Kollene Drummond in her booth at Sunday’s market
Kollene Drummond began her urban kitchen garden in suburban Peterborough as a way to extend her access to a variety of organic produce. She is very careful to secure local, sustainably produced ingredients to produce her original vegetarian offerings at local farmers’ markets and through her catering efforts. In her dozen or so raised beds in both the front and back yards of her home, she grows vegetables and herbs which she uses in her products. Her business which she calls “Well Grounded” stems from a love of gardening and wholesome, vegetarian food. She grew up in outside Stratford and came to the area to study Sustainable agriculture at Trent University. In her program, she learned about developing food systems that are efficient, viable, and responsible, themes which she has embraced in her business. It also made her focus on healthy eating, and that is the inspiration behind all of her food products.
All Kollene’s purchasing decisions centre around sustainability and she sources her ingredients from local farmers. Her eggs come from Omemee, her honey from McLean’s Berry Farm, and other ingredients from Greenside up.
Kollene was at last week’s Millbrook Farmers’ Market with a broad collection of sweet and savoury products, including quiche and hand pies, scones, breakfast bars and brownies and more. She is also a regular at the Lakefield Farmers’ Market on Thursdays.
While building her business and reputation, Kollene works part time in garden landscape and has experience in a regional garden centre. She looks forward to landing more catering contracts, and can provide interesting menus for up to 50 guests. For more information, Kollene can be reached via email at: wellgroundedgarden@gmail.com. KG
