Patrick Stickney

With his earliest garden memory at age five eating the neighbors’ muscadine grapes, Patrick Stickney has benefited from many mentors in his career who have inspired him in agriculture.

“A fantastic mentor who taught me everything I know is Charlie Maloney, a sustainable agriculture educator at The College of William & Mary and owner of Dayspring Farm here in Viginia,” said Patrick.

Although he was born in Tampa, Patrick has spent most of his life in Virginia’s Northern Neck region. Formally receiving a culinary arts degree from Johnson & Wales University, he enjoys combining his passion for farming with his culinary expertise.

It’s this expertise that equipped him for success at the Tides Inn, collaborating with Executive Chef, Kyle Perkins.

“The best part of managing the Tides Inn Farm is working directly with the culinary team to support their farm-to-table goal,” he remarked. “Being able to take our guests through the garden is an absolute delight, especially seeing children eat our homegrown blackberries.”

Patrick enjoys the challenge of planning what crops he will grow, mixed with creating a space that is also aesthetically pleasing. He’s been instrumental in supplying more produce to Salt & Meadow Restaurant – from fresh greens to okra to tomatoes (he admits his favorite thing to grow is tomatoes).

“A most memorable day was when the former owner of this particular parcel stopped by and stated how happy he is to see how we are using the land,” Patrick said. “I am excited to have the unique opportunity to transform these five acres into a special place for decades to come.”