ON THE FARM: “Since nature-based healing is our main mission, all of our sessions, workshops, and events take place throughout our six-acre farm, whether it be in our garden area, our meditation ponds, or on one of our trails.” David Rodrigues and Alexa Burgess, owners of Gemini Sisters Farm, enjoy welcoming visitors to the peaceful and restorative environment their farm provides.
By Jean Stratton
The world is too much with us: late and soon,
Getting and spending, we lay waste our powers;
Little we see in nature that is ours ….”
William Wordsworth wrote those lines of his sonnet in 1806. Little could he realize how targeted they would become more than two centuries later.
Life is in a hurry today. Technology advances by leaps and bounds, leaving little time for reflection, relaxation, or reverie. Keeping up with the demands of this digital world can be unnerving. For some, the range of responses includes stress, anxiety, and depression.
Gemini Sisters Farm, a wellness center focused on eco-therapy, offers a respite, even a refuge, from the constant commotion of daily life, and can help people deal with the resulting problems.
Founded by and owned by Alexa Burgess, MS LMFT, a licensed marriage/family therapist, and co-owned by her husband David Rodrigues, the farm is located at 105 Fairview Road in Skillman, Montgomery Township.
Therapeutic Setting
Gemini Sisters Farm is named for their two young daughters, both born under the Gemini sign in June. Being able to offer people a therapeutic setting such as Gemini Sisters Farm had been a goal for Burgess.
“I always wanted to go into the mental health field,” recalls Burgess. A New Jersey native, she graduated from Rutgers University, then earned a Master of Science degree from Capella University in Minnesota and completed her residency in marriage and family therapy at St. Peters Hospital in New Brunswick.
She was also aware of the importance of the natural world, and how it could help shape a person’s outlook in many ways. She decided to learn more about the practice of eco-therapy and ways it could influence behavior. This was significant in her decision to establish the farm in Skillman, both as the professional headquarters and the family’s home.
“What truly makes Gemini Sisters Farm unique is that we are a working farm that serves as a community wellness space,” explains Burgess. “Guests are able to learn holistic practices in nature while also engaging in wellness, creativity, and connection, all within a living, growing environment. The combination of farm life, nature immersion, and community-centered wellness is what sets us apart.”
GROWING THE GARDEN: “Gardening nourishes the body, and soothes the soul, cultivating well-being with every seed we sow.” Alexa Burgess, co-owner of Gemini Sisters Farm in Skillman, is shown by edible holistic plants grown in the farm’s Mindfulness Gardening Workshop.
Community Space
“Gemini Sisters Farm is the only wellness center in our area that offers a dedicated community space for nature-based wellness experiences on a working farm,” she points out.”
As a nature-based wellness and eco-therapy sanctuary, the farm offers retreats, workshops, and counseling on mindfulness, sustainability, and connection to nature.
Eco-therapy, also known as nature therapy, is a holistic practice that connects individuals with the healing power of nature, explains Burgess. “While traditional therapy often takes place in an office setting with structured conversations, eco-therapy offers a unique and holistic approach.
“At Gemini Sisters Farm, our eco-therapy sessions are designed to promote mental, emotional, and physical well-being through activities like mindfulness gardening, forest bathing, nature walks, and guided meditation. By immersing yourself in the natural world, you can reduce stress, improve mood, and boost overall wellness. Each session is crafted to help you embrace the tranquility of nature.
“One of the biggest challenges is helping people disconnect from the pace and exceptions of daily life when they first arrive,” she adds. “Many come in carrying stress, schedules, and distractions. Creating the space both physically and emotionally for them to slow down takes intention, but once that shift happens, the transformation is very rewarding to witness.”
A range of eco-therapy sessions is available at the farm. Private one-on-one sessions and group sessions are all within the natural environment, and focus on mindfulness, connection to nature, and stress relief. They can include guided walks, gardening, and meditation. Mindfulness gardening offers hands-on gardening workshops, and forest bathing (slow, mindful walks through nature) can help reduce anxiety and restore peace of mind.
Community Garden
Corporate retreats are another opportunity offered by Gemini Sisters Farm and can help boost team wellness with nature-based activities, emphasizing the benefits of time spent in nature.
In the case of the gardening sessions, Burgess points out the benefits of working together in a natural environment. “With our gardening workshops, participants learn hands-on gardening skills, and leave with their own edible garden planter. These workshops run from April through November. In addition, we are developing a community garden, planned for late 2026, where individuals can rent a plot for the season, while learning to garden and connect with others in a shared, supportive space.”
The farm also produces a variety of fruits and vegetables for its farmstand, as well as eggs from their free-range chickens, and small-batch raw honey from the farm’s own bee hives. Three friendly goats interact with visitors at workshops and events for therapeutic purposes.
“Community is at the heart of our mission,” emphasizes Burgess. “Because of that, we’ve built an incredible network of holistic healers and instructors. In 2026, we will be offering yoga, reiki, sound baths, art therapy, and other wellness workshops throughout the year. We also continue to welcome new partners who align with our mission.
“As a community-focused farm, we believe in the power of partnership. That’s why we work closely with other small businesses to provide additional resources to the local community. By collaborating with like-minded organizations, we can make an impact and help more people in need.
“We are very excited about our Bloom Fest Wellness Expo to take place next April. This event will bring together small businesses and practitioners from across the state who share a mission rooted in wellness, holistic arts, and community connection. All of our upcoming events and workshops are available on our website.”
Day of Renewal
“At the Bloom Fest Wellness Expo, our guests will experience a day of renewal, connection, and inspiration, all in a serene, nature-filled environment designed to nourish body, mind, and spirit,” she says. “Our workshops, events, and sessions take place across both our indoor and outdoor spaces throughout the farm. From our meditation barn to our ponds, creeks, gardens, and wooded trails, we intentionally use nature as the backdrop for every experience. The environment itself is an essential part of the work we do.”
“In fact,” she continues, “one of the biggest surprises has been how deeply people respond to being in nature, even when they don’t expect to. Many arrive simply curious about a workshop or event, and leave feeling more present, calm, and connected than they anticipated. It’s a reminder of how powerful natural spaces can be when we give ourselves permission to truly experience them.”
Both Burgess and Rodrigues are very encouraged with the response to Gemini Sisters Farm. “Since opening our doors two years ago we have continued to build momentum. People are coming from Princeton and the area, as well as Bucks County and beyond.
“We have created a strong and supportive community we lovingly call our Farm Family. Many guests return regularly for events and workshops, and we have also seen growing interest in private events and group gatherings hosted on the farm.
“What we enjoy most is creating a space where people can slow down and reconnect with nature, with themselves, and with one another. It is incredibly fulfilling to see individuals and families from across the tristate area experience a sense of grounding and connection that often feels lost in everyday life.”
Gemini Sisters Farm is open by appointment. For further information, call (908) 824-0690. Visit the website at geminisistersfarm.com.