by Justin Yates
California native Linda Knudtson has a knack of getting things done the right way, even if it means resisting the prevailing norms, plowing through stony ground, and making do with a limited amount of resources. This, as well as her longtime commitment to service, has been her secret to success.
Linda has lived in Ogden Valley for seven years. During that time, she has become known for her work in organic farming and artistry. She has also become the recipient of many a thanks for her establishment of the now popular Ogden Valley Farmers and Artists Market. While some, including her, have referred to the Valley as “The Garden of Eden,” Linda strives to make that as much a reality as she possibly can.
Linda’s own garden, Stoney Field Farm, is just north of Eden in Liberty, as part her family’s homestead. It lies next to a river, the water of which used to run over the ground that is now part of her garden. This made the soil rocky, hence, the farm’s name. Nevertheless, the soil is rich and its fruits abound.
Linda’s provident lifestyle advocates economical procedures. She applies conservative farming methods, including the use of natural fertilizers and very little farm equipment. Her “Self Pick” program saves people money and provides them the opportunity to come pick their own selection of organic crop. Among the variety, pickers will find such fruits as raspberries, strawberries, and goji berries, and such vegetables as beets, spinach, and chard. In addition, she also sells flowers and organic eggs. Her products are sold to restaurants in Utah and California, shipped as mail orders, or distributed to grocery stores, such as Harmon’s and Whole Foods Market.
The experience Linda has gained throughout her life has become a valuable benefit for aspiring farmers. She has always grown things, from cultivating small grow boxes in California to planting lavender and raspberries in Ogden Valley. She uses her knowledge to teach classes in gardening and to help farmers plant.
In addition to her work on the farm, Linda’s talent for art has been a blessing to many. She has taught art for over twenty years, and today she teaches from home. Didja makitis the name of her art business, which features her skills in paintings and water colors. She also does quilting and teaches classes in sewing and pottery. Ultimately, she desires that her art studio be a place where people can come to relax, find peace, and do art while getting to know others.
Linda’s third specialty is her work in putting together the annual Ogden Valley Farmers and Artists Market, which is held each summer starting in June. People of all ages can come to browse, sell, or just enjoy the activities and live music. Thanks to Linda, several have made their beginning on the road to success here. One such group was a trio of young girls who called themselves
Linoli, a name formed by combining their names into one. For a one-dollar kids’ booth fee, they set up a table and sold simple homemade trinkets: bracelets, cupcakes, bookmarks, sewn goods, and more. Two of the girls, who were at that time students of Linda’s, have since become successful dress designers.
Linda is pleased how successful the Market has become. She sees how it has been an opportunity to bring the community together, promote kids, and help businesses gain exposure. “It’s all about the community,” she says. It is her way of “just trying to give back.”
The Market began this year on June 2nd in Eden, 2405 N Highway 158, by Century 21. It will continue to run every Saturday from 9am to 1pm until mid-October. Prices, registration, and additional Market information can be found at
http://www.ovfam.org or
www.ovba.org/FAM.
Linda is a proud member of the Ogden Valley Business Association (OVBA). She acknowledges that the OVBA has been a support to her from the beginning. She is impressed with its quality and leadership and knows it is an organization that supports its members. More about the OVBA and its businesses can be found at
www.ovba.org.
