
La Terra Vita Springs Grows Food in Challenging Climate
La Terra Vita is a community-based working and educational farm in Ashland, Oregon and is growing herbs and fruit trees at 4,700 feet in a Growing Dome Greenhouse. That’s not particularly high in elevation compared to many gardens in the Rocky Mountains, but this farm is unique in that they have a much better-growing environment just down the road in the Willamette Valley. Founders Regina Manian and Elise and Jeff Higley chose the spot for its complexity, challenge and beauty. They are looking to show others what’s possible even when growing conditions are not ideal. They have a number of projects going at once including propagation in a 33′ Growing Dome greenhouse, an outdoor herb garden, an experimental orchard, a mushroom barn, bee hives, and much more. They are a stunning example of what diversification can do for a small farm and what a small sustainable center can do to change the world.
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I worked at Growing Spaces from 2015 to 2023 and returned in 2025. I’m here to guide you through purchasing a Growing Dome® greenhouse—from planning and site selection to choosing the right accessories for your climate. My goal is to help you create a thriving space for plants (and people!). I also manage the Growing Dome Advisor team and help with technical questions, installation documents, and day-to-day operations. I love empowering people to grow fresh, nutrient-dense food and watching a Growing Dome transform empty land into a personal sanctuary. I enjoy collaborating with our team to solve challenges and make it easy for anyone to buy a Growing Dome. I graduated from Western Colorado University in 2013 with a B.A. in Environmental Studies. In my free time, I enjoy hiking with my wife and our two big dogs, skiing, backpacking, and exploring the outdoors with my camera. My photography business, Kinetic Exposure, is rooted in a simple belief: people seek artwork that changes how they feel. Whether it’s a night sky bursting with stars, a quiet wildlife encounter, or a mountain peak glowing at dawn, I’m not just documenting moments—I’m transporting viewers into them.
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