Do you want to learn more about gardening methods? Check out our information pages.
At Grey Duck Gardens we believe that everyone should be able to feed themselves and their families. We donate 2% of our seed profits to Heifer International, an organization that helps people in the USA and around the world become self sufficient.
Susan Fluegel, PhD: Researcher, Webmaster, Nutritional Biochemist
Susan designs and implements the garlic research projects. She is also involved in functional food research. Unlike many nutritional professionals who push broccoli and brown rice, Susan makes herself welcome at dining occasions by espousing the virtues of fat and chocolate. Her special interests include developing sustainable garlic production techniques, using diet and lifestyle to prevent disease and giving unprompted nutritional lectures to unwary acquaintances on public transport. For a special treat, ask her about mitochondria. She has a passion for art and designed and drew the Grey Duck logo. Susan teaches advanced nutritional biochemistry classes.
Edna Hastain: Chef, Knitter, Bionic Women
A former natural foods chef, Edna loves to experiment with exotic foods. She says Grey Duck Garlic is the best garlic she has ever tasted. Due to her garlic addiction, she has been forced to join Grey Duck Garlic in order to obtain an unlimited stash of fresh bulbs. Unlike most gardeners, Edna actually enjoys weeding. She just recently had her second knee replacement and has been cut off from weeding this season to promote healing. In her free time, Edna knits colorful wool socks and hats which she distributes to lucky relatives and friends.
Chris Bailey: Farm Manager, Event Planner
Chris grew up on a large South Dakota farm and ranch where he maintained and operated all sorts of farm equipment. After leaving the family farm, he obtained two engineering degrees and network administrator experience. Due to his diverse talents, he can build and repair most anything; from tractors to computers with baling wire, some duct tape, and a pair of fencing pliers. Chris designed and built our custom garlic tools. When not building or fixing fences, he enjoys volunteering his time and talents. He is an Advanced Master Gardener, tutor at the local grade school, and is involved with veterans organizations, engineering groups and ham radio clubs. Chris is a Senior Master Sergeant guardsman with the US Air Force and manages the RF Telecommunication Systems section. In spite of his book learning and military training, he still knows how to make a mean pile of compost and plant a straight row of garlic.
Patty Fluegel: Photographer, Assistant Researcher, Goat Herder
Patty is responsible for some of the more artistic photos you see in Grey Duck Garlic’s website and the beautiful labels on our garlic bags. Patty is a tireless worker and earned her garlic researcher’s badge by helping Susan weigh and measure over 5,000 heads of garlic. She enjoys our garlic hot and raw from the field. In addition to garlic farming, Patty cares for a small herd of registered Nubian goats. Before she was bit by the garlic bug, Patty managed a large natural health food store. She had numerous adventures, from managing a sled dog camp for tourists to camping out in the Canadian wilderness in a tent during winter.
About Us
Our Passion for Organic Gourmet Garlic!
Grey Duck Garlic, LLC is a small family run farm committed to growing high quality organic garlic in a sustainable and fun fashion.
We grow slow food. It takes 9 months to hand grow a perfectly flavorful bulb of gourmet garlic. All our garlic varieties are taste tasted and we only keep the garlic that we like. Currently we grow two Washington heirloom garlic varieties including German Red.
Grey Duck Garlic is located on a certified organic farm (#1883) owned by Jane Fluegel in the Palouse region of Washington. The farm is nestled between the beautiful rolling hills of the Palouse. Half the acreage is on a hillside dotted with natural springs and dedicated to natural woods and native plants. The other acreage is flat pasture bordering a creek.
Jane Fluegel: Cowgirl, Landscaper, Substainable Farmer
Jane fed her family organic food from her gardens for over thirty years. She taught her children and grandchildren appreciation for the land. Currently, Jane oversees her happy herd of slightly spoiled beef cattle, flock of free range hens, and gaggle of grandchildren. In her spare time, she designs beautiful low input xeriscape and native plant landscape plans. Known for her honesty and quirky sense of humor, Jane’s unique and open style make her fun to be around.
The Garlic Farmers
The taste that inspires passion