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Explore the Collection

Farm & Forest Collection

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Book Your Personal Farm Experience Today!

To reserve your spot at Unexpected Farm NJ, please email us at unexpectedfarmnj@gmail.com with your preferred date and time. We'll do our best to accommodate you and your guests.

Available: Weekdays & weekends for a delightful farm visit. We need atleast 48 hours notice. 

Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to connect with our alpacas! We look forward to welcoming you!

Experience the Tranquility at Unexpected Farm NJ!

Join us for a delightful 1-2 hour visit where you can connect with our friendly alpacas! This special experience allows you to meet our herd up close, learn about their unique personalities, and even feed them their favorite treats like baby carrots, green beans, and romaine lettuce.

Details:

  • Duration: 1-2 hours

  • Cost: $20 per person (ages 3+), children 3 and under are free

  • Terrain: Stroller access is tough; we recommend carriers or jogger strollers for your comfort.

If you love animals, plants, and capturing beautiful moments, this interactive learning experience is perfect for you! Come create lasting memories with our adorable alpacas!

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Host Your Event at Unexpected Farm NJ!

We offer a variety of event options, including game nights, craft nights, parties of any kind, brunches, and even Alpaca line feeds!

Event Details:

  • Duration: 3 hours

  • Capacity: Up to 30 people

  • Cost: $400

  • Inclusions:

    • Bring your own food (tables provided)

    • Alpaca meet and greet

    • Port-a-potty on site

    • Trash cans

    • Alpaca feed and snacks

Additional Options:

  • Fire Pit: Available for an extra $200, which includes unlimited firewood. Please note that we request no more wood 30 minutes before the party ends.

  • Seating: 30 Chairs for Guests

To book your event or for more information, email us at unexpectedfarmnj@gmail.com. We can’t wait to help you create unforgettable memories at the farm!

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Enjoy an Alpaca Picnic at Unexpected Farm NJ!

Experience the joy of a picnic with our friendly alpacas! Some may come up to say hello, while others might be a bit shy, but one thing is for sure: their charming presence will bring a smile to your face!

Important Note: In the spring, our alpacas are sheared, so expect some quirky, goofy looks during their transition into summer!

Details:

  • Duration: 3 hours

  • Cost: $150 (ages 13+; minimum of 2, maximum of 6 persons)

    • $40 per additional adult

    • $25 for kids ages 6-12 (must be accompanied by an adult)

What’s Included:

  • Introductory talk and safety briefing

  • Bottles of Water

  • Complimentary seasonal charcuterie

  • Alpaca food for each guest

  • Styled tablescape for your group

  • Cutlery, linen napkins, and dinnerware for each guest

  • Complimentary wine glass for each guest

  • Chair seating

  • Table games

  • Outside food welcome

  • BYOB

Location: This open-air experience takes place outside the alpaca pen, weather permitting.

Cancellation Policy: In case of inclement weather, cancellations will be made 2 days prior to your reservation, giving you the option for a full refund or to choose another date.

Add-Ons:

  • Sweet Box for 2: $30 each

  • Paint a Mini Canvas for 2: $25

Don’t miss out on this unique and memorable experience—an alpaca picnic awaits you! For bookings and inquiries, please email us at unexpectedfarmnj@gmail.com.

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SOUTH JERSEY'S ALPACA PICNIC

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WE SET THE TABLE FOR YOU.

Each one is unique

YOU CAN BRING YOUR OWN FOOD.

BYOB We will supply the wine glasses.

YOU CAN ADD A CRAFT.

Mini Canvas, etc.

Brush by Hue

Traveling Art Studio Specializing in  Traditional & Mindfulness Arts, & Crafts

I am Soyan Unkow, a passionate art teacher with a master’s degree in art education. I specialize in fine arts, crafts, and ceramics, and I believe in the transformative power of creativity. Through Unexpected Farm NJ, I explore the harmonious connections between art, nature, and mindfulness. Currently, I focus on mindful art practices as a path to self-healing, integrating meditation techniques and sound healing into my workshops. I also love using oracle cards to guide intuitive healing and inspire others to express themselves artistically. My mission is to create a nurturing space where creativity flourishes and personal growth is celebrated.

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Discover Mindfulness with Soyan Unkow

Dive into a transformative journey with Soyan Unkow, where mindfulness meets creativity and spiritual exploration. Soyan offers a diverse range of workshops designed to help you connect with your inner self and cultivate a deeper sense of peace and awareness.

Workshop Offerings:

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  • Spirit and Animal Guides: Learn how to reach out to your spirit and animal guides, fostering a deeper connection to the guidance they provide.

  • Chakra Release and Healing: Experience techniques for balancing your chakras, facilitating emotional healing and energetic alignment. Engage with your intuition and gain insight through the wisdom of oracle cards, guided by your personal questions and intentions.

  • Mindful Art and Zentangles: Explore creativity through mindful art practices and zentangles, allowing for self-expression and relaxation.

  • Gratitude Book Series: Cultivate a mindset of gratitude by creating your own gratitude book, reflecting on the blessings in your life.

  • Affirmations Through Art: Use various mediums to create affirmations that resonate with you, reinforcing positive beliefs and intentions.

  • Intuitive Practices: Engage in exercises that sharpen your intuitive skills, helping you connect with your higher self.

Join Soyan Unkow in these enriching workshops to enhance your mindfulness practice, discover your inner artist, and connect with the spiritual guides around you. Each session is a step toward deeper self-awareness and healing.

Paint Parties:

Looking to add some fun to your creative journey? Who doesn’t love a craft night out? Paint parties are the perfect way to celebrate date nights, birthdays, bachelorette parties, fundraisers, or simply as an excuse to gather with friends. Ready to host your own unforgettable event? Let’s make it happen!

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Choose your material:

 

  • Canvas

  • Ceramic Lighted Bisque Ware

  • Wine Glasses

  • Wood palette

  • Door hanging

  • Nature Crafts

 

Choose a date, Pick a time, Book today

email: soyanpaints@gmail.com

Text/Call 609-501-6208

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Bring Herbal Healing into your Life:
An Introduction to Traditional Herbal Medicine

Discover the powerful healing potential of plants with this hands-on introduction to Traditional Herbal Uses. Learn how this ancient practice compares to other natural healing modalities and modern Western medicine, and gain an understanding of how plants can support your well-being.

In this session, we will introduce you to the concept of “green allies” — the plants that can become your partners in healing. You will explore how to identify, prepare, and use herbs in various forms, including tinctures, infusions, oils, and salves. These preparations can be easily made at home to enhance your health and wellness.

Additionally, we will guide you in planning your own herb garden tailored to your personal healing needs. Whether you're interested in herbs for cooking, digestive health, skin care, immunity, or relaxation, we’ll help you choose the best plants to suit your wellness goals.

What to Bring:

  • A notebook and pen

  • An open mind and a spirit of curiosity

Join us and connect with the ancient wisdom of plants to empower your health journey.

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Foraging

Hanging Herbs

Plan and Plant an Herb Garden

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Farm & Forest :
Hands-On Learning in the Great Outdoors

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This nature-based art program offers creative learning experiences for all ages, from young children to adults, by incorporating key artistic elements—color, line, texture, space, values, and shapes—into outdoor activities. The curriculum is tailored to each age group, with younger children focusing on basic shapes and colors found in nature, while older students explore more advanced techniques like texture creation and light/shadow studies. Lessons are designed to foster creativity, self-expression, and a deeper connection to both art and the natural world, encouraging skill development and confidence through activities such as nature collages, landscape sketches, and sculpture with natural materials.

In today’s fast-paced, tech-driven world, many educators are turning to the natural world to help children develop essential life skills. Nature schools, where students learn through hands-on experiences outdoors, are redefining what education can look like. But it's not just about academic learning—these programs emphasize creativity, self-expression, and a deep connection with nature.

When children combine art with outdoor learning, something magical happens. Whether they're sketching leaves, crafting sculptures from sticks and stones, or using natural materials to create their own masterpieces, nature becomes both the canvas and the classroom. The result? A transformative learning experience that nurtures skills like self-awareness, empathy, independence, and confidence, all while fostering a deep respect for the world around them.

In this blog post, we'll explore how nature and art come together to support children’s emotional, social, and cognitive growth—and why this holistic approach is more important than ever.

1. Self-Awareness: Expressing Identity Through Art

Nature is full of textures, colors, and forms that spark creativity. When children create art from natural materials—whether it’s painting with earth pigments, molding clay, or making nature prints—they engage in a process of self-discovery. These artistic endeavors allow them to express their individuality, explore their emotions, and reflect on their experiences in the natural world.

Creating with nature encourages children to think about their unique perspective and how they relate to the environment. For instance, drawing a tree might prompt a child to reflect on their own growth or the passage of time. Through this process, they build self-awareness, gaining insight into their feelings, thoughts, and personal development.

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2. Self-Regulation: Finding Balance Through Nature’s Rhythms

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Nature’s cycles provide a natural backdrop for learning patience and self-regulation. From waiting for paint to dry to observing the slow growth of a plant, children learn to manage their impulses and expectations. Art in nature also encourages children to slow down and be present in the moment, helping them build the self-control needed to see a project through from start to finish.

By creating art from the natural world, children also learn the importance of balance and rhythm. Whether it's arranging stones in a carefully planned design or finding harmony in the colors of a natural landscape, outdoor art activities teach children to regulate their time, energy, and focus.

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3. Intrinsic Motivation: A Natural Drive for Creativity

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One of the most compelling aspects of combining nature and art is the way it sparks intrinsic motivation. The freedom to create with natural materials or to be inspired by the world around them cultivates a love for learning that’s driven by curiosity, not external rewards.

Outdoor art activities allow children to follow their own interests—whether they're painting a rock or weaving a nature-based tapestry. By engaging in creative expression in a relaxed, supportive environment, students learn to pursue their passions and develop a lifelong love for art and exploration.

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4. Empathy: Connecting with Nature and Others Through Art

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Art in nature offers children the chance to not only develop a connection with the world around them but also with each other. Whether they’re collaborating on a group mural, sharing stories about the animals they’ve observed, or discussing the colors they’ve chosen for their art, children learn to communicate openly and listen to one another’s ideas.

Nature art helps children develop empathy, as they experience firsthand the beauty and fragility of the natural world. By creating works that reflect the environment, they also learn to appreciate the interconnectedness of all living things, fostering a sense of compassion for nature and their peers.

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5. Social Communication Skills: Teamwork and Artistic Collaboration

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Art projects in nature often involve collaboration, which is a powerful way to build social communication skills. Children learn how to express their ideas, listen to others, and negotiate shared goals. In team-based art activities, such as creating a large outdoor mural or designing a community garden, children must communicate clearly and work together to bring their collective vision to life.

By engaging in these collaborative efforts, children develop important social skills like active listening, conflict resolution, and respect for others’ viewpoints—skills that will serve them well throughout their lives.

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6. Independence: Nurturing Creative Confidence

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When children work on their own artistic projects in nature, they build a sense of independence and confidence. Whether they're choosing materials, planning their designs, or solving creative problems, they learn to trust in their abilities and think critically.

Nature-based art gives children the freedom to explore their own ideas and make decisions without the pressure of competition or judgment. This sense of autonomy helps them develop confidence in their creative decisions and in their ability to work independently, a skill that extends far beyond the art studio.

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7. A Positive Mental Attitude: Resilience Through Creative Expression

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Art can be a therapeutic outlet for children, helping them process emotions and build resilience in the face of challenges. The process of creating with natural materials encourages a growth mindset, as children learn that mistakes are simply opportunities for improvement.

When things don’t go as planned in an art project—whether it’s a painting that doesn’t turn out as expected or a sculpture that falls apart—children have the opportunity to practice resilience. By learning to approach their creations with a positive mental attitude, they understand that perseverance and adaptability are key to overcoming challenges.

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8. Self-Esteem and Confidence: Building a Strong Sense of Identity

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Finally, the act of creating art in nature helps build self-esteem and confidence. Completing a project—whether it’s a nature journal, a hand-carved sculpture, or a collaborative outdoor installation—gives children a sense of accomplishment. Seeing their work displayed in nature or shared with others boosts their confidence and reinforces their belief in their own abilities.

Moreover, as children experiment with different artistic techniques and materials, they develop a sense of pride in their creative expression, further enhancing their self-esteem.

Conclusion:

At the intersection of nature, art, and education lies a powerful approach to learning that nurtures essential life skills. Nature schools that integrate art and creativity offer children a holistic, hands-on experience that helps them develop self-awareness, empathy, confidence, and resilience—all while fostering a deep connection to the natural world.

By embracing the outdoors as both a classroom and a canvas, these programs create an environment where creativity flourishes, and students learn valuable life skills that will serve them for years to come. The natural world is not just a place to learn about science or geography—it’s a place where children can create, explore, and grow, developing a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them.

JM Ferrucci Nursery LLC

856-466-9877

Ferrucci9877@gmail.com

Specializing in Perennials & Herbs

At JM Ferrucci Nursery LLC, we take pride in offering a diverse selection of high-quality perennials and herbs. Our third-generation farming expertise ensures that you receive healthy, vibrant plants that thrive in your garden.

Whether you’re looking to enhance your landscape with beautiful perennials or grow your own herbs for culinary and medicinal uses, we have the perfect varieties for you.

Visit us to discover:

  • A wide range of perennials for every season

  • Culinary and medicinal herbs

  • Expert advice on plant care and gardening tips

HERBS

Hanging Herbs

Herb Order Form

HOSTA

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Hosta

PERENNIALS

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Perennial

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Photography Sessions at Unexpected Farm NJ

Capture beautiful moments at our picturesque farm! We offer photography sessions for just $50 per hour. Whether you're celebrating a wedding, seasonal event, baby milestone, graduation, or more, our farm provides a stunning backdrop.

Add a Touch of Charm:
If you'd like to include our adorable alpacas in your photos, there is an additional fee of $20 per alpaca per hour.

Contact Us:

Book your session today and create lasting memories surrounded by nature and our friendly alpacas!

Unexpected Farm NJ Tea Collection

Unexpected Farm, NJ: Crafting Nature’s Best

At Unexpected Farm in New Jersey, we’ve been dedicated to growing high-quality herbs for over 30 years. Our passion for herbal cultivation shines through in every aspect of our work. We meticulously harvest and dry our homegrown herbs to create exquisite tea blends that reflect the bounty of our farm and nursery.

In addition to our cultivated herbs, we also forage for natural botanicals, enriching our blends with wild, flavorful ingredients. Each cup of our tea is a celebration of the healing properties of herbs, offering numerous benefits without any additives or preservatives. Everything is crafted with care, ensuring that our products are not only delicious but also wholesome and natural. Experience the essence of nature with our handmade, homegrown teas!

CONTACT US

 Piney Hollow Rd Newfield NJ United States 08344

(609) 501-6208

GPS Address: 1302 Piney Hollow Rd

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ALL ABOUT US

Unexpected Farm NJ

Welcome to Unexpected Farm NJ!

Since its inception in 2018, Unexpected Farm NJ has blossomed into a 30-acre sanctuary, bringing families and friends together to enjoy the beauty of nature.

We specialize in growing herbs, perennials, and produce, using everything we cultivate alongside local foraging. Our creations range from salves and teas to tinctures and various crafts. We are passionate about merging nature with art, offering classes that promote healthy living and everyday mindfulness.

Meet Our Team:

  • Joseph Ferrucci: A third-generation farmer from Piney Hollow, NJ, Joe started JM Ferrucci Nursery LLC in the early 1980s. He specializes in perennials, herbs, shrubs, and light produce, bringing extensive knowledge and passion to our farm.

  • Soyan Unkow: With a love for gardening that began at age 13, Soyan has worked at local garden centers and has been an art teacher since 2000. She hosts paint parties that incorporate the herbs we grow, blending art and nature while sharing her knowledge through creative workshops.

Join us at Unexpected Farm NJ for a unique experience that celebrates the harmony of nature, art, and healthy living!

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