Farmers
Celia Barss
Celia Barss is the farmer (boss!) at Woodland Gardens. Celia has been cursing the clay fields here in Athens for over a decade. Celia was born in Newfoundland Canada, raised in Papua New Guinea, lived in France, grew up in Baltimore and is a graduate of the University of California Santa Cruz Organic Farm program -- where she got really used to living in a tent on the side of the Pacific Ocean. Celia has been involved in the start up and operations of four farms, and simply would not be happy doing anything else. Celia has always managed the farm with a tough strength and endurance that anyone who meets her will attest to, and always with utmost respect for her team. This is not a job that can be done alone! Among the bustle of the seasons, Celia is a mother of two, and keeps her boots dirty.
John Cooper
John Cooper, a proud South Carolina native, continues to consult for the farm. He worked for many years with Celia and Woodland Gardens bringing skills in botany, perennial production and business management during a time a growth for Woodland Gardens. John has an International MBA from University of South Carolina, business and training at Tec de Monterrey in Mexico, and studied philosophy and creative writing at USC Honors College and University of Oregon. He grew up in the nursery industry, propagating and selling ornamental plants with his Uncle Bobby, who was his greatest teacher in life. John’s experience includes work for a large cooperative of Fair Trade and organic coffee producers in La Trinidad, Oaxaca, Mexico for Iniciativa Fomcafe and working with organic and the Fair Trade Labeling organizations there and social justice groups. John thrives outdoors, of course, and loves adventures with his wife, Celia and their two rascally kids! John now works in a secret office above the packing house doing heaven knows what.