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 came 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 2011 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 2011. I am now working on my listing of the top 100 that will soon appear on my website. In Southern Ontario, 2010 was a marvellous growing season and the tomatoes did exceptionally well. Some of the star performers will appear on my list this year. 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 again this year, which falls a teeny bit earlier than last year. It will be Saturday May 21 and Sunday May 22, from 8-4 pm on 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!

2010 was a year for the records, really just a great growing season. Lots of produce went out to wonderful area restaurants,to local families in veg baskets and to passer bys and folks who trekked out to my Saturday morning farm market. I attended the first 5 weeks of the Pelham Market to sell my transplants and will do so again this year, as well as likely hit another market or two. All updates will be on my blog or announced on twitter. I appreciate the follows!

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