Weekly Newsletter: Issue 13

2007: ISSUE 13

Greetings Covent Garden Outdoor Farmers’ Market Customers!

Last week was our official Blueberry Bonanza, but that certainly doesn’t mean there won’t be piles of fresh blues here at this Saturday’s Farmers’ Market once again! Irene Puddester of Rodney will bring in bagfuls of no-spray blueberries from Rodney. It seems no matter how many berries Irene brings in, they always sell out before close, so arrive early to ensure availability. Mill Stream Farm continues to bring in more and more “good ol’ organic produce.” This weekend you can expect Spanish onions, garlic, French Fingerlings, summer squash, Red Tropeanas and Yukon Gold potatoes among their offerings. Dolway Organic Farm consistently brings loads of fresh, organic produce to both our Thursday and Saturday Farmers’ Market. Paddy pans, edamames, green and yellow zucchinis, pesto, globe onions French Fingerlings, herbs, beets, beans and rhubarb are just some of the items you’ll find at their table.

Answering the requests of many customers, Rick from Eco Logic is back again with his usual abundance of great, local produce. He gave me a call today to let me know just some of the fruits and vegetables he has ready: potatoes, apples, zucchini, okra, tomatoes, cucumbers, mushrooms, onions, beans, corn, plums, eggplant, salad mix, swiss chard, radishes, peppers, cantaloupe and melon. Dee at Made From Scratch is busy baking blueberry and blueberry peach pies this week. She will also have delicious date squares and herb biscuits. Heinz from Ferio Farms returns with his high quality venison meat choices and cuts from St. Thomas. Judy at One of a Kind Unique Jewellery will have her stunning line at Saturday’s Farmers’ Market. She has something to go with everything! Shirley from Blanbrook Bison Farm is back from the States and will be here with her wide selection of bison cuts. Ian at Bloomer’s brought gorgeous sunflowers to the Farmers’ Market last weekend and hopes to have some more for Saturday! His fresh cut flowers are reasonably priced and perfect for brightening up any room.

Mark Wales will have some corn here this week (again, get here early to make sure you get some) as well as bell peppers, blueberries, grape tomatoes, green and yellow beans, carrots, beets, Spanish onions and more! Janine from En Fleur Lavender will attend Saturday’s Farmers’ Market with lots of fresh lavender and lavender products (including jelly, wreaths and pillow liners). International Bakery is here on Thursdays and Saturdays with their fresh-baked specialty breads. Bourne will also be in attendance with excellent locally produced bath and body products.

As promised, the Recipe of the Week is for the Blueberry Oat Bars offered to every customer at last Saturday’s Farmers’ Market. The recipe comes from the August issue of Canadian Living.

Recipe of the Week - Blueberry Oat Bars

Ingredients: 2 ½ cups rolled oats (not instant), 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup packed brown sugar, 1 tbsp grated orange or lemon rind ¼ tsp salt, 1 cup cold butter, cubed
Filling: 3 cups fresh blueberries, ½ cup granulated sugar, 1/3 cup orange juice, 4 tsp cornstarch

Filling: In saucepan, bring blueberries, sugar and orange juice to boil; reduce heat and simmer until tender, about 10 minutes. Whisk cornstarch with 2 tbsp water; whisk into blueberries and boil, stirring, until thickened, about 1 minute. Place plastic wrap directly on surface; refrigerate until cooled, about 1 hour.

In large bowl, whisk together oats, flour, sugar, rind and salt; with pastry blender, cut in butter until in coarse crumbs. Press half into 8-inch square parchment paper-lined metal cake pan; spread with blueberry filling. Sprinkle with remaining oat mixture, pressing lightly.

Bake in centre of 350 degree Fahrenheit (180 degree Celsius) oven until light golden, about 45 minutes. Let cool on rack before cutting into square. Makes 24 squares.

Once again we are joined by The Fringe Festival (starting at 11:30) and will share Market Square with Festa Italiana next weekend. Stop by the Info Table for free samples made with local products and fill out a ticket for our Gift Basket Draw. Bring your Tupperware and reusable bags to take home your Farmers’ Market purchases.

Thank you for supporting the Covent Garden Outdoor Farmers’ Market!

“Buy local, or bye local.”

It's Finally Up! Local Producers - Covent Garden Outdoor Farmers' Market Vendors Highlighted in Red

*FAIRHAVEN MISSION FARMS*

Arkona
fairhavenmissionfarm@msn.com

*FERIO FARM VENISON*
Venison Meat Cuts, Salami, Prosciutto
R.R.#1, Fingal
(519) 769-2067 Feriofarmvenison@cs.com

*BLANBROOK BISON FARM*
Bison Meat Cuts, Pepperettes, Sausages, Hides
R.R.#6, St. Mary's
(519) 229-6316

*LYNCH FARMS*
Maple Syrup, Maple Sugar
1950 Sunningdale Rd. W., London, Ont.
(519) 471-7310

*ECO LOGIC NURSERY*
Nursery Stock, Perennials, Herbs
21 Park Street, Aylmer
(519) 765-3467

*DOLWAY FARM*
Certified Organic Vegetables
john.wilson@attcanada.net

*DOBRENTEY'S ASPARAGUS FARM*
Asparagus
(519) 245-3174

*G&M HOWE FARMS*
Strawberries
R.R.#5, Aylmer, Ontario
(519) 773-3837

*VAN DEN BORRE ORCHARDS*
Peaches, Apricots, Tomatoes, over 15 varieties of Apples, Cider
R.R.#1, Burgessville
(519) 424-9088
lindas@oxford.net

*SZOMBATI'S SWEET SPUDS*

Sweet Potatoes

General Delivery, Cathcart (519) 458-4756

BERRY HILL FARM MARKET

Dick Saarloos, 519-765-1752, dsaarloos@amtelecom.net, Aylmer

Roadside Market: apples, corn, peaches, pears, plums, potatoes, pumpkins, raspberries, strawberries, tomatoes

From Hwy 401 west, go south on Elgin Road 73. One KM before the town of Aylmer, turn west on Glencolin Line. We are the second farm on the south side of the road.

EXTRAS FOR BERRY HILL FARM MARKET

Nestled in the heart of South-western Ontario, halfway between London and Lake Erie, sits this little gem known as Berry Hill Farm. In 1980 farmer Dick began planting his orchard of apples, peaches, plums, pears, strawberries and raspberries. Recent additions include sweet corn, tomatoes, potatoes, green beans and melons. Alice opens the fruit stand in mid June with luscious, fresh strawberries. In a few weeks our different varieties of raspberries and local blueberries begin. All summer we feature seasonal fruit and vegetables, including our sweet corn, which is simply the best around. In the Fall we feature lots of apple varieties, tomatoes, potatoes, melons, squash and pumpkins.

BIRTCH FARMS AND ESTATE WINERY

Robert & Dyann Birtch, 519-469-3040, www.birtchfarms.com, Woodstock

From Woodstock, take Hwy. 59 north 3 km to Oxford Rd. 17. Turn right and go 5 km to 15th Line. Turn left and go 2 km to farm. Open Apr. 15 - Dec. 31. Saturdays during the winter.

EXTRAS FOR BIRTCH FARMS AND ESTATE WINERY

The farm also features a fruit winery and gift shop with wines made onsite, a children’s playground and corn maze and special activities and events from spring to Christmas. Tours and tastings available. Groups welcome.

*BLUEBERRY HILL FARM*

Irene Puddester, 519-785-2217, ipuddester@on.aibn.com, Rodney

Take 401 to exit 129 Rodney to first road south. Watch for signs at Furnival Rd & Hoskins. Open mid-July to September 8 am - 8 pm, weather permitting.

CHEMICAL FREE.

BOLEY FARMS

Dan & Carol Boley, 519-351-6786, www.boleyfarms.com, Chatham

Follow Hwy. 401 to exit 81, Bloomfield Rd. approx. midway between London and Windsor. Go left/north 6 km to Riverview, then left/west 6 km to #6604 on left.

PARDO’S BERRIE FARM

Russell Pardo, 519-676-2008, Blenheim

Farm is on Hwy. 3 at Bloomfield Rd., 11 km west of Blenheim. Open daily 9 am - 8 pm.

PARDO-VILLA ACES FARM MARKET

Douglas Pardo, 519-676-8638, Blenheim

Farm is 4 km west of Cedar Springs on Talbot Trail (Hwy. 3). Open Mon. - Sat. 8 am - 8 pm; Sun. 8 am - 6 pm.

PARKS BLUEBERRIES

Diane, Bill & Bruce Parks, 519-692-5373/1-866-901-5373, www.blueberi.com, Bothwell

ON-FARM MARKET: fresh/frozen blueberries, raspberries, bakeshop & cafe

On Hwy 2, 7 km east of Thamesville (junction of Hwy 2 & Hwy 21). Open May 1 - Dec 24, daily 9 am - 6 pm.

SNOBERRIES

Brad Snobelen, 519-674-0504, bsnoblen@ciaccess.com, Kent Bridge

From Hwy 401 - exit 101/Kent Bridge. Go north to McKay’s Corners. Turn right on McKay’s Line. Proceed east approx. 2 km to farm on the right. Watch for sign.

SPRUCE RIDGE FARM

Paul & Elaine Lapadat, 519-785-0016, Rodney

ON-FARM MARKET: peppers, sweet corn, pumpkins

Open daily 8 am - 6 pm, June 15 - Oct 15.

TANMIC ORCHARDS

Michael & Tanya Smith, 519-676-3282, Blenheim

2 km east of Blenheim, 10289 Front Line Rd. Open daily 8 am - 8 pm.

VOSBURG BERRY PATCH

Remi Vanthournout, 519-352-1329, Chatham

From Chatham, take Hwy. 40, turn east on Fairview Line for 4 km, then turn north for 1 km on Harwich Rd. Farm is on left just before CN tracks. Open daily 8 am - 6 pm.

EMPIRE VALLEY FARM MARKET

Joy & Dave Westelaken, 519-762-3504, www.harvestontario.com/empirevalleyfarms.html, empire@bserv.com, Wallacetown

ON-FARM MARKET: perennials, hanging baskets

30 minutes west of London on Hwy #3, 27983 Talbot Line 3 km west of Wallacetown. Open May to Oct, Mon - Fri 10 am - 6 pm; Sat 10 am - 5 pm; Sun 12 noon - 5 pm.

FERKET'S TOMATOES & VEGETABLE FARM

Joe & Johanna Ferket, 519-264-1377, www.harvestontario.com/ferkettomatoes.html, Mt. Brydges

20 mininutes from London. Take Hwy 402 to Delaware/Melbourne exit. Turn west on Hwy 2/Longwoods Rd. Go 3.5 km and turn left on Muncey Rd. Go 3.5 km to farm on the right at 21427 Muncey. Open daily in season 8 am - 8 pm.

APPLE LAND COUNTRY

Ernie & Sharon Muzylowsky, 519-268-7794, Thorndale

ON-FARM MARKET: gift store, apples

Dundas St. 4 km east of London. Watch for signs. Open daily Labour Day - Christmas; Jan - Jun Mon, Thurs, Fri, Sat 9 am - 5 pm.

ARROWWOOD FARM

Lee & Shirley Talbot, 519-289-2403, www.harvesttablecatering.com, Melbourne

From London, take Longwoods Rd west to Melbourne (10 km west of Delaware). Turn south on Melbourne Rd and go 8 km to Riverside Dr and turn right. Open approx. July 15 - Aug 25, Mon - Thurs 8 am - 8 pm; Fri 8 am - 4 pm; Sat 8 am - 4 pm; closed Sunday.

BITTERSWEET FARM

Danielle & Ryan Murray, 519-866-3048, www.bittersweetfarm.ca, Straffordville

Take Hwy. 19 south from Tillsonburg to Cty. Rd. 38 (Heritage Line) in Straffordville. Turn east and go 1.5 km to Tollgate Rd. Turn south and go 1 km to farm on the left. Open Mon. - Fri. 9 am - 8 pm; Sat. 9 am - 6 pm; closed Sundays.

BLUEGROVES BLUEBERRIES

Bob & Marianne Hatch, 519-768-0071, landofficer@aol.com, West Lorne

40 minutes west of London or St. Thomas. At Eagle hamlet on the corner of hwys 3 (Talbot Trail) and 76 (Graham Road). Open 7 days per week 9 am - 6 pm beginning July 8.

BRUS’ ORCHARDS & WINERY

Hans & Mariette Brus, 519-842-2262, www.brusorchards.com, Tillsonburg

On Hwy 19 (244263 Airport Rd), 5 km north of Tillsonburg and 15km south of 401 and Ingersoll, across from Coyle’s Country Store. Open daily. Closed April.

CLOVERMEAD APIARIES

Chris & Christy Hiemstra, 519-773-5503, www.clovermead.com, Aylmer

Honey Producer

From Hwy 401 use Elgin Road (Alymer) off ramp. Elgin Road becomes Imperial Rd approx. 20 minutes south of Hwy 401. Open Jan - Apr Tues & Fri 9 am - 6 pm; Sat 9 am - 5 pm; May - Dec Mon - Fri 9 am - 6 pm; Sat 9 am - 5 pm; closed Sundays year round.

CORCORAN BERRY FARM & FRUIT WINERY

James Corcoran, 519-268-2000, Thorndale

Farm is on Hwy. 2, (Dundas Street), just 3 km east of the London City Limits. The address is 4823 Dundas St., look for sign as highway narrows to 2 lanes. Open daily dawn till dusk.

CRINKLAW MAPLE PRODUCTS

Mark & Carol Crinklaw, 519-652-5975/457-4550, crinklaw@wwdc.com, London

ON-FARM MARKET: Maple syrup, tours, tastings

Maple Syrup and related maple products.

South on Wonderland Rd., over the Hwy 402 - watch for signs. Open Mar, 10 am - 4 pm daily; other times by chance or call ahead. Tours and tastings available.

DALTON WHITE FARMS

Ed & Sandy DeHooghe, 519-582-2864, Delhi

ON-FARM MARKET: green onions, asparagus, strawberries

First farm south of Delhi on Hwy #3. Open May - July, 8 am - 8 pm.

DWARF TREE ORCHARD

Bill Derks, 519-657-9448, London

1697 Byron Baseline Rd., 3 km west of Springbank Park. Open daily 10 am -

7 pm (Sept and Oct).

FARMER JACK’S ORCHARDS

Jack & Teresa Van Diepen, 519-652-5697, www.farmerjacksorchards.com, Lambeth

Farm is located on Hwy. 4, 3 km south of Lambeth. Open daily 8 am - 8 pm.

FERGUSON PRODUCE

Mike & Cheri Ferguson, 519-631-6589, St. Thomas

ON-FARM MARKET: strawberries, corn

10 minutes south of London on east side of Wellington Rd. OR 5 minutes north of St. Thomas on northeast corner of Wellington Rd. & County Rd. 52. Open June - Oct Mon - Fri 8 am - 8 pm; Sat & Sun 8 am - 5 pm.

GREAT LAKES FARMS

Rene & Anne Brooymans & Family, 905-769-2466, Port Stanley

ON-FARM MARKET: apples, cider, strawberries

5 km north of Port Stanley on Union Rd. (Cty Rd 20) or west of Union on Golf Club Rd. or 15 km south of Hwy 401 on Cty Rd 20 (exit 164). Strawberries: Open daily 8 am - 8 pm. closed sundays; Apples: Open weekends 10 am - 5 pm Sept-Nov.

HEEMAN STRAWBERRY FARM & GREENHOUSES

Rudy & Florence Heeman, 519-461-0555, frheeman@execulink.com, Thorndale

Farm is on Nissouri Rd., 1 km north of Hwy. 2 ( Dundas St.), 4 km east of London. Open Mon. - Fri. 8 am - 8 pm; Sat. & Sun. 8 am - 5 pm.

JAKEMAN’S MAPLE FARM

Bob & Mary Jakeman, 519-539-1366, 1-800-382-9795, www.themaplestore.com, Beachville

ON-FARM MARKET: maple syrup, souvenir confections

(Food Service: weekends in maple season)

From Hwy 401 take exit 230, (Sweaburg Rd.) south through village. Turn right on Trillium Line to first farm on right, across from Trillium Woods Provincial Park. Open year round Mon - Sat 10 am - 4 pm.

*JANSSENS’ FARM MARKET & U-PICK*

Diane & Raymond Janssens, 519-289-2499, Appin

ON-FARM MARKET: Apples, cider

From London, take Glendon Rd. west through Mt. Brydges. Turn right on Melbourne Rd., then left to 5885 Falconbridge Dr. Farm is 2nd on the left past Springfield Rd. Open year round 8 am - 8 pm; winter 9 am - 6 pm.

*MARK WALES FARM FRESH PRODUCE*

519-773-7352, www.markwalesfarmfreshproduce.com, Aylmer,

ON-FARM MARKET: peppers, onions, beans

West from Toronto on Hwy 401, take Elgin Road 73 exit south to Aylmer (20 km), then continue south 10 kms to the farm right on the Hwy. Open July to October, daily dawn - dusk.

MCCULLY’S HILL FARM MARKET

David & Darlene Pullen, 519-284-2564, www.mccullys.ca, St. Mary’s

ON-FARM MARKET: maple syrup, sweet corn, natural meats

0.5 km north of Hwy 7 between Wildwood Park and St. Marys on Line 9. Open Mar - Christmas. Call for hours.

MEGENS FAMILY FARM

Andy & Pam Megens, 519-284-3199, megens.sereda@quadro.net, St. Marys

Market: asparagus, strawberries, pumpkins, squash, huckleberries

6 km north of St. Marys or 2 km north of Wildwood Conservation area, on east side of Hwy 7&19.

*MILL STREAM FARM*

Woody & Dorthy Green, 519-264-2310, www.millstreamfarm.ca, Mt. Brydges

Market: beans, beets, cauliflower, carrots, cucumber, onions, peas, potatoes, squash, tomatoes

From London follow Hwy 2, east of Delaware, past Hwy 402, Turn right at top of hill, Gibson Rd. Or turn at Delaware/Longworth exit 6 off 402 Hwy. Turn right towards Melborne, turn at top of hill Gibson Rd. Open Mon-Fri 10:30-5:30; Closed weekends.

MILLAR BERRY FARMS

Sylvia & Bill Millar, 519-652-2065, www.millarberryfarms.com, Lambeth

From London, follow Wharncliffe Rd. S 1 km past Lambeth. From 401/402 go north on Hwy 4 into Lambeth. Turn left at lights. Located approx. 1 km from the lights.

O SHEA’S FARM FRESH VEGETABLES & STRAWBERRIES

Michael & Diane O’Shea, 519-225-2600, www.osheasfarmfresh.com, Granton

ON-FARM MARKET: Irish pickles & dills, strawberry jam, chilli sauce

Approx. 15 min. north of London. One road east of Hwy 23 and/or 3 km north of Hwy 7. Between Lucan and Granton at 34089 Stonehouse Line. Follow signs. Open May 1 - Oct 31 daily 8 am - 5 pm ; strawberry season Mon - Fri 8 am - 8 pm, weekends 8 am - 5 pm.

RED BARN BERRIES

Sue & Don Hilborn, 519-537-3756, redbarn@auracom.com, Woodstock

Take Hwy. 59 north of Woodstock, turn west on Cty. Rd. 17 (Tollgate Rd). Go 2 concessions to the Big Red Barn with the berry on the side. Open daily 8 am - 8 pm. May - Oct.

ROKEBY ORCHARDS - AYLMER

Linda & Michael Rokeby, 519-773-2318, Aylmer

Take Hwy. 401 to Hwy. 73, and go south 15 km to our orchard with the “Big Red Apple.”

ROKEBY ORCHARDS - TILLSONBURG

Bert Rokeby, 519-688-6333, Tillsonburg

Bell Mill Rd. south-east of Tillsonburg. Turn west on Rokeby Rd 2 km to orchard.

SALT CREEK FARM

W. George & Cela Sloan, 519-633-9338, www.saltcreekmarket.com, St. Thomas

Salt Creek Farm is located on Highbury Road just north of St. Thomas and south of Highway 401. Our market is open May to December, and apples can be picked from August to November daily 8 am - 7 pm.

SHELDON BERRIES

Ray & Peggy Sheldon, 519-283-6025, Lakeside

Travelling on Hwy. 119, turn east on Zorra Rd. 92 and go 3 concs. Turn right on Zorra Line 27 and go 2 km to the farm on the right. Watch for signs. Open Mon. - Sat. 9 am - 8 pm. Closed Sun.

STRAWBERRY PLACE

Norman Masfrankc, 519-294-0070, www.thestrawberryplace.com, Thedford

338 Elginfield Rd. Located between Parkhill and Thedford on old Hwy. 7 west of Sylvan (south of Grand Bend and north of Hwy 402). 35 minutes west of London, 30

minutes east of Sarnia. Open daily in season 8 am - 8 pm.

SUMM’R SWEET BERRY FARM

Dave & Kitty Loewen, 519-765-2138, Aylmer

From Aylmer take Hwy 3 east to Springfield Rd. Go north to first road. Turn right onto Wooleyville Ln. Season starts mid-July. Open 8 am - 6 pm; Mon - Sat (closed Sun).

SUNDOWN FARMS

Ms. P. Visscher, 519-688-3701, Tillsonburg

Go 1.5 km north of Tillsonburg on Hwy. 19 to Ostrander, turn right (east) 1.5 km, turn right (south), first place on right #412517 Cranberry Line. Open Mon. - Sat. 8 am - 8 pm; Closed Sun.

SUNRISE GARDEN CENTRE

Gerry & Vicki Lynn, 519-277-1879, Lucan

ON-FARM MARKET: bedding plants, sweet corn, pumpkins

25 minutes north of London on Hwy 4 just 2 km north of Lucan.

THOMAS BROS. PRODUCE INC.

Sue & Reg Thomas, 519-652-8668/5551, Lambeth

Market and u-pick farm south of Lambeth on Hwy. 4. Open daily 8 am - dusk

TWIN PINES ORCHARDS & CIDER HOUSE

Mark Vansteenkiste, 519-296-5556, www.twinpinesorchards.com, Thedford

Go 15 km south of Grand Bend to Hwy. 79. Go south 0.25 km. At Lambton Cty. Rd. 18 go left 3 km. Open Mon - Sat 9 am - 5 pm; Sun 1 pm - 5 pm.