2010 is my thirteenth year of business. The Tree and Twig name represents my tie to agriculture. My father, a farmer and teacher, used to quote the bible (how accurately I am not sure), "as the tree is bent, the twig inclineth", meaning, like father-like child. What I do here is an expression of the love for the land and farming that I learned from both my parents as I was growing up on a wonderful farm north of the City of Hamilton. What I would give to have that beautiful loam soil!

We are situated on a rolling 9 acre property which sits on the Welland River outside the tiny village of Wellandport in the Niagara Region, Ontario, Canada. Twelve years ago I quit my career as a social worker and began delivering baskets of "organic" vegetables, thus was born my CSA. Twelve years later, there are many new facets to my business. I now have 2 large greenhouses to extend my growing season, more land has been ploughed under and the gardens are quite large. I grow more and more transplants as the interest in heirlooms grows, and have been honoured to speak about heirloom veggies during the winter months for various gardening clubs, schools and interested groups.

2010 will see a few changes in things I do here, as I begin my Saturday morning market, and ramp up the number of seeds I have for sale. But some things remain the same. Plans are complete for Niagara Seedy Saturday, which I organize. It will be held Feb 13th, 2010 at Balls Falls Conservation Area, Vineland. Transplant sales will continue, as will restaurant sales, and individual baskets of vegs are available throughout the season. As well i will be holding the Tree and Twig Heirloom Tomato Tasting event here at the farm on August 22,2010. Stay tuned for more details.

My interest in heirlooms increases every year. My seed comes from many sources around the world and more and more seed I save myself and also share my seed with others. My most treasured business relationships are with those businesses, organizations and individuals who are selfless in their devotion to the cause of ensuring diversity by growing out heirloom varieties and reoffering them, such as Seed Savers Exchange, Seeds of Diversity, Kokopelli and Sandhill.

I am also so happy to be entering into my 4th year as a test gardener for Rodales' Organic Gardening magazine. Check out the blog in the Link section of my website for some incredible garden info from very knowledgeable gardeners.

I feel blessed to be able to live this way and am grateful for all the support over the years. It has been incredible to meet so many like-minded people and new friends.

We do have an interesting place here, with a variety of two and four legged creatures. If you can stop by to visit my stand please do. If you see me in the garden. I’ll be sure to come out and chat!

Click here to read more about us and heirloom tomatoes.