Shepherdess and Farmer-FloristOld Homestead Alpacas & Gholson Gardens
Elaine Vandiver and her husband, Mike, purchased their historic 10-acre homestead in Walla Walla, Washington after learning a traditional family wasn’t in the cards. Together they raise suri alpaca for their superior, soft fiber. Under the brand, Old Homestead Alpacas, they have created a small-batch luxury knitwear line offering hats, scarves and mittens, along with a host of knitting yarns and home goods. Elaine grows heirloom plants and flowers that she uses to dye the garments an array of beautiful natural colors. With flowers already in cultivation, she diversified and now also offers seasonal fresh cut flowers at local markets under the name Gholson Gardens, paying homage to the original homestead family name.
Elaine was active duty U.S. Army, with a one-year tour in Iraq at the onset of OIF in a combat engineer battalion. Mike was active duty Army for four years and is currently serving his 18th year as a 1SG in the Washington National Army Guard. His monthly drills require a 500-mile round trip journey, as well as extensive planning to ensure farm operations experience minimal disruption. Mike’s monthly and ongoing service commitments have helped to shape and refine their farming approaches in every way.
Website:Old Homestead Alpacas