Rhubarb North

This paddock formed part of the original Eastbrook farm that the Samwell family bought when relocating from their Summertown property that was destroyed in the 1984 Ash Wednesday bushfires. It is on the north side of the Rhubarb Patch, hence its name. They grew rhubarb in Summertown, and this was the second paddock to be used to grow rhubarb the years after their move. The soil and growing conditions were never perfect for rhubarb but there was an emotional connection with this family history. As Eastbrook Vegetable Farms slowly became known for their expertise in growing Brussel Sprouts, the rhubarb was relinquished in favour of the glorious brassica … but the paddock name has remained Rhubarb North ever since. This paddock is situated on a ridgeline and therefore has light sandy/silty soil. On its eastern and northern edges are Tasmanian Blue gums which were planted in 2004. These trees created a nice shelter belt around the edges of the field.