At Tree and Twig Heirloom Vegetable Farm my specialty and passion is Heirloom vegetables. Growing heirlooms is an exciting way to try new and unusual tastes, shapes and colours. But more than that it is an effort to maintain the genetic diversity of our food crops. In the last century, we have lost 90% of our vegetable varieties, a tragic loss of diversity and threat to our food security. It is important to stop this trend,and as growers and consumers look for alternatives. Heirlooms are the link to the past and are key to our future. As well unlike some hybrids,heirlooms are not grown for their ability to withstand shipping and chemicals or their uniform look at market. They are grown for taste. Eat in the past!

My produce is all grown without the use of pesticides, herbicides or fungicides and in a sustainable manner. Because of Canada's Organic Products Regulation which will come into effect in 2009, I am unable to use the word "organic" to describe my growing methods as I choose to not seek certification. I am not certified organic, believing, in the words of Joel Salatin that "you can't regulate integrity" I urge you to know your grower.

Seed sales for 2010 are underway. I again have a good selection of seed from Seed Savers Exchange (www.seeds.org), as well as many other varieties of wonderful heirlooms. Some of this seed was grown here at the farm, some grown by sources whose vision is consistent with mine. I do have varieties of seed that may be unknown to you, or are difficult to source elsewhere. Try something new!

Transplants will again be for sale in 2010, in fact as I write this preorders are coming in! People love their tomatoes! My list of 100 available for preorder has a few changes this year, so I can get some of the outstanding varieties in the 2009 garden noticed. But of course if you need more than 100 to choose from, please come to the farm ! Many of my very large (and crazy) collection will be available here only. It is a lovely drive to Wellandport!

My "TOMATO DAYS" Sale will be held on the Victoria Day weekend this year, May 22 and 23, from 8- 4pm both days.  Those plants which were overwhelmingly popular last year that I sold out of will be in good supply this year as I am planting extras so everyone can get their favourites.  Thanks to everyone for your tremendous support on these days-it has been a blast!

2009 was a year of weather induced stress and burn out here. Couldn't it warm up? Couldn't it stop raining? Hence my frequent absence from The Pelham Farmers Market, as I focused on CSA and restaurant commitments. In 2010 I will not be at the market(other than with the transplants), but will be holding a Saturday morning market here, and selling baskets of produce to those interested. For more about these changes, read here.

Produce is always available as well at the farm, please call in advance, if possible, to place your order. Salad greens are ready beginning in April.

Chefs and restauranteurs, please call for information and pricing. I am pleased to work with some wonderful chefs in this area, and would like to work with you too. My heirloom tomato collection contains some absolutely stunning selections, unique in this area.

Thank you to The Niagara Entrepreneur of the Year Awards for supporting my vision by awarding me the Agriculture Enterprise Award for 2008 at a ceremony on March 6/09. Niagara Entrepreneur Award

Thank you to the Province of Ontario as well for supporting innovation in agriculture through its' Premier's Awards. I was humbled to win a Regional Award for 2007. www.omafra.gov.on.ca