While in Niagara, we picked up some Sun Haven peaches from a farmer friend of ours. Close to our old farm. We used to grow a lot of them, along with some Red Haven’s. When doing up, they fall right off the pit. Which makes things a lot easier. Took a picture of a couple trays of them. I had them take them out of the bushel and put them in these trays. Saved them getting all bruised up on the trip back home. We bought a bushel and my lovely wife is in the process of getting them ready for the freezer today. They sure will be tasty come winter.

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We stopped off at a friends farm and took some pictures of his sunflowers. They sure were putting on a show. I thought I would share a picture or two, or three, or four.

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I took a picture of one of our snowball bushes. We sure enjoy them every year. Actually, they even have a pretty smell to them.

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Well, I dug some of this year’s garlic and got it hanging in the lean-too for a month or so. Once dry will bring it into the house and store it where it is dark, cool and dry. They will sure be tasty this winter along with saving a lot of money.

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Well, my lovely wife and I have had a couple busy days attending to customers that visited our gift shop. We also decided to see if I could fix up our driveway, so it looks better. I was going to buy a truck load of new stone but got to thinking. Why do that when I know there are tons of old stone hidden away under the grass? So using a bit of ingenuity, I came up with a plan. What I did was, I took an old mower deck I had, put a couple cement blocks on top of it and then hooked it up to my 4 Wheeler and drug it up and down the driveway, which in turn loosened up the old stone. End results it now looks as if I put in a new driveway and the best part is it didn’t cost me a cent. The top picture is the old driveway, of course ha ha.

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Don’t throw them garlic scapes away. My wife takes them in the house, cuts them into small pieces and puts them onto trays in our dehydrator. Once dry, she grinds them up and puts it in small glass jars and stores them in a cool, dry dark place. Come winter she adds a dash here and a dash there in her soups, stews, spaghetti sauce or what ever. It makes things taste just that much better along with having tons of health benefits. This Dehydrator works quite well.

What more can you ask for?

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My lovely wife prepared a delightful supper last night, which you can see in the picture below. It was not only delicious but also a healthy meal choice. The plate consists of sweet potatoes, mixed vegetables, and a mouthwatering homemade meatloaf. To add some extra flavor, there are a few pieces of aged three-year-old cheese. And, of course, there’s a dollop of ketchup, as I simply can’t enjoy supper without it. Although during tomato season, I would forgo the ketchup. It won’t be long before we can savor the homegrown tomatoes once again.

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Fresh Ontario Grown Strawberries on a Homemade Waffle, topped with whip cream and Mike Clapperton’s Maple Syrup—it’s simply irresistible!

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Growing your own vegetables may seem difficult to some, but it’s actually quite simple. If you have a little bit of space, which doesn’t require much, you can grow the same vegetables that I am growing in the pictures below. And the best part is, you’ll save money because you won’t have to buy them from the grocery store every week, where you don’t know where they were grown or what chemicals were used on them.

Another great benefit of working in your own garden is that it keeps your body active, strong, and healthy. Instead of spending money on drugs or visiting the doctor every month, you can find the solution right outside your back door.

Food for thought.

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Some have asked. George, why not rustle up some good ol’ farmer advice with a pinch of humor for y’all!

Alright then, so listen up, Canada! It’s high time we put on our gardening gloves, grabbed a shovel, and started growing our own veggies and fruits. Why, you ask? Well, let me tell ya!

First off, let’s talk self-reliance, folks. We Canadians are known for our maple syrup, hockey skills, and, of course, being polite. But it seems lately that we have become too dependent on other countries for our grub? What we need to do is take matters into our own hands and grow our own darn food!

Now, imagine this: you step outside your door, pluck a juicy tomato straight off the vine, take a bite, and savor the explosion of flavor. There is no way that store-bought tomatoes can compete with that freshness! You’ll be saying, “Move over, ketchup, I’ve got my own homegrown goodness!” Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.

But hey, it’s not just about taste. It’s about knowing what goes into your food. When you grow your own produce, you’re the boss of your garden kingdom. You decide whether to go all organic or add a little somethin’ to keep the critters away. No more mystery chemicals or pesticides. You’ll be the captain of your own pesticide-free ship!

And let’s not forget the savings. Money doesn’t grow on trees, but fruits sure do! By growing your own veggies and fruits, you’re saving those hard-earned loonies and toonies. Sure, there might be some initial costs for seeds and tools, but think about the long-term savings. Your wallet will be thicker than a lumberjack’s beard! Actually, there are a lot of folks growing beards these days, and I am not sure why. Ha ha

But here’s the kicker: we’re not just talking about being self-reliant here, we’re talking about a full-blown gardening adventure! Picture yourself with your overalls, straw hat, and an abundance of veggies. You’ll be part farmer, part superhero, providing for yourself and your loved ones. It’s like having your own personal farmers’ market right in your backyard!

So, folks, let’s roll up our sleeves, grab a shovel, and get down and dirty. Let’s grow our own fruits and vegetables and show those other countries what we’re made of! Remember, with a little humor, a lot of love, and some good ol’ Canadian spirit, we’ll be harvesting the sweetest, juiciest produce this side of the North Pole. Happy gardening, eh?

Took a picture of our garlic and lettuce, showing how it is growing so far. It sure is tasty, and the garlic is Awesome!

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t took a few pictures of our Heirloom and Historic Peonies. They sure smell pretty, just like a rose.

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Here is another bouquet that my lovely wife put together using plants from our gardens. It’s amazing how she can take a few flowers and make them look so nice.

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Presenting another photograph featuring tulips from one of our gardens. I admire the country-flare aesthetic created by the rock, which adds a delightful backdrop to the scene.

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Here is a picture of a small garden we have by our front porch. It has a mixture of wild buttercups, and some perennials. And not to forget the dandelion! We just let nature take its course.

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My lovely wife walks out to our backyard, comes into the house, and walla! A nice vase of wild flowers along with some of hers. Simple but nice.

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Nurturing Our Soil, Nurturing Our Nation: Why Supporting Our Own Farmers is Crucial for Canada’s Self-Sufficiency

Introduction: In a rapidly changing world, where global supply chains dominate our supermarket shelves, it is becoming increasingly important to reflect on the importance of supporting our local farmers. Ontario, blessed with fertile soil and dedicated agricultural communities, has long been the breadbasket of Canada. However, the current trend of selling off prime farmland and relying on imported produce poses a threat to our nation’s self-sufficiency. In this blog post, let us explore the reasons why it is essential for us to support our own farmers, buy Canadian produce when it is in season, and cultivate a sense of compassion towards those who work tirelessly to feed our nation.

1. Preserving Our Agricultural Heritage: Farming is more than just a profession; it is a way of life. The Ontario farmer carries the rich legacy of nurturing the land, passing down agricultural wisdom from one generation to the next. By supporting our farmers, we not only ensure the preservation of this heritage, but also sustain the unique cultural identity that comes with it. The sale of prime farmland robs future generations of the opportunity to carry on this cherished tradition and connect with our agricultural roots.
2. Strengthening Food Security: In an increasingly interconnected world, food security is a pressing concern. By supporting our own farmers, we take a proactive step towards securing a stable food supply chain within Canada. Buying locally-produced food reduces our reliance on imported goods and mitigates the risks associated with global disruptions, such as climate change, political conflicts, and trade restrictions. When we prioritize Canadian produce, especially when it is in season, we foster resilience in our food system and ensure that our nation’s citizens have access to healthy, fresh, and nutritious food.
3. Environmental Stewardship: Canadian farmers are known for their commitment to sustainable farming practices and environmental stewardship. By purchasing Canadian produce, we support farmers who implement responsible land management techniques, prioritize biodiversity, and conserve our natural resources. Moreover, buying locally means reducing the carbon footprint associated with long-distance transportation, thereby contributing to mitigating climate change. Supporting our farmers not only promotes sustainable agriculture, but also helps protect our environment for future generations.
4. Boosting the Local Economy: When we buy Canadian produce, we directly contribute to the growth and prosperity of our local communities. Supporting our farmers means supporting their families, their employees, and the small businesses that rely on agriculture. By keeping our dollars within our own economy, we strengthen the local agricultural infrastructure, create jobs, and foster economic stability. A vibrant farming sector translates into a thriving rural economy, ensuring a higher quality of life for all Canadians.
5. Connecting with Nature and the Seasons: Choosing to buy Canadian produce in season allows us to reconnect with the rhythm of nature and appreciate the unique flavours and diversity of our land. It reminds us of the joy of anticipation as we eagerly await the arrival of strawberries in the spring or the crisp apples of autumn. By embracing local seasonal produce, we not only support our farmers, but also savour the freshness and quality of food that is harvested at its peak flavour.

Conclusion: Supporting our own farmers and prioritizing Canadian produce is not merely a matter of economics or national pride; it is an act of compassion towards those who toil under the sun to provide us with sustenance. By doing so, we preserve our agricultural heritage, strengthen our food security, promote sustainable practices, boost our local economy, and foster a deeper connection with nature. Let us embrace the opportunity to become more self-sufficient and ensure a bountiful future for all Canadians. Together, we can nurture our soil and nurture our nation.