On a scorching hot day, I was able to sit Trent down in the afternoon with a ball jar of cold brew, with lots of sweet cream and crushed ice. He took his break, sucking down his drink and answering my questions. I hope you enjoy getting to know a little bit more about the man that is behind just about everything here at Of The Land.
A – Trent Thompson, Co-Owner, @ OTL Q – Bridgett Blough, Co-Owner @ OTL
What is your favorite animal?
Turtle. I’ve always loved the come from behind, slow and steady wins the race story. I love that the tortoise is consistent and doesn’t give up.
What are you most proud of with your work at Of The Land?
I am most proud of the sophistication of our business. We have matured and are more sophisticated than ever before. I am proud of the work we do both with the Green Box and the weddings.
How did you end up in Battle Creek and at Of the Land?
I have lived in Battle Creek since I was one, so you can call me a Battle Creature. My dad grew up here, as did both of his parents. After college, I lived out west and when I knew I wanted to start a farm, my grandma was dying of cancer. She is one of my favorite people and I wanted to see her before she died. I know a lot of people here and it is so much more affordable here than trying to start a farm out west.
What do you like about working here?
Watching the plants grow, I spend hours a week walking around and checking on my plants. I love making things better– I have a never ending list of things that are broken all the time. Whether it is mechanical like putting heaters in the venue or a new checklist for the staff, I love to feel how tangible my work is and see the improvement.
What did you think you would do for a job?
I wanted to be a lot of different things– throughout my childhood I wanted to be an archaeologist or scientist. In college, I wanted to work for Ralph Nater’s public interest group and be an environmental activist at a nonprofit.
What have plants taught you that nothing else could?
Patience. Be patient– it has helped me as a parent too.
What do you want people to know about the plants, or the spaces, or the gardens here at Of The Land as they walk around and look?
I want them to realize that all of the beauty here doesn’t come naturally. There is a ton of work that goes on during the week to make things look the way they do. An incredible amount of planning went into every garden we’ve ever created. Years of planning has created what it looks like in our gardens, along with the weekly maintenance. Every week we prune, trellis, vines, weed, cull, and plant. If we didn’t maintain every single week with the pathways or weeds, the whole thing would fall apart.
Is there any advice you’d give to a beginning gardener or someone who wants to learn about plants?
Be patient. Things take time, especially the most rewarding ones.
What is your favorite thing to eat at OTL?
My favorite thing to drink is the strawberry basil margaritas. In the summer, all I want to eat is salad– especially with my cherry sungold tomatoes! When it is hot out, salad feels like dessert and it just hits the spot.
Photos by Raelani Stockwell Photography
