Even Cowgirls Get The Greens = One Gun Ranch

I am completely in awe of Alice Bamford who has created a green oasis in the canyons of Malibu called One Gun Ranch. One Gun not only grows and supplies many with it’s bio dynamic organic produce, but the ranch also creates black gold soil so rich and powerful that I have soil envy! The ranch holds tours for inner city children and lessons on how to grow food biodynamically. They also make excellent gift planter boxes made of reclaimed wood filled with their home grown herbs.

During our visit I was swept away not only by the sacred way in which the ranch grows it’s produce, but also by the beauty of the land and some of the remaining structures. The one little casita devoted to all things Frida, truly made me swoon. All my favorites in one place! I was especially moved to hear the story of how Alice rescued a street dog from India. Ossian the street dog is now the most devoted and courageous of the pack, and protects the ranch from coyotes and cougars. Alice is as charming as she is humble; it seems she received the Global Green Award in 2012 for her work both here and in Great Britain.

 

1) What Inspired you to start the ranch? So much! My life so far my childhood, my mother, Daylesford her organic field to fork organic business, Alice Waters and her edible schoolyard, Malibu and all it’s elements the ocean the mountains the positivity and the ranch itself. It really is a sacred special place I’m so lucky it found me.

2) You are known not only for the wonderful organic food you grow but also the soil. Why is soil so vital for growing? Soil is the foundation the base and source for all the goodness and nutrients that grow through the produce. To keep a healthy planet our soil needs to be healthy and fertile. At the ranch we make our own fertilizer or supersoil to mix into the earth it literally feeds the ground and anything that grow within it. It’s so good you can taste the difference in our fruit and veggies, they retain much moisture and taste so sweet.

3) You are originally from England. I understand the US is one of the only countries that doesn’t label GMO foods. Does it seem to be easier to be organic in Great Britain? We all know organic is better for us and the planet but it certainly has its challenges worldwide. I think there is a heightened understanding in England and the Soil association has been the biggest advocate for that. There’s a great awareness in Cali too, however when it comes to labeling i believe in complete truth and transparency we deserve to know as a consumer and a human being if our food has been genetically modified

4) What is your cowgirl beauty secret? Bamford Geranium body oil and Dr Lancer skin salvation 

5) What book is on your nightstand? Rumi and Hemingway

6) are you a mermaid or forest fairy? a bit of both

7) What or where is your most favorite meal? Most recently sublime sashimi at Nobu Malibu outside oceanside watching the full moon rise and surfers dance through the waves. Consistently salt baked sea bass shared with family and friends.

8) If we could all just do one thing to help our planet what would it be? Plant a tree or a seed, grow something and get connected to nature, our planet with a sense of nurture and protection.

The Following Photos by the always wonderful Mel Blanchard.