Friday, June 20, 2008

Help Stuart Collins and Bryson Farms

If you haven’t heard already, Stuart Collins of Bryson Farms has been saved from extradition. I won’t elaborate much more on the story, only to say that it is very important for each and everyone of us to contact our local MP’s and voice our opinion over this matter. Stuart is a staple in our community and without him, Bryson Farms won’t continue.

http://ottawa.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20080619/OTT_Bryson_Farms_080619/20080619/?hub=OttawaHome

Please help Support Stuart!

The Transplant


A successful transplant if I do say so myself… well almost…

Last week (sorry for being so behind on my posts), we were able to transplant all 60 or so tomato plants to the garden as well as thin out some of those ever growing weeds. It was a hot day to do it all, but definitely worth the sweat. The only problem was that we lost about 10 or so plants… mostly the smaller ones, rest assured that what we have left is thriving!



Of all the seeds we started we have 7 different types. My plan is to be able to showcase them each individually as well as in a group through various recipes as they become available. So far we are just sitting and praying that we get a little sunshine to help them on their way.



On another note, the peas and beans are growing exponentially! I can’t keep up with them! I have put some bamboo skewers into the ground and run some string to help them come along. I’ll be in there tomorrow morning trimming and cleaning up! Hasn’t been a good week for weeding as it has rained every single day. Not that we didn’t get any done: Thanks Tracey!


I am not looking forward to all the mosquitoes that this rain will bring on. I'm off to Canadian Tire tonight to look for a netting to wear.

Over all, everything is looking very green, beet tops are up, and some itty bitty carrots as well. Soon enough well have a harvest of plenty!


Anyone have any suggestions for Organic fertilizing? I've looked everywhere and can only find Fish Emulsion. The debate is there... we shall see.


-AS


Tuesday, June 3, 2008

we have life...

Good day to everyone. I know it’s been over a week since I last posted, but to be honest, I haven’t seen the garden in about that much time either. It was an incredibly busy week last week at Epicuria and I found myself giving a hand wherever possible.

I decided that rain or shine, I was going out to Navan today. And, today, was a pretty gloomy and foggy day to be taking pictures, but I was delighted to find beautiful sprouts of life!

A few weeks ago we planted beets, peas, beans and carrots. Lo and behold, they are coming through. Everyone but the carrots that is. They are slow coming, but I have faith. Hope you do too. I'll let you guess what is what.

I dragged my brother-in-law out to take a few pictures so that they would do them(the sprouts) justice. I am always fascinated when I see sprouts start to emerge from the dark dank earth. All that life coming from such a little, rock hard, bean or seed. They slowly push their way through the dirt, little by little gaining more ground and getting more sunlight.


With all this hot weather we are getting (or bound to get soon) comes a slew of business in the catering department, and tons of people coming in on Thursdays and Fridays to purchase food for the Cottage. Our freezer section has been busier then ever and Isabelle, our Pastry Chef, along with her team, have been cranking out the beloved cookies. She even made an ice cream cone one this week! J


I received my copy of Ottawa Magazine this week and was DELIGHTED to hear about the up and coming restaurant shuffles, changes and additions for the city! I'm especially excited about the new addition to our neighbourhood, Fraser Café (http://www.frasercafe.ca/). Two brothers, both ex-Domus, have come together and formed a Seasonal Kitchen. I can't wait to find 10 minutes to go in and make a reservation! Check it out and frequent it often. Let me know what you think.

I’m going to cut this one short, but expect another entry by the end of the week.

Oh but before I go… Is anyone even reading these entries? I have yet to hear of one person through feedback. If anyone could just send me out a quick shout that would be fantastic .

Cheers!

-AS