Daily Inspiration: Meet Cameron Stribling Martin’s Garden

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cameron Stribling Martin’s Garden.

Hi Cameron Stribling, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
The Martin’s purchased the land from the estate of Mr. Ora Coleman. The extended Coleman family once owned over 125 acres in the historic district of Roswell. For over 66 years, Ora managed his 7-acre portion of land and shared his spirit, animals and vegetables generously with his neighbors, until he passed in 2012. Many people in the area have stories of his impact and personal accounts of their time on the farm.

After acquiring the estate of Mr. Ora Coleman in 2015 , Shari and Tony Martin established Martin’s Garden. The farm is located is less than a mile from the historic district of Roswell and has a rich history. Shari and Tony have extensive experience in various industries and philanthropic ventures. They are heavily involved with agricultural non-profits, community development, and educational organizations. Because they are passionate about community farming, they employ up-and-coming young farmers to collaborate and develop on their space. Since the farm’s inception, there have been multiple iterations of farmers with the general goal of growing local produce for the community.

Under the leadership of the Martins, I, Cameron Stribling, am the latest farmer hired in 2025. My vision as the farm manager is to “not only provide locally grown and sustainable produce but empower and encourage locals to engage with their food systems through community building and education.” My vision for the farm is “to be an example of working together to eat and live well. I envision a bustling “third space” and high-energy regenerative farm where neighbors and partners turn into family. We focus on what truly matters– healthy food systems and healthy people.”

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Speaking on behalf of the owners I think the biggest challenges have been around farmer experience and continuity. Across the nation, farmers are aging out and the new generation of farmers are typically less experienced. And the pool of experienced farmers in a small city environment like Roswell, where agriculture is not a dominant industry, is partically challenging. So once Martin’s Garden finds the right candidate, who is typically less experienced, they invest heavily in providing the training and consulting resources they need to grow into the farm management position. The physical nature of the job can result in burnout so the Martin’s stress the importance of getting additional summer help and drawing on our generous group of volunteers to help distribute the burden.

Personally my biggest hurdles of farming will always be the uncontrollables and being totally dependent on the environment.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I, Cameron Stribling, am an urban farmer, community advocate, and environmentalist. I hail from the bluegrass state of Kentucky but have connections to Michigan, California, and Washington. I am a graduate of Horticulture Plant and Soil Science at the University of Kentucky and the CLBL Beginning Farm Training Program.

I am passionate about my faith, family, learning, and living well. I have spent nearly 10 years in the industry learning everything from greenhouse production to large-scale vegetable production. My speciality includes bridging the gap between horticulture production and community. My grounding principle throughout all my experience focuses on people and their connection to local food. I am most proud of making a home wherever I go, always treating people with respect and love, and building a legacy of education and inclusion.

Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I don’t believe in luck, I believe in faith. I believe that nothing in this life happens by coincidence. My role as the farmer has taught me humility, perseverance, and true fearlessness. I know that as a farmer and human being I can control absolutely nothing and with that knowledge I am able to surrender the weight, continue to do my best, and exist in peace no matter what chaos ensues— and ensue it will. Even through the hardest things I know I am loved and anchored in the truth that this life won’t last and neither will the hardships.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.martinsgardenacf.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/martinsgardenacf/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/martinsgardenacf