Kitchen Table Meeting INTERMEDIATE ORGANIC GARDENING

Transcription

Winter 2009
Canadian Organic Growers
OTTAWA REGION NEWSLETTER
CALLING GARDENERS!
INTERMEDIATE ORGANIC GARDENING COURSE
Are you a gardener with experience in gardening and want to expand your knowledge about
organic gardening? We’re offering you an Intermediate Organic Gardening Course to share
knowledge on the secrets of tending organically. Topics include
April 1:
April 8:
May 6:
May 13:
Dates:
Location:
Cost:
Getting the Dirt on Organics: Why go organic?
Planting organic & heritage seeds, seedlings, using cold frames, etc.
Soil science: Learn the science of healthy soil for growing nutritious food
Tending your organic vegetable garden, solving problems, rotation, companion
planting
Yard maintenance naturally without the use of chemicals, seed saving
Wednesdays, April 1, 8 and May 6, 13 from 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm
Sandy Hill Community Centre, 250 Somerset East
Fee for Ottawa residents: $65; Fee for non-residents: $81.25. Fees subject to
change by City of Ottawa. Check our web site for current info.
The sponsors are Canadian Organic Growers, Ottawa, JUST FOOD, and the City of Ottawa.
Information: Please call David at (613) 834-5091.
Registration opens March 12, 2009. Call Sandy Hill Community Centre, (613) 564-1062.
Check our web site: www.cog.ca/ottawa
ORGANIC GARDENING COURSE
SMALL GARDENS, BALCONY GARDENS 2009!
Would you love to learn to do organic gardening in small spaces or on your balcony? Here’s
your chance. Topics on the agenda include organic vegetable gardening in small spaces with
information about soil, sun, and water requirements for square foot gardening. As well, pot
size and other safety requirements for successful balcony gardening. The underlying theme is
organic gardening with emphasis on the satisfaction and rewards for efforts involved.
Sponsors: Canadian Organic Growers, Ottawa, JUST FOOD, and the City of Ottawa
Dates:
SESSION 1-Wed. April 1, 7:30 to 9:30 pm Small Gardens
SESSION 2-Wed. April 8, 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm Balcony Gardens
Location: Sandy Hill Community Centre, 250 Somerset East
Cost:
Fee for Ottawa residents: $35; Fee for non-residents: $43.75. Fees subject to
change by the City of Ottawa. Please check our web site for current info.
Information: Our web site www.cog.ca/ottawa or call David at (613) 834-5091.
Registration: Call Sandy Hill Community Centre, (613) 564-1062.
“WELCOME! REGISTRATION OPENS MARCH 12TH. FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED!”
Editor’s Corner
O
nce again, time has flown and I
can’t believe there is already snow
on the ground as I write this. ‘Tis the
season for making merry, and this issue
of Down to Earth is no exception. It is
packed with stories of COG–Ottawa’s
many successes and future plans that
are certainly worth celebrating. I must
admit I was worried that this issue
would be thin because people are
busy preparing for the holidays, but as
usual I was pleasantly surprised by the
quality and number of submissions I
received. As you’ll see, it’s been a very
busy fall for our Ottawa chapter and
things won’t slow down anytime soon.
This issue is sporting a new, updated look; with green living and organic choices being so prominent in
the media these days, Stephanie and I
thought our newsletter should reflect
this. Special thanks to Stephanie for all
her hard work on the design; as usual,
a fantastic job! If anyone has any comments I would be happy to hear them!
Cheers,
Laura
Phone (613) 244-4000 Ext. 5
Kitchen Table Meeting
Come learn about the proposed Ontario government legislation to ban the cosmetic use of pesticides in urban areas.
Date: Thursday, February 12, 2009
Time: 7 pm
Place: Connie Mooney’s house at 689 Brierwood
in the Carlingwood area
RSVP: (613) 728-0643
All are welcome! Please check the COG–Ottawa
web site for further details.
Winter 2009 · Down to Earth · 1
“Food is the field in which we daily explore our ‘harming’ of the world.”
— Gary Snyder, author and environmentalist
Annual General Meeting Report
— Laura Stewart —
C
OG–Ottawa’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), Fall Reflections,
was held Sunday, December 7, 2008, at the Sandy Hill Community Centre. The event was well attended, with a turnout of upwards of
30 members. Keynote speakers Daphne Wellman (COG National) and
Lynda Hall (Growing Up Organic; GUO) started the afternoon with an
interesting account of the successes of GUO in Ottawa and across the
country. The specifics of Ottawa’s program are elaborated in this issue
of Down to Earth and Daphne spoke of the five pilot projects GUO is
running across Canada. In particular, she mentioned the Salt Spring
Island project, which explores value added options to expand an
existing organic distribution program; this will include apple processing and egg grading.
The AGM began with the Chair’s report. Newly appointed chairperson Michael Ilgert recapped COG’s activities of the year, noting in
particular that Eco Farm Day had its best turnout to date. Next, Janet
Mrenica reported on Feast of Fields and emphasized that the committee is in need of new blood for the upcoming year. Volunteers to
work with chefs, farmers, and sponsors are required. Similarly, there
are still two spots remaining on the Steering Committee. If you are
interested in any of these volunteer opportunities, please contact
Michael Ilgert at (613) 244-4000 or [email protected].
As the meeting continued, Colin Lundy and Petra Stevenson
were introduced to the membership in their new roles as Farmer Outreach Coordinator and Program Coordinator. Finally, Gary Weinhold
presented the treasurer’s report and proposed budget for 2009. The
budget for 2009 tentatively includes funding for Down to Earth, the
Food Directory, Eco Farm Day, Feast of Fields, the Organic Gardening
Courses, the display booth, farm tours, the demo garden, Growing Up
Organic, and other administrative items.
With the AGM adjourned, it was time to let loose at the 2008
edition of the Volunteer Party. Entertainment was provided by musicians Chrissy Bach and Terry Tufts and delicious organic snacks and
beverages were enjoyed; thanks to Margaret Tourond-Townson for
organizing the spread.
It seems the Steering Committee, while pleased with the success
of this year’s meeting, is already thinking ahead to next year’s Fall
Reflections. They are considering bringing in a more controversial
speaker and perhaps including a workshop to increase attendance of
members, while still keeping the entertainment part to reward volunteers for their many hours of help with COG activities. Stay tuned
for more details next fall.
STEERING COMMITTEE FOR 2009:
Mike Ilgert (Chair), Dick Coote (Membership Secretary), Gary
Weinhold (Treasurer), Lloyd Strachan (Chapter representative to
COG National), David Townson (Recording Secretary), Aartje den
Boer (Vankleek Hill representative), Margaret Townson, Michele
McIntosh, Peter Webber, and Robert Battistella.
2 · Down to Earth · Winter 2009
COG–Ottawa thanks all Volunteers 2008
Farm and Garden Tours
Nancy Evan • Gay Cook and Grete Hale
• David Townson • Maria & Andre Cote •
Michael and Heidi Krol • Ray Pearmain
• Maureen Bostock and Elizabeth
Snyder • Margaret and Tony French •
Jo-Sarah Bali
Web Masters
Neil Richards • Debbie Holzman
Member e-Messages
Joseph DeLepper
Organic Garden at the
Experimental Farm
Gillian Boyd • Jim and Denise Davidson
• Eugene Kirkham • Rita Patterson
Organic Gardening Courses
David Townson • Robert Batistella •
Madonna Limoges • Joyanne Lizotte •
Margaret Townson
Display Booth
Katie Nolan • Connie Mooney • Bill
Dobson • Norm Porter • Aartje Den
Boer • Caroline Levesque • Lloyd
Strachan • Peter Bradley • Linda
MacDonald • Louise McDiarmid
• Rashed Nabi • Harun Cicek • Brad
Becket • Janet Wright • Lynda Hall
• Gary Weinhold • Dominic Richens
• Linda Harvey • Anna Cullinan •
Jennifer Plank • Danielle Lefebvre •
Elena Kiriloff • Leesha Cunningham
• Mat Paterson • Lucie Caunter • Jim
Armstrong • Dina Kutziubas • Brenda
Bartlett • Robert Battistella • Ian Rice
• Sally Mooney • Siegfried and Ingrid
Neumann • Pauline Gagnon • Cheryl
Cadrin • Rick Karayanis • Constance
Horbas • Pauline Gagnon • Anke Craig •
Roger Belanger • Christine Estermann
Growing Up Organic
Lisa Kates • Vanessa Riddell • Mark
Girvan • Barbara Cuerden • Chantal
Lancaster • Gina Marin • Kim
Meimaroglou • Anne Marie Korba
• John Houseman • Sharon Pickle •
Alejandra Gonzalez • AJ Shewchuck
• Clint Shewchuck • Millie Salas •
Brianna Aird • Lola Oluwafemi • Mimi
Oluwafemi • Sarah Levesque-Walker •
K’Arissa Fletcher • Pamela Scaiff • Anne
Janssen • Yohana Santoso • Alex Clarke
• Robin Wohlsforth • Eleanor Gerson •
Robert Oechsli • Petra Stevenson
Eco Farm Day
Tom Manley • Bill Barkley • Arn Snyder
• Fred McFarland • Alyssa Blais •
Christine Estermann • Jane Fordham
• Mike Ilgert • Neil Richards • Connie
Horbas
Down To Earth
Laura Stewart • Allison Gibson • Asha
Jhamandas • Christine Tremblay
• Robin McAndrew • Anouk Iversen
• Sally Luce • Ray Pearmain • Terry
McDermott • Stephanie Pelot •
Robert Batistella • Jean-Marc Jossinet
• Barbara Jossinet • Valerie Maier •
Matthew Patterson • Faith Phillips •
Freya Van Every • Jo Van Every • Nicky
Wilke • Barbara Cuerden • Brianna Aird
• Margaret Townson
Feast of Fields 2008
Lloyd Strachan • Janet Mrenica
• Elizabeth Kim • Vanessa Scharf •
Gerry Prescott • Jennifer Doubt •
Martha Bowers • Linda Yusak • Alyssa
Mayotte • Michele Green • Brenda
Bartlett • Dina Kutziubas • Aline
Maurel • Alison Clegg • Amy Nichols
• Antje • Bev Coote • Caitlen Marley •
Clayton • Donnie Mooney • Danielle
Lefebvre • Daphne Wellman • Dick
Coote • Elizabeth Robson • Erin Naef
• Fay • Freda Godby • Gary Weinhold
• Gerry Prescott • Ian Rice • Ingrid
Weinhold • James Campbell • J.S.
Mrenica • Janice • Jim McQuaid •
Heather Anderson • Kim Copeland •
Lindsay Zalot • Lois Marion • Mardi
Weltman-Ross • Marthanne Robson
• Maureen Smith • Max Weinhold •
Melissa Dickson • Meredith Weinhold
• Michele McIntosh • Mike Ilgert •
Patricia Harewood • Pat Weinhold •
Raina Ho • Robert Battistella • Rob
McDonald • Robyn Mustill • Sallie
Mooney • Sara Banks • Sara Torres •
Shayna Sutor • Shane Kuiak • Susan
Chang • Tara Molloy • Trudy Born •
Vanessa Bennoci • Yolanda Saito
WINTER PROGRAMMING
Kids these days!
We’re establishing another venue for GUO programming, the Old Ottawa South Community
Centre, 260 Sunnyside Avenue.
Lynda Hall
Project Coordinator, Growing Up Organic (GUO)
T
he last issue of Down to Earth included an
article on urban agriculture by Brianna Aird.
She is 15 years old. Brianna was a member of the
GUO team at Feast of Fields this year along with
14-year-old heirloom tomato grower and guru
AJ Shewchuk and Roasted Heirloom Tart creator
Alejandra Gonzalez, also 14. These three movers
and shakers aren’t alone in their age group; I’m
encountering many kids, teens, and young adults
who are as passionate about food and the environment as some of us more seasoned COG members.
CALL FOR YOUTH GROUP
For this reason, I’d like to put a call out to start a
youth group to lead the way forward in developing
programming and activities for the GUO project.
This new youth group would be mentored by the
GUO staff and assisted in applying for funding
specific to the initiatives they envision as being
relevant to their age group.
This could include starting food gardens or
resurrecting unused greenhouses at high schools
for students to dig in and learn to grow their own.
Perhaps it’ll result in new student-run alternative
cafes at schools or community centres or the production of new videos and audio pieces created
by youth about our current food system and local
organic farmers and a youth-run website to post
AJ Shewchuk, a young grower with a passion for
heirloom tomatoes. Fellow Growing Up Organic
team member Alejandra Gonzalez developed a
recipe for Roasted Tomato Tart using AJ’s produce
and dished it up at Feast of Fields with the help
of Brianna Aird.
Photo credit: Lynda Hall
them on… basically, it would be up to the group
to brainstorm, create a vision, and then pitch it to
the GUO project for assistance in implementing.
Interested? Contact me at [email protected].
OUR LITTLEST EATERS
We facilitated grower–buyer relationships with
a second running of a Moveable Market this past
season, resulting in seven children’s facilities buying the freshest available organic food sold directly to their kitchens by local farmers. The chefs in
these facilities deserve to be recognized for their
innovative menus and dedication to serving the
most nutritious produce to our most vulnerable
population, the developing bodies of our next
generation!
If you are currently seeking childcare, consider one of these facilities. I guarantee that the food
your child will receive is made with love and care:
Glebe Parents Daycare (Fifth Avenue), Colonel By
at Carleton University, Dalhousie at St. Anthony’s
Catholic School (Gladstone & Booth), Centretown
Co-op (James Street), Wellington Ward (Lisgar
Street) a vegetarian-only kitchen, Mothercraft
(west end), and Andrew Fleck (ByWard Market).
GETTING IT ON THE MENU
Alejandra Gonzalez cooking at The Red Apron
as part of the Youth Farm Apprenticeship Camp
this past summer. She represented Growing Up
Organic at Feast of Fields as a chef teamed up
with fellow camper Brianna Aird and young
grower AJ Shewchuk from Almonte.
This year the Moveable Market also included sales
to restaurants and caterers. When heading out for
a meal (or eating in), consider supporting those
that support our farmers: Whalesbone Oyster
House, The Red Apron (meal delivery), Umi Café,
Bread & Sons Bakery, Fourth Avenue Wine Bar,
The Wild Oat, Infusion Bistro, The Urban Pear, The
Pantry (Glebe Community Centre), and The Urban
Element’s classes.
If you’re a grower looking for new markets,
drop us a line. We’ve developed a reputation
among commercial kitchens as a resource for
sourcing local organic food and amongst farmers for hands-on assistance in forging direct sales
relationships.
YOUNG URBAN FARMERS & CHEFS
AGES 10–14
Rooftop gardening, eco-art, and visits with professional chefs and farmers. This is a chance for youth
to get into the whole food experience, from seed
to table. We’ll look at what’s happening across the
continent, watch films, debate issues, and then
explore practical ways to start shaking things up
in your community!
Tuesday 6:30–8:30 pm
January 13 – March 3 (8 weeks)
Coordinator Torry Reid
$80. Registration at www.oldottawasouth.ca.
Farmer Debbie DeCooman selling her produce to
Melodie Broome, chef at the Glebe Parents Daycare,
as part of the Moveable Market facilitated by
Growing Up Organic.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT SERIES
AGE 14 AND UP
The Politics of Seed: GMOs (Genetically Engineered Organisms), terminator seeds and the work
of the Canadian Biotechnology Action Network
(CBAN). Features include CBAN coordinator Lucy
Sharratt and a screening of the newly released
film, “The World According to Monsanto.”
Tuesday, February 10, 7–9 pm
Free, donations accepted.
To register call (613) 247-4946.
KIDS THESE DAYS!
Continued
OLD MACDONALD
The average age of a Canadian
farmer is 52, family farms are in
decline, and farmland is being redeveloped into housing. So who’s
going to grow our food in 10
years? Come meet young farmers
growing organically in the Ottawa
region and hear how Canadian Organic Growers, Farmstart, Woofing,
CRAFT, and Everdale Farm are working to solve this crisis.
Tuesday, March 31, 7–9 pm
Free, donations accepted.
To register call (613) 247-4946.
CULTIVATING FOOD PATRONS
It’s been close to 2 years since the
GUO project took flight in Ottawa,
and we figured it was time to call on
food patrons in the region to help
support our efforts. The Midwinter
Feast at the Courtyard Restaurant,
Monday January 26th, is a fundraiser with a focus on craftsmanship
and artistry — hand-raised lamb
from Alpenblick Farm basted slowly
over a spit, organic vegetables
locally cultivated and stored with
care in the root cellar, and fresh
greens nurtured in snow-blanketed
greenhouses. The courtyard setting celebrates the craftsmanship
of stonemasons, which will be illuminated by the hypnotic movement of a fire-weaving circus artist.
Inside, the table is adorned with
unique hand-painted goblets, one
for each patron to carry home with
them at the end of the evening.
This is a night to linger and
savour the conversation or to stand
on the table and let your inner bard
loose. It’s a chance to celebrate
the hard work of our local organic
growers, the local chefs that create miracles from potatoes, and
the patrons that support it all by
indulging their senses. Seating is
limited to 60. Tickets are $150 per
person, with a tax receipt for $120.
Order online at www.cog.ca/midwinter_feast.htm.
Great Lakes Community Shared
Agriculture Conference
COG Library Needs Your Help!
When I Grow Up…
— Kristine Swaren —
— Faith Mansfield —
T
here’s nothing so curious as sitting in a room with a
couple of hundred people and listening to the comments shift from slugs and eggshells to heating a greenhouse with chickens and their bedding to getting people
interested in kale and feeling quite at home! It’s not the
conversation that’s odd, it’s the fact that no one in the room
is finding it strange at all. As the season wound down and
farmers ventured from their land, the Great Lakes Community Shared Agriculture (CSA) Conference was a welcome
chance to share experiences and ideas with other farmers.
Of the 200 participants at this first-time event — a
sold-out crowd — close to 15 were from the COG–Ottawa
area and six of these were presenters. It’s a great feeling
to be surrounded by farmers who are asking “How do you
farm?” rather than “Why do you do it?” It’s also inspiring
to hear the struggles and knowledge of more experienced
pioneers in both organics and community involvement.
The conference, held November 21–23 at YMCA Geneva Park Conference Centre just outside Orillia, was packed
with sessions that covered the technical side of farming
(pest management, cover crops, tillage tools, saving seeds)
as well as the management side (working with volunteers,
retaining members, budgeting, using alternative energy,
and a comprehensive mini-school for new CSA farmers).
Hosted by Ignatius Jesuit Centre, Ecological Farmers’ Association of Ontario, Canadian Organic Growers, Heifer
International, and National Farmers’ Union – Ontario, the
programs were well organized with adequate time for
speakers, questions, and networking without that overcrammed feeling so many conferences have.
As a taste of the energy and value of the weekend, let
me give you just three highlights. First was the mini-school
that allowed me to see the spectrum of CSA models being
developed to suit the local situation and the farmer, and
to see where my views, community, and intentions fit in.
Second were the delicious mealtimes with folks from Ontario, Quebec, and Michigan (and a few from other parts of
Canada) sharing ideas, challenges, and funny stories about
how we’ve all learned through mistakes! Finally, a session
on CSAs in the city helped me reconceptualize the way
that communities can form around their farms if members are given the opportunity to take responsibility for
forming those communities. A pamphlet I picked up from
Chick-a-biddy Acres CSA best sums up my insight from
the weekend: “The primary need is not for the farm to be
supported by the community, but rather for the community to support itself through farming. This is an essential
of existence, not a matter of convenience,” from Farms of
Tomorrow by Trauger M. Groh and Steven McFadden.
W
hen I was in grade school, I wanted to be a librarian. When I was on sabbatical after 26 years as a
computer programmer and project manager (how that
happened is another story), I saw a volunteer opportunity posting about being the COG Librarian and that old
childhood dream was suddenly fulfilled.
Of course the bonus is that the COG library is an organic grower’s heaven. Over 1500 titles on organic food,
agriculture, philosophy, and related categories — for 3
years it has all been “mine” to read, listen to, or watch.
I’ve received your recommendations and donations
to add to the collection. I’ve worked with an amazing
team of volunteers to put the catalogue online. You
thought that was for your benefit? The online catalogue
certainly makes it easier for borrowers to find interesting
titles. But let me tell you, automating it was for purely
selfish reasons: the old two-binder system for sign-outs
was painfully laborious, prone to errors, and difficult to
control for overdue items.
For those of you without Internet access, I am sorry
that there is no paper listing to the replace the 2004
catalogue yet. That’s because we’re still making sure that
all the listings are correct. As volunteers are available,
we have been going through each shelf to verify that
the physical book (or tape or video) matches the catalogue entry. Title by title, we correct errors in typing, add
search terms, and summarize each book with a short
description. As you can imagine, this is a slow process.
Sometimes a title is in the catalogue but not on the shelf.
Is it in another section? Out on loan, perhaps forever?
Did I say this is a slow process? We made remarkable
headway this time last year with the arrival en masse
of five wonderful volunteers from Algonquin College’s
Library Technician program — first-year students keen
to do their community service hours in a private library
like ours. We’re about two-thirds of the way through.
Having moved to a small farm just west of Lanark,
I’m finding myself making fewer trips to “the city” and
my service to the COG library is suffering as a result. But
the library needs 3 hours of work per week, especially
in the winter when organic growers like to catch up
on their reading. We can share the load among several
volunteers with a weekly, biweekly, or monthly schedule. Skills needed: know the alphabet and be comfortable using the Internet; no professional qualifications
required.
Will you help? Please contact me at [email protected]
or (613) 278-1226 (home) or (613) 216-0741 (COG office) and let me know when you can join the fun!
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!
Colin K. Samuels, Manotick; Scott Cluett, Crysler; Howard Hurley,
Ottawa; Ottawa Organics & Natural Foods, Ottawa; Jeannine Langlois,
Embrun; Erin Cummings, Ottawa; Paul Gallagher, Douglas;
Colleen Kennedy, Ottawa; Adrienne LaChapelle, Ottawa.
Tom Manley (left) with Charles
Billington of the Rideau Valley
Conservation Authority. Award winners
received a personalized canoe paddle.
Photo credit: Ottawa Region Media Group
Past COG–Ottawa President Honoured at
Tri-Valley Conservation Awards Gala
— Laura Stewart —
W
Celebrating Our 10th Anniversary
INVESTORS WANTED
✓ Strong Growth
✓ Solid Performance
✓ Stable Returns
✓ Community Leader
Call Tom Manley at 1-877-984-0480
www.homesteadorganics.ca
hen asked about his recent Tri-Valley Conservation Award, COG–Ottawa’s Tom
Manley is the picture of humility. He is quick to point out that although the
award was given only to him, it is a collective award that should be shared among
his colleagues in the chapter. Tom insists that congratulations be extended to Laura
Telford, Gary Weinhold, Mike Ilgert, and Lloyd Strachan to name a few, citing many
great experiences, accomplishments, and fond memories over the years.
Although Tom is reluctant to toot his own horn, my candid conversation with him
revealed his tremendous dedication to organics and highlighted a few of his many
accomplishments. Having grown up on his family farm in Berwick, Ontario, he left at
the young age of 18 in search of something more. He joined the military and tried various jobs over the years, finally landing as a project leader with Bell Sympatico. It was
here that Tom learned how to run a business and began to wonder if he could make
something work on his own. It seems he was on the right track and the timing was
right; as he puts it, “destiny is where preparation and opportunity cross.” Returning
to Berwick at Christmas in 1996, Tom and his family noticed that the local feed mill,
which had been abandoned for some time, was up for sale. And so, with a little bit of
luck and a strong desire to create a business and return to farming roots, Homestead
Organics came to be.
Homestead Organics was the brainchild of the entire Manley family, beginning with Tom’s parents having converted their farm to organic in 1988. They grew
mostly field crops such as soy, cereals, and corn, but were left to process their crops
themselves. Recognizing a void in the eastern Ontario organic farming industry, the
Manleys created their business. Today, in its twelfth year of existence, Homestead
Organics is not only Eastern Canada’s largest organic grain elevator and feed mill
operation but also an organic resource centre. The centre employs eight full-time staff
and includes a store that sells supplies, books, and organic groceries and serves as a
gathering place for local organic farmers. This successful business, however, is only the
beginning of Tom’s involvement in organics.
Best known as COG–Ottawa’s chapter president between 1999 and 2004, Tom
has seen many changes in the membership throughout his career to date. In his early
years, he ran the Food Directory and watched the membership grow from 200 members to 400–500 these days. During his tenure, COG–Ottawa hosted its first three Feast
of Fields events, which he admits was a challenge and bore a steep learning curve, but
the event continues to grow. He has been the chair of Eco Farm Day for the last 6 or 7
years and continues to oversee its annual success. Tom’s contributions to COG–Ottawa
have been remarkable, and his award is clearly well-earned. He would like to thank
COG–Ottawa and its members, not only as a volunteer but also as an organic business
owner, and he looks forward to a continued positive relationship.
The Tri-Valley Conservation Awards Gala, the first event of its kind, took place
Wednesday, October 22, 2008, at the Rideau Valley Conservation Centre in Manotick.
The bill featured eight award categories; Tom’s award was first place in the agriculture
category. The next gala is scheduled for the fall of 2010. Visit www.rvca.ca for a look at
the winning projects of all the finalists as described on the Gala Program.
Ours is one of five Feast of Field events held across Canada in 2008, the only one
organized by COG and the only one where a farmer is featured with every chef.
I Just Finished Reading
Design for Water: Rainwater Harvesting, Stormwater Catchment,
and Alternate Water Reuse, Heather Kinkade-Levario, 2007
— Reviewed by Sally Luce —
K
inkade-Levario, an expert on rainwater collection, offers a practical
compendium of designs and case studies of systems that capture rain,
storm, and grey water as well as condensate from cooling towers, air conditioning, and even fog. In most of her cases the water is used to irrigate
landscapes or flush toilets, but it is also used to fight fires, wash buses,
supply commercial laundries, and provide drinking water for people and
for wildlife. Her examples range from simple household rooftop collection
systems for rain to extensive urban landscape designs that passively divert
storm water to applications in commercial and public buildings.
This is nearly a picture book. Many pages have several photos and
schematic diagrams of systems and products. For those wanting to know
more about featured products and systems there are web links and other
contact information. Each case has a sidebar with key facts about the nature and scope of the system. While many cases come from arid parts of the
US and other countries or countries where there are dry and rainy seasons,
some are from less arid locales. Kinkade-Levario also devotes several pages
to water capture systems in cold climates.
The one Canadian case is among the largest: the Earth Rangers’ headquarters and animal rehabilitation centre, in Woodbridge, Ontario. The
sidebar reveals that the area averages 32 inches of rain annually, that the
center collects water from over 62 000 square feet of roof plus a groundlevel permeable parking lot, and that it collects over one million gallons of
water annually in a cistern that holds about 85 000 gallons of water. The
water is used for cleaning, washing floors and pond replenishment. (The
book uses imperial measurements.)
This is an inspiring book to browse for those interested in either home
or larger scale water capture. For homeowners there are several examples
featuring various downspouts, filters, barrels, and cisterns as well as information on keeping the water fresh and free of mosquitoes. For planners of
large public or commercial buildings, designers of storm sewer systems,
and interested citizens, there are many examples of what can be done to
capture and use water from large buildings and parking lots. It was particularly interesting to see many examples of attractive plantings and hard
landscaping developed as part of the storm water collection and control
systems in both municipal and commercial applications.

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COG’s Feast of Fields 2008
— Lloyd Strachan —
S
unday, September 14, and it looks like rain — over 25 mm has been forecast — but under the Big Top it’s pure sunshine. It’s 12 pm and 25 teams
of farmers and chefs stand ready to serve local organically grown and prepared
delicacies to over 500 people anxiously standing outside waiting for the cow bell
to ring. Ours is one of five Feast of Fields (FoF) events held across Canada in 2008,
the only one organized by COG and the only one where a farmer is featured with
every chef. We even have a junior farmer–chef team this year — a 14-year-old
tomato grower and two young lady chefs from COG’s Growing Up Organic project.
Mango Upstart has started its Latino-Caribbean beat, and Adrian Harewood of
CBC fame has just arrived to be our Field Marshall for the day.
We’ve come a long way. When it started over 10 years ago in Ottawa, FoF
was a modest, off-and-on event until 2005, when the present Big Top format
was created in Vincent Massey Park. It has improved every year since then. In
2007 it was almost too successful; people loved it but complained of crowding
in the tent. This year we expanded the Big Top — 240 feet of it — and rented
two extra tents for desserts and hot drinks, which were donated by local businesses. To highlight this year’s theme of Heritage Biodiversity, we asked the
food teams to feature heritage veggies and meats. We also have a dozen partner
organizations spread around the tent, including Rare Breeds, Seeds of Diversity,
Ecological Farmers Association of Ontario, National Farmers Union, and Canadian
Biotechnology Action Network.
As we move around the tent we get positive feedback on the event: “One of
Ottawa’s best events of the year,” “Great event. I wish we had this in Montreal,”
“Excellent. Good improvement from last year — more space!,” and “Our 4th year
here. In 2006 we brought guests in the food business in France. They were VERY
impressed.” We later learn that 90% feel that FoF 2008 is good value for money
(the tickets were $40 advance and $50 at the gate), 95% rated the food highly,
and 91% told us they want to be back next year — some of the other 9% live in
Europe or the States and want to come back but aren’t sure they can make it!
We start to feel that all the work organizing FoF was worthwhile: contacting
farmers and restaurants months in advance, fundraising, holding weekly meetings all summer, rounding up and washing 900 sets of recycled dishes! We work
with a small, dedicated crew. Michele Green is our coordinator this year and
Alyssa Mayotte our marketing assistant. We also have to thank the 50 plus volunteers working on event day — they have helped make FoF 2008 successful.
Even though alcohol can’t be served in the park (55% of FoF visitors would
like it, 45% don’t), our sommelier has helped pair wine with the food. The unopened wine bottles, along with a number of baskets of donated product, are
used as door prizes. Our sponsors and donations to our silent auction have helped
cover costs this year. It’s now 4 pm and the last people are leaving with bags of
produce purchased from FoF farmers. As we start clean-up we are thankful that
the rain held off all day. Until now, that is — look at it pouring out there!
FoF 2008 COORDINATING COMMITTEE
Janet Mrenica and Lloyd Strachan, assisted by Dina Kutziubas,
Elizabeth Kim, and many other pre-event volunteers.
P.S. COG–Ottawa needs volunteers to help organize FoF 2009.
Check out the event at www.cog.ca/ottawa/feast_of_fields.htm and
e-mail us at [email protected]
Training Opportunities for New and
Experienced Farmers
— Colin Lundy —
M
ore than ever before, COG–Ottawa wants to encourage farmers to consider organic production and certification as an option for their farms.
In addition, we hope to inspire more people to take up organic farming as a
career. With this in mind, as part of the Growing Up Organic Project, we are
organizing several winter courses for new and experienced farmers.
TRANSITION TO ORGANIC PRODUCTION
Designed by COG, these 2-day courses are for experienced farmers interested in entering the organic system, particularly with certification. Participants learn the principles and practicalities of organic farming. Interactive
exercises help farmers to develop concrete plans to transition their farms to
certified organic production.
Course facilitators are trained by the Ecological Farmers Association of
Ontario (EFAO) and are experienced certified organic farmers. One of the
“Transition” courses will be facilitated by Maureen Bostock, who is also
a certification inspector. That will be held on February 13–14, 2009, at
Glendochart Farm and B&B near Arnprior, Ontario. Glendochart farm produces natural beef from highland cattle raised on 100 acres of organic
pasture and finished on organic grain from a neighbouring farm. The dining
room also features local organic produce as possible. Mary Campbell at
Glendochart can be contacted by phone at (613) 623-1195 or by visiting her
website www.bbcanada.com/10577/html.
The second “Transition” course will be held on March 20–21, 2009, at
Mariposa near Plantagenet, Ontario. Mariposa is a sustainable agricultural
business encompassing a farm featuring duck, geese, beef, pigs, and vegetables; a distribution company for local (Eastern Ontario) products; a farm
store; and a distinctive regional fine dining room. For details visit their website,
www.mariposa-duck.on.ca, or phone Ian Walker at (613) 673-5881. The facilitators are still to be determined.
The cost of the “Transition” course is $160 for COG or EFAO members and
$200 for non-members. Cost includes two lunches, coffee breaks, and a copy
of COG’s publication Gaining Ground: Making a Successful Transition to Organic
Farming ($45). To register, contact Karen Maitland at EFAO, 5420 Hwy 6 North,
RR5, Guelph, ON, N1H 6J2. You can also phone 1-877-822-8606 or email info@
efao.ca. Registration deadlines are 2 weeks before each course begins – FIRM!
There will also be several shorter, specific courses that are open to experienced organic producers and new farmers wanting to develop their skills as well
as conventional farmers interested in adopting some organic practices.
ORGANIC SHEEP AND GOAT PRODUCTION
This course is based on the recent COG publication Living with Worms in Organic
Sheep Production by Peter Stockdale and Anne Macey. Internal parasites represent the most significant challenge in raising sheep and goats, whether organic
or conventional. Among other topics, this course will focus on management
strategies to reduce the pressure and the effects of parasites while increasing the
health and resistance of your flock to the point that deworming with drugs becomes unnecessary, even though parasites may still be present. This course will
be delivered in part by Achim Mohssen-Beyk, a certified organic sheep farmer
noted for exceptionally effective parasite management by University of Guelph
researchers. Among many other activities within the organic community, Achim
is an EFAO instructor and a past COG board member.
ORGANIC POTATO PRODUCTION
This course is based on the upcoming COG publication Growing Potatoes Organically: from Market Garden to Field Crop written by Maureen Bostock. Potatoes are
traditionally one of the most pesticide dependent field crops. Relevant to both
large and small scale potato growers, this seminar offers practical techniques
and strategies to manage organic potato production without suffering yield
loss and a decline in quality. This course will again be delivered by Maureen
Bostock who is also very active in the organic community. In brief, she co-owns
Sweet Meadow Farm, which grows certified organic vegetables that are widely
distributed and appreciated.
ON FARM FOOD SAFETY
Ottawa’s Complete Health Food Store
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Organic Food & Produce
Vitamins & Herbs
Natural Body Care
Gluten & Peanut-Free Products
Professional Staff
Easy Parking
Open 7 Days a Week
(613) 726-9200
1487 Richmond Rd. at Carling
www.rainbowfoods.net
This FREE 1-day event is broken into a series of short workshops sponsored and
delivered by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. Each
segment analyzes different aspects of food safety on the farm, tailored to account for organic standards and regulations. Segment topics include irrigation
water, postharvest water for washing produce, manures and composts, traceability, risk assessment, and food safety on multicommodity farms.
The location for these courses will likely be the Ron Kolbus Lakeside Centre
at Britannia Park in Ottawa. Final dates are still to be determined, but the Sheep
and Goat course will be in mid to late January. Costs for the production courses
are also still to be determined.
For anyone who has any questions about these courses, wants updates on dates
and costs, or wants to register, please contact Colin Lundy, Farmer Outreach
Coordinator for COG–Ottawa’s Growing Up Organic Project, by phone at (613)
489-2948, by fax at (613) 489-2630, or by e-mail at [email protected].
Robert Oechsli walks about his Simmental
cows and bulls and talks about breeding to
encourage a docile temperament.
Photo credit: Colin Lundy
Fall Farm Tours
STRATHMERE AND GRETA’S ORGANIC
GARDENS
— Ray Pearmain —
COG–Ottawa examined small scale vegetable production and seed production when about 15 keen
individuals visited Strathmere Farms gardens and
Greta’s Organic Seeds.
Strathmere (http://strathmere.com/) is an old
country mansion on 200 acres of land that is now a
venue for weddings and conferences located near
North Gower. Colin Lundy and his wife Eylie are
their resident gardeners and groundskeepers, ensuring that there is a wonderful display of plants
and flowers for wedding photos as well as supplying the kitchen with some organic produce.
Colin guided us around the estate property,
which has 25 fruit trees, a large vegetable garden,
and large ornamental flower gardens. These are
organic but not certified and have buffer strips
between them and the soy field adjoining, thanks
to a positive relationship with the conventional
farmer who rents the bulk of the 200 acres. Colin
provides some specialty crops such as salad, herbs,
edible flowers, preserves, and some other items for
wedding and conference clients’ meals. However,
Colin added that there are challenges to meeting
the voluminous demands of a banquet kitchen as
well as matching clients’ ideas of seasonal produce
with what is actually in season at a given time.
Down the road Colin has also salvaged a small
apple orchard of 60 trees that was to be abandoned by its owners. He takes apples and some
surplus vegetables to the Saturday market in
North Gower. There was great interest in a working 1950s model Simplicity mini-tractor with
several useful implements that came from the
old orchard. Colin thinks there are lots more great
finds like this on old farms that can really benefit
the small scale vegetable grower.
The group moved on to Greta’s Organic
Gardens (http://www.seeds-organic.com/) which
is primarily supplying organic seed all over the
world via their website as well as selling organic
turkeys, chicken, and eggs. Greta Kryger and her
husband lease 3 acres of greenbelt land from the
NCC and have established a reputation for a diverse variety of organic and heritage seeds. Greta
explained how planning gardens and growing
vegetables for seed production is completely different from growing for vegetable production. We
were amazed by the amount of work that goes
into drying and preparing seeds for sale and not
getting them all mixed up!
Greta likes to seek out unusual plant varieties
and test their potential for home and market
gardeners. Participants marvelled over tiny red
eggplants covered in thorns among other edible
oddities from far off lands. The tour wrapped up
with an informal discussion about the importance
of organic certification, along with a brisk trade in
chicken and eggs.
ALPENBLICK FARM AND PORTERCREST
HOLSTEINS
— Torry Reid —
COG–Ottawa’s final farm tour of 2008 focused
on an organic livestock. A dozen hobby farmers
and gardeners gathered in the cold at Alpenblick
beef and lamb farm and Portercrest Holsteins for
a day full of discussion, information sharing, and
learning.
The morning started with Alpenblick farm,
owned by Petra Stevenson and Robert Oechsli.
Robert and Petra play many important roles in the
organic farming community, from volunteering as
4-H leaders to sitting on the Safety board. Since
1972, Alpenblick farm has been a trailblazer for
sustainable organic farming. Hand milking Simmental cattle and goats in a small barn with dirt
and hemlock flooring and direct marketing small
herds of cattle, sheep, and goats on pasture proves
that success is rooted in simplicity.
Driving up to Alpenblick farm it becomes
evident that this over 300 acre forested-pasture
beef, sheep, and goat farm is truly unique. Their
36 years of experience has led them to learn the
importance of supplying to local markets and how
to do this effectively. Robert emphasized that by
directly supplying to local consumers, producers
benefit from a healthier farm economy while consumers receive a better quality, healthier product.
Robert and Petra actively promote this economic
model by cooperating with their farming neighbours and friends to share knowledge, equipment, and distribution. Robert and Petra love the
hands-on approach to marketing their products,
feeling that farming becomes “lifeless” without
being involved in all aspects of production and
selling of their products.
The afternoon led us to Portercrest Holsteins
dairy farm, near Smiths Falls. As members of Organic Meadows Dairy Co-operative, Norman and
Kathy Porter have been certified organic since
1988. They raise a small herd of 25 Holsteins on
organic pasture and grain that are given opportunity to go outside on a daily basis, even in the
winter. Norman plays an active role in the organic
community, sitting on the Organic Meadows
Board of Directors and until recently running the
only organic 4-H club in Ontario.
Being certified organic, Norman does not believe in blanket treatments for his cattle. By providing them with a healthy, natural diet and clean
accommodations his cattle do not need unnecessary antibiotics or medication. When health issues
do arise in cattle, being part of a co-operative
gives Norman access to a large network of other
dairy farmers to seek advice from.
As a member of Organic Meadows, Norman
is able to sell his products locally without dealing with marketing his products personally. This
means that Norman does not have to spend extra
time dealing with pick-up, processing, or distribution of his product. This is an ideal marketing
strategy for many farmers, as it frees up time to
focus on their farm.
Many thanks are extended to all the farm
hosts for taking the time to show off their unique
farms and to Colin Lundy, COG–Ottawa Farmer
Outreach Coordinator, for organizing these events.
These tours always bring out a plethora of questions from the participants, provoking discussion
and a desire to go home and improve yards, gardens, and farms. We look forward to seeing everyone for another round of farm tours in 2009.
Norm Porter discusses the health of his dairy herd while
participants enjoy the warmth provided by the cows in
the barn. Photo credit: Colin Lundy
“A lawn is nature under totalitarian rule.”
— Michael Pollan, author
Ottawa Horticultural Society Goes Organic
— Ray Pearmain —
T
he October meeting of the Ottawa Horticultural Society attracted my attention, as this organization, which has a wide local membership, was holding
its kick-off fall meeting with organic gardener Ken Parker as its speaker.
Ken Parker, who lives on the Six Nations Reserve in Brantford, Ontario, is
a First Nations horticulturalist who owns a nursery, Sweet Grass Gardens, that
specializes in native plants. These, of course, are original species and thus thrive
in their own local environments and support organic gardens.
Before an audience of about 100, Ken showed slides of many plants that
he stressed should be part of an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) system for
weeds that incorporates mulch and organic herbicides, such as one made of 1 L
of vinegar, a quarter cup of salt, and two tsp of liquid organic soap.
Some of the plants he showed us were: Button Bush, which attracts butterflies; Winterberry; Virgins Bower Vine [Clematis virginia]; Fragrant Sumac; Downy
and Smooth Service Berries, which are edible; Purple Flowering Raspberry (ornamental); Lupins; Wild Blue Flax; Soapberry; Blanketflower; Butterfly Weed; and
Northern Cactus.
Ken’s website is www.sweetgrassgardens.com; to check on other meetings of
the Ottawa Horticultural Society, which is not primarily organic but may be of
interest to COG members, visit www.ottawahort.org.
Sustainable Beef Farmers Receive Funding
to Form Production Club
— Torry Reid —
C
OG–Ottawa is thrilled to announce the creation of a Beef
Production Club. Through funding by
the Organic Council of Ontario, the
Beef Production Club will meet at
least six times within the next year
to exchange information, network,
facilitate farm tours, and host guest
speakers. The Production Club will
address the unique challenges livestock producers encounter in Eastern
Ontario region, including how to
adapt to changing organic regulations, the lack of a certified organic
abattoir in Eastern Ontario region,
generating new markets, and mentorship and internship relationships.
It is COG–Ottawa’s hope that through
facilitation of this group a collective
voice will be able to influence greater
support for ecological beef producers.
Club members represent a wide variety of production methods, including certified organic, non-certified
organic, biodynamic, homeopathic,
etc. Current members include:
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Elphin Gold Organics
Alpenblick Farm
Littledown Farms
Don Foley
Dunbrae Farm
Excalibur Farm
Shima’s Farm
Ashton Glen Farms
Love Those Weeds
Torhaveen Farm
Paradise Farm
Greener Green Acres
David Nixon
We would like to thank participants
for their enthusiasm and support of
this project. We also want to invite
any other interested beef producers
to join. Please contact Colin Lundy,
Farmer Outreach and Training Coordinator at [email protected] or (613)
489-2948.
Canadian Organic Growers, Ottawa Region Chapter
Chair:
Michael Ilgert
Program Director: Petra Stevenson
Website:
www.cog.ca/ottawa
Down to Earth, COG–Ottawa Chapter Newsletter
Editors:
Kids’ Korner:
Culinary Corner:
Book Reviews:
Layout:
Printing:
Mailing:
Advertisement
Co-ordinator:
Laura Stewart, [email protected]
(613) 244-4000 Ext. 5
Allison Gibson [email protected]
TBA
Robin McAndrew and Christine Tremblay
Anouk Iversen, Sally Luce, Ray Pearmain
Stephanie Pelot, www.pentafolio.com
On Your Marks (Russell, Ontario)
Valerie Maier, Matthew Patterson, Faith Phillips,
Freya Van Every, Jo Van Every
Robert D. Battistella, [email protected]
Deadline for next Down to Earth: March 1, 2009. Submit all articles to
Editor.
Advertising: Advertisements are accepted in accordance with the current advertising policy, which is revised periodically. Please request
the most recent version at the time of your request. Organic growers
with produce for sale can be added to the Organic Food Directory for
a small fee. COG members enjoy some discounts. COG–Ottawa does
not necessarily endorse products and services advertised in Down to
Earth and assumes no liability resulting from their use. Please contact
Advertisement Co-ordinator.
Advertising deadline: March 1, 2009
Down to Earth is a non-profit publishing project of Canadian Organic
Growers Ottawa Chapter which incurs substantial operating costs. Payment of each ad is expected before the insertion of a second ad.
Statements, opinions or views taken by the writers and advertisers do
not necessarily reflect those of the editor and publisher.
© Copyright 2009 Canadian Organic Growers, Ottawa Chapter. No
portion of this publication may be reproduced without permission of
COG–Ottawa.
Canadian Organic Growers is a non-profit membership organization.
2433 St. Joseph Blvd.
Orléans, Ontario K1C 1E9
(613) 830-5790
Upcoming Events
JUST FOOD FARMER TRAINING
SESSIONS 2009
Saturdays 9 am – 4 pm, 25 participants maximum
per course, $40 each (includes lunch and resource
handouts)
January 10 Sheep and Goat Production and
Marketing
January 17 Vegetable Production and
Marketing
January 31 Greenhouse Production and
Marketing
February 7 Orchard and Small Fruit Production
and Marketing
February 21 Cheese-making Production and
Marketing
March 7
Beef and Buffalo Production and
Marketing (for existing cattle and
(or) buffalo farmers only)
To RSVP or register, please call Bill at (613) 2369300 Ext. 306 or e-mail him at farmertraining@
justfood.ca.
FRIENDS OF THE CENTRAL EXPERIMENTAL
FARM (FCEF)
For information on any of these events call (613)
230-3276, e-mail [email protected], or visit
www.friendsofthefarm.ca.
• Canada Blooms Escorted Bus Tour
March 20–21, 2009
Visit Canada’s largest gardening show in Toronto!
Early departure from Ottawa on March 20th,
arrive Toronto mid-day, free afternoon or go to
the Show. Our hotel, the Holiday Inn on King is
located right in the heart of the theatre district.
Next day go back to the Show until 2 pm and then
board the bus to return to Ottawa with a stop at
the Glen House Resort in Gananoque for dinner.
Arrive in Ottawa about 9 pm March 21st. Cost to
FCEF members: $255 based on double occupancy.
Non-members $275. Single occupancy add $80 to
either category.
• Gardening Lecture Series
April 2009
Presented by Master Gardeners of Ottawa Carleton, the topics are Gardening with Climatic
Change (April 7), Hemerocallis (Daylilies; April
14), The 100 Mile Diet (April 21), and Herbs (April
28). Cost for the series: $40 FCEF members, $50
non-members. Cost for individual lectures: $12
FCEF members, $15 non-members. All lectures
take place in Building 72 Arboretum, CEF, east of
Prince of Wales traffic circle from 7–9 pm.
Gardening with Climatic Changes
April 7, 2009
This lecture will examine how carbon dioxide that
enters the atmosphere today will continue to impact our climate for the next century and beyond.
We are already seeing the effects of climate change
in our gardens. So, what can we do to minimize the
carbon footprints of our gardening clogs and how
can we best adapt to the changes in local climate
that we know are coming? This presentation takes
you through from a basic understanding of the
mechanics of climate change to the practicalities
of gardening in a changing climate.
Hemerocallis (Daylilies)
April 14, 2009
A great perennial choice for brown thumbs, green
thumbs, beginning and seasoned gardeners; daylilies are beautiful but undemanding, adaptable,
versatile, hardy and almost care-free. They come
in many sizes and a great variety of colours. No
garden should be without several! The speaker
will convince you that the daylily is a “perfect
perennial.”
The 100 Mile Diet
April 21, 2009
There is no better way to know what you are eating and how it was grown than to grow it yourself.
This lecture will present some basic how-to’s of
vegetable gardening in the Ottawa region based
on the presenter’s personal experience over several decades of learning what works and what
does not. It is amazing what can be produced in a
small backyard, front yard, container, or a corner
of the flower garden.
Herbs
April 28, 2009
Herbs have played an important part in everyday
use for over 2000 years. This talk will cover some
of their historical, medicinal, and culinary uses as
well as their ornamental use in the garden.
• Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG) in
Hamilton
Escorted Bus Tour June 8– 10, 2009
Come and see the June blooms in Southern Ontario! Early departure will allow us to go to RBG
for lunch on the 8th and visit the gardens to our
hearts’ content until dusk. Dine in St. Catharines at
your leisure after registering at our hotel. Tuesday
morning will find us strolling in Niagara-on-theLake, lunch at your leisure followed by a matinee
performance of your choice at the Shaw Festival or
a casual afternoon, dinner will be at a scenic location en route back to the hotel after the performance. Early departure for return trip on the 10th
will allow a stop in Picton in Prince Edward County
for lunch and a winery tour. Return to Ottawa at
6:30 pm. Cost to FCEF members: $315 based on
double occupancy. Non-members $340. Single
occupancy add $135 to either category.
SEEDY SATURDAY OTTAWA
March 7, 2009
10 am – 3 pm
Ron Kolbus Lakeside Centre
Greenview Avenue, Britannia Beach
Seed sales and (or) exchanges, mini-market, gardening talks, good food, and a puppet show for
the kids. Free admission. For more information call
Greta at (613) 521-8648.
SEEDY SATURDAY KINGSTON
March 14, 2009
10 am – 3 pm
Kingston Central Branch Library,
130 Johnson Street
For more information call Katherine at (613) 3858569.
SEEDY SUNDAY PEMBROKE
March 8, 2009
10 am – 3 pm
Fellowes High School
Seeds and plants for sale and exchange; workshops about seed saving, growing, and more;
meet the seed and food producers; local environmental groups; buskers’ corner; door prizes. Free
admission. For more information call Claire at
(613) 628-1836.
ORGANIC PRODUCERS CLUB
Market gardeners, farmers, and wannabes in
the Perth-Lanark area are invited to a new study
group formed in December. The Organic Producers Club will be studying various topics including
earthworms, soil, compost, crop rotations, biodynamics, seed saving, and whatever is of interest
to the group. For schedule and topic information,
contact Kristine Swaren at [email protected]
or (613) 278-1226.