Rusty Top Farm

05/30/2026

05/25/2026

Morning rush hour on the mullein. 🌼🐝
Every morning lately, these flowers have been packed with bees first thing.

This is our first time growing mullein, and now that it’s in its second year and flowering, I’m seeing why it belongs in a food forest.

It’s not just a traditional herbal plant — it’s a pollinator magnet, a tall vertical habitat plant, and one more reminder that when we let the garden get a little wild, life shows up.

Grown with purpose at Rusty Top Farm.
Disabled Veteran-Owned Urban Farm
Brea, California

05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, the Farmer Veteran Coalition of California and our EVAS team pause to honor and remember the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our nation.

For many in our community, this day carries deep personal meaning. We remember those who never made it home, the families who carry their legacy, and the fellow service members who continue to honor them in their own lives.

As farmer veterans, we know that service does not end when the uniform comes off. Purpose, camaraderie, community, and stewardship continue to shape our post-service journey.

Today, we remember those who gave all — and we recommit ourselves to carrying their legacy forward through service, fellowship, and care for one another.

With gratitude and remembrance,
Farmer Veteran Coalition of California
Chapter Leader

Honoring Those Who Gave All https://wix.to/LeJfSb2

05/23/2026

As we head into Memorial Day weekend, Vital Roots Foundation pauses for a day rooted in remembrance.

For many veterans and military families, this weekend can bring up a lot — grief, gratitude, memories, complex emotions, and feelings that are not always easy to put into words.

We remember and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. We also hold space for those still carrying the weight of service, loss, and transition.

To every veteran walking through this weekend with a heavy heart: you are not alone.

We are grateful to walk alongside our veteran community in the continued journey after service — through connection, camaraderie, healing, and shared purpose.

Please take care of yourselves. Check in on one another. Reach out if you need connection.

If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988, then press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line.

05/21/2026

Calling all veterans and family members....

OPERATION SHIELD will be Hiking for Healing, June 6th at 0800! We are linking up with Marine Corps League - MCAS El Toro Detachment 017 and Team Red, White & Blue. This hike is in honor of Brent Kast.

See flyer below for more information:

05/20/2026

Year two of growing mullein here at Rusty Top Farm, and wow… those flower stalks are getting impressive. 🌿

Last year, the plants mostly focused on producing big fuzzy leaves, which we shared with friends who enjoy using mullein in herbal teas for respiratory support. We also made a small tincture from the leaves. This season, we’re beginning to save the flowers too.

Beyond its herbal uses, mullein has been such an interesting companion plant in our urban food forest. Its deep taproot helps break up heavy soil, the flowers attract pollinators, and the tall stalks bring a wild, resilient beauty to the garden space.

One of those plants that reminds us permaculture is about more than food — it’s about building healthy ecosystems and connections. 🌼

05/15/2026

05/12/2026