. He has 20 years of experience in permaculture design & is continuously experimenting with innovative conservation techniques to inspire reform in our agricultural systems. His model of a permaculture farm cooperative makes circular systems manageable, efficient, and effective. His teachings, farming techniques, & lifestyle reflect an unwavering belief that nature is perfect.

In search for spirituality & purpose, Sarah found her truth in permaculture & indigenous agriculture. With a passion & background in teaching, she has made Talking Tree a host of educational opportunities for the community focusing on nature, community, art, and sustainable practices. Born & raised in San Antonio, she graduated from University of Incarnate Word with a double-major in Psychology & Fine Art. Besides being a mother of two, her proudest contribution & legacy is her role as seedwoman, preserving heirloom plant diversity & improving production at the farm with acclimated seeds.

At Talking Tree, Farmer Brandon implements a style of agriculture that emphasizes soil health to grow a diverse amount of healthy, productive plants without the use of fertilizers, pesticides, or amendments. The only thing he adds is compost, which is made right on the farm by Compost Queens. Brandon also implements sustainable practices such as foraging, raising black soldier fly larva, pond access, & foddering for his chickens and ducks in order to bring high quality eggs to market. 

Lynn is an herbalist who has a background in clinical nutrition, naturopathy, teaching, and environmental science. The focus of her business is to help people regain a connection with nature that has been lost from daily living. Knowing how to grow and use plants for our health is an important part of that. The most important part of her experience. however, has grown from being a mom, and grandma, where these skills become priceless. 

Gabriella has a passion for sustainability & community. She was born and raised in San Antonio & has a bachelor's degree in communications from Texas State University & a master's in business education. Her goal is to bring a healthier lifestyle into her community while supporting her fellow farmers. She is cultivating a variety of greens along side Farmer Brandon in the market garden & bringing seasonal fresh salads to market. 

Using a method called Bokashi, Compost Queens offers composting services for an individual household, businesses, & special events. They want to keep your food waste out of the landfills, close the gap of the food system, & turn your kitchen trash into our farm's treasure.

Taking your garden and our farm to the next level with beautiful mosaic art! Betsy can teach you how to mosaic practically anything, from start to finish. Don't want to take a class to learn how to mosaic, but love it still? She will sell you an original art piece for your home or garden!

Making food fun, healthy, & delicious, our partner chef, Josh, offers culinary demos, food science experiences, as well as cooking events which engage people into a better understanding of the importance of feeding themselves.