Wake resident Liz Downes important part of Dug In Farm to Table team

A year ago, Wake resident Liz Downes arrived at Dug In Farms in White Stone for an interview with owner, Carolyn Quinn. After a long career in retail management, Downes was looking for a part-time “retirement gig” to stretch her creativity and be part of a team. “Liz is an avid gardener, a woodworker and all-around creative soul,” reported Quinn.

“Having her work in the nursery was a great fit.” But it soon became clear that Downes’ talents extended far beyond plants and outdoor projects.

After six months of designing and building displays throughout the farm and nursery, one day Downes noticed some extra produce a customer had donated. “I could use that to make a salad or soup,” she offered to Quinn. It turned out that cooking was yet another of Downes’ talents and the idea of the Dug In Kitchen was born…