Spring - A time for optimism

The first full day of spring is living up to our expectations of warm, sunny weather with a fresh breeze blowing.  It is what keeps us optimistic that winter will eventually end.  It has been quite a roller coaster ride of temperatures this past winter and it doesn't look like that will stop with the predictions of snow for tonight.

Farmers are eternally optimistic.  They have to be as weather plays such a major role in their success. Signs of such optimism here on our farm include:

• On a cold day in February we ordered our seeds for the new season and we are adding some flowers to our mix of crops this year.  It's nice to have a small indulgence to pick up the spirits. 
• Dan has been organizing his CSA and is now open for member sign ups.  That to can be an exercise in optimism as you look out the window at the snow and ice.  What better way of saying yes to all this cold ending than to sign on for a summer full of fresh fruits and vegetables.
• The boys are registering for their farmers markets - they will start up in May
• We're booking tours for our school tour program which begins the first week of May.  We are consolidating our activities from the Markham farm into our Greenbank farm, enhancing what we have to offer here.  We've added a couple of nice warm rooms that will help us be more weather proof should the spring continue on the cold side.

Take a moment to listen for the birds singing, get out of the wind and feel the strengthening warmth of the sun on your face, look past all the dirty snow banks to see the grass beneath peeking through and enjoy the lengthening of the days.

Warm, sunny days will come again and winter will be left behind.  It happens every year.  After the winter we've had, spring and summer season will be that much more appreciated.

Strawberries- The sweet taste of summer

Long anticipated, a little late to arrive - strawberries are here!!!

We have fresh picked Ontario strawberries available in our Markham Farm Market now.  They took their time - the cooler, wetter weather causing the delay.  The berries are looking good and are consistently more plentiful although I would  recommend jam makers waiting a week till we have enough to sell by flats at a decent price.
New this year is vanilla pound cake - just what you need to enjoy a light berry dessert.

Our pick your own at our Greenbank Farm will be sometime next week.  We will keep you posted.  Our pea crop looks fantastic and we should have a good supply in a few days.  We will have pick your own peas in Greenbank along with the strawberries.

Strawberries are not the only Ontario grown produce to begin - the new crop of potatoes is now in our market along with lettuce, spinach, and garlic mmm.....

Eating from Ontario grown just keeps getting better.  Keep watch for more fruits and vegetables to come.

November is a time to pause

November gives us the opportunity to catch our breath after the hectic buildup to Halloween and to pause before the busy Christmas season.   The beauty is in the browns of the trees and fields, the call of the geese heading south and the cool, cloudy skies.

It's also a time to cook all those great comfort foods.  Saturdays, Naresh will be taking some of the basics - onions, garlic, squash, sweet potatoes etc and creating hearty delicious soup.  He is passionate about all the delicious food grown in Ontario and is happy to share that passion giving you easy, quick ways to cook them.

We still have a great selection of Ontario apples - Empire, Mutsu, Macintosh, Fugi, Ambrosia, Honey Crisp and Russet.  We are now taking orders for Christmas turkeys and pies.

Our farm and market is open Thursday to Sundays in November from 9-5.  Come and enjoy the peacefulness of the November on the farm.  Its time to stock up for winter.

Petra Kvitova visits the farm

Sunday morning was a busy and interesting morning. Petra Kvitova, a tennis player from the Czech Republic, here for the Rogers Cup came for a visit along with Paula Newton from CNN. She wanted to learn more about Canada. Jim and Paula gave her a tour of our market introducing her to the local fruits from Niagara and telling her about sweet corn and the ways to enjoy it. Did you catch it on the CNN broadcast?