2020 was a great growing season: an above average spring pollination (thanks to our honeybees) brought in an abundant cherry, plum, pear, and apple crop. This was the first time we harvested and sold cherries from our own trees - a dream come true after planting 9 years ago! Lots of rain made it a bit harder to ripen our peppers and tomatoes, but this came with the hidden bonus of a lush summer garden and a beautiful extended autumn. Down in our lower field we have a thick green cover crop already inches high, as we phase out plastic tarps for winter cover. Keeping plastic out of the soil is a goal that we are determined to attain! Currently, our greenhouse and upper field are bursting with kale, chard, salad mix, and parsley. Another one of our goals is to supply our farm shop with those green veggies year-round, always harvested fresh for you on the morning of our Saturday and Tuesday markets.
The flower garden (Claire's treasured project) was pared down to accommodate our new family member, yet ended up having it's most successful year yet! We focused on our favourite crops in our favourite colours; blush sweet peas, red-lime zinnias, and apricot strawflower to name a few. Our flowers were enjoyed by many local flower lovers and continued to be hugely popular on the Vancouver Flower Auction; a key part of our business model is exporting our flowers off island and importing specialty organic produce on island. We welcomed Laurence back for her third year on the farm; her technical and artistic skill with the cut flowers and her leadership with new employees were essential to our success. In the weeks ahead we are launching a new way to get your bouquet, so stay tuned for the exciting plans Laurence and her team have dreamed up!
Ellis had a very busy 2020 summer season and the roof is on the new barn at last! Over the next few months his team will be finishing the interior in preparation for moving our market in next spring - Yes, it's true, your new market headquarters are almost here! None of it would have been possible without the dedication and hardwork of Nami, who moved here from Japan last year. Built using local Salt Spring Island fir, cedar, and arbutus trees, harvest and milled on our portable sawmill, you will feel the natural vibes of this special construct. The integrity of this building is palpable and we are more than excited to welcome you inside soon.