This has been a bad year for the Gypsy moth. While we usually see outbreaks of this pest every seven to ten years, 2021 will be the second year in a row of a severe infestation in many parts of Ontario. At the larvae stage, the creatures chew holes… Continue reading
Pictured is Harmony Evans, of Wild Ginger Farms, with her constant companion, Meekin, in her half-acre plot on the edge of town. She is one of my young farmers including Amanda Rice, of Spring Bloom Orchards, Cody and Kelsey Armstrong, Eban Hancock, and Merridey Senior, of Puddleduck Farm, who are… Continue reading
As you can imagine, when you buy from big retailers, already wealthy shareholders and overpaid executives barely even notice. It is a very different experience for local artisans, a customer really does count and is cause for celebration because you are truly making a difference in real people’s lives. Not only are… Continue reading
Spring Bloom Orchard is a new family farm operation launched in the fall of 2019 by Amanda Rice and her father on Carmel Line in the fall of 2019. As the name suggests, the operation produces annual and perennial flowers to produce cut flower bouquets throughout the season, as well… Continue reading
“Parnassus has its flowers of transient fragrance.” Dr Johnson The porch triffid, aka Nicotiana sylvestris, continues to confound visitors. Many people have asked me what on earth is that giant plant with drooping white flowers. If you have only seen the very dwarf forms that are sold as bedding plants,… Continue reading
Generating Waste to Collect Yard Waste I am a resident of Cavan and am disappointed to see that the yard waste we put out for collection is no longer accepted in reusable containers. Those of us who already have these containers are now being forced to buy paper bags causing… Continue reading
“I wonder what it would be like to live in a world where it was always June.” Lucy Maud Montgomery At the end of spring and beginning of summer the poets narcissus is the last daffodil left standing. It’s an old and fragrant variety that doesn’t bloom until the cool… Continue reading
Farmers’ markets have historically been important social and economic institutions in our communities and remain so today. For many of us, farmer’ markets offer an opportunity for social connection, community building and provide hope for a healthy future. Local markets are a critical component in building local economies. By providing… Continue reading
