Spring is officially here even though it looks like Mother Nature did not get the memo.
The transformation from winter to spring always has so much packed into it between the last of the snow and the beginning of green grass. We have all hands on deck for spring-cleaning. It’s time to spruce up the market, get rid of the cobwebs so to speak, clean the farm animals' pens and perhaps add a few more fences in case we add to our farm family. You never know when we might get the urge to adopt another cute animal. Minor repairs are required for the greenhouses at the market to get ready for the precious little seedlings that Leigha has been growing in our greenhouses at home. We are just as busy next door at Furnace Falls Farm planning and preparing for landscaping and barn renovations for the coming weddings and events booked. I cannot believe our first outdoor event for the season is only a few weeks away. It is our Spring Celebration Sunday April 29th. Leigha and her helpers have been rapidly filling greenhouses...sometimes a bit faster than Rick would like since this adds to his wood heating woes. We have focused on lots of heritage vegetables, annuals, and perennials again this year as they are more resilient and provide us with a great variety. Many of the tomatoes we grow come from our own seeds. As Leigha and I look around, we realize as usual, we have gone a bit crazy on growing plants again this year. It is just so hard to stop planting when you love growing things as much as we do. We think the best time to stop is when we run out of greenhouses, Ha, Ha. This year we are very excited that we get to start the season off by adding Furnace Falls Farm events to our list of activities. In a time when the world has so many negative things happening we are hoping to provide a bit of reprieve and bring people back to a simpler time when the focus was on growing food, family, friends and community. We are excited to have people come, stay, relax, enjoy a kayak ride, pack a picnic, go for a walk, pick fresh vegetables for dinner, visit the animals, sit by a bonfire, or enjoy a farmhouse dinner with new friends and family. Springtime is all about new beginnings so come join us on the journey of new experiences with old-fashioned traditions. We invite you to refresh, renew and enjoy yourselves at our farm. From all of us at Wendy’s Country Market & Furnace Falls Farm Retreat
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The sun is out, the colours are turning, and everyone is thinking about what to eat for Thanksgiving dinner. That's where we can help!
We have fresh organic Turkeys available. Please call 613 928 2477 to reserve yours. Rick made a special trip to ensure there are lots of fresh cranberries from Upper Canada Cranberry Farm. We've also got fresh herbs for seasoning that stuffing. There is the usual great selection of local veggies, including seasonal favourites like squash and Dad's sweet potatoes, as well as healthy greens. And then pies for dessert -- or fresh-picked apples for crumble. We're open every day during the long weekend, including the holiday Monday. Drop by when you are out enjoying the fall colours. And if you're closing the cottage this weekend [so sad!] make sure to bring a cooler to fill on your way back to the big city. Wow were did the time go? It seems like only yesterday we were starting seedlings in the greenhouse and now it is harvest time. Fall is a good time for routines to start again, and it has been a while since an update about life at our market. So here goes!
As most know it was a crazy year for all local farmers – the lack of rain was hard on our crops. In every challenging year though, some things do seem to thrive: this year our hot peppers and heritage tomatoes seem to have came out ahead. This is the first year in 4 that blight did not ruin the tomatoes. So we will have lots of sauces, salsas, hot sauces, chilis, and stewed and canned tomatoes for everyone during those winter months when we all wish for the taste of summers again. We will also be saving some of these dynamo tomato seeds to start new plants over the winter. There are so many things to do with tomatoes. Here is a simple salad that lets you enjoy the full spectrum of colourful heirloom tomatoes. Have a great week. Rick & Wendy & Leigha Thanks for supporting local Farmers Recipe of the Week Heirloom Tomatoes with Zucchini and Blue Cheese 1 1/2 lb of mixed heirloom tomatoes – Wendys Country Market 1 medium yellow or green zucchini – Corn Acre Farms 2 ounce blue cheese crumbled – Glengarry Cheese Company 1 green onion sliced – Corn Acre Farms Vinaigrette Dressing In a screw top jar combine and shake well: 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar – Halls Apple Market 1 clove garlic minced – Frontier Farm (Organic) 2 tsp fresh thyme – Wendy's Country Market 1 tsp mustard – Cressy Mustard 1/3 cup sunflower oil – Kricklewood Farm
Makes 6 servings |
AuthorI am Wendy Banks a 6th generation farmer from Lyndhurst, Ontario. I have been selling farm produce since the wee age of five when my parents first set me up with a corn stand at the end of the driveway. I have always been focused on providing quality products and providing customer service with a smile. Archives
November 2022
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