News

NORTH SAANICH FLAVOUR TRAIL AUGUST 20th and 21st

Our market will be the starting-off point for the 2011 North Saanich Flavour Trial.    In addition to lots of new and returning vendors (as well as all our regulars), you can come to the market to get your program for the tour (or download it yourself).  Take part in the market special events for the day:

- a display that highlights seasonal produce, how to cook it and what to grow yourself to take your own steps toward local food security.

- a HEDGEROW INTERPERATIVE WALK along Clayton Road and the Danton trail lead by Dr. Brenda Beckwith (School of Environmental Studies, UVic) leaving the market at 11:00 (and check out our moveable hedgerow at the information table with all sorts of new species appearing for the Flavour Trail day).

Then fill your shopping bags with books from North Saanich publisher HEDGEROW PRESS, tasty baking, local produce, fruits and flowers, fresh farm eggs, lovely dresses for little girls, exquisite honey from North Saanich, and so very much more!

We look forward to seeing you there!

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Sandown Race Track Proposal - Public Meeting

Public Notice - Community Town Hall Meeting - Sandown Racetrack Proposal

The residents of North Saanich are invited to attend the Community Town Hall Meeting regarding the proposal for Sandown Racetrack. This meeting has been scheduled for Thursday, June 23, 2011 at the Parkland School Theatre located at 10640 McDonald Park Road. The meeting is scheduled to begin at 7:00 p.m. There will be a presentaion and an opportunity for questions and answers. Please attend the meeting to learn more about the Sandown Racetrack proposal. Questions and enquiries can be directed to Rob Buchan at 250-655-5452.

The North Saanich Food for the Future Society is very excited about this proposal because it has the potential to provide not just a permanent home for the North Saanich Farm Market but space for a community garden, community kitchen, community leaf composting and so much more. 

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Summer Fete in the Garden

Please join us on Sunday, June 26th between 1:00 and 4:00 for an afternoon in Phoebe and Sandra Noble's garden.  This beautiful garden on Wain Road hasn't been open to the public for nearly a decade, but on that Sunday afternoon, we'll have music (courtesy of Brad Prevedoros), art (by: Rob Dempster, Heather Goulet, Jo Hadfield, Paul Harder, Janice Prevedoros and Stephanie Steele), light food (including the first strawberries of this late, cool spring) and a cash wine bar provided by the Muse Winery.  Sandra will be on hand to talk about her late mother's vision and life, as well as her own unique vegetable garden, and Emily Kerfoot, who worked closely with Phoebe in the garden during the last year of her life, will be there to answer questions as well. 

Tickets are $20.00, or $15.00 for members of the North Saanich Food for the Future Society.  You can purchase them at any of our Saturday markets (June 18th or 25th), at Russell Nursery on Wain Road, at Dig This in Sidney, or by contacting Penny at 250-656-3054 or info@northsaanichfarmmarket.ca

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Events

WINTER MARKET LAUNCHING

We'll be holding four winter/spring markets in early 2011 — it kicks off on Saturday, February 5th, also the date for our first annual Seedy Saturday. After that, look for us on the 2nd Saturday of each month from March to May 2011 (Mar. 12, Apr. 9, and May 14).

Watch for more information on our vendors and products for these market dates. Tickets for our 50/50 draw are 1 for $2 or 3 for $5, and the draws are held at 11:00 on market days (we'll call you to let you know the good news if you can't stay for the draw). All funds raised help support the iniatives of the North Saanich Food for the Future Society.

GROWING HOME PROGRESSIVE LUNCH POSTPONED

Location: Place to place to place in Deep Cove :)

The North Saanich Food for the Future Society is delaying the Growing Home Progressive Lunch until next spring.  We'll have the same venues, but a new menu featuring spring treats and lush green gardens.  If you've never heard of a Progressive Lunch, find out how it works here.

Hosted by: Many, many kind people

$75.00
NORTH SAANICH FLAVOUR TRAIL COMING THE WEEKEND OF AUG. 21/22

Plan to take part in the North Saanich Flavour Trail on the weekend of August 21st and 22nd.  Tour local farms and eateries, listen to readings by well-known local authors, discover some of the history of the district and be part of its future.  Most events are free.  Find out more at www.northsaanich.ca (click on "Flavour Trail" in the right column).

PROMISE OF SPRING LUNCHEON

11403 Westview Place, North Saanich

Thank you to all who attended The Promise of Spring Luncheon.  A special thanks to: Tina Fraser Baynes for sourcing and cooking the delicious food; Sommelier Kami Lee Rob of Wine Pixie Cellar Management for pairing the wines; and Jennifer and David Johns for hosting the event.  

The food and wine was sourced from the following local providers:

  • Walnuts.   Baliwick Farm on McTavish Road.
  • Garlic greens, mint, thyme, radishes.  Corner Farm, 930 Towner Park Road.
  • Asparagus.  Hi-Lo Farm, Brentwood Bay.
  • Leeks.  Kildara Farm, Chalet Road.
  • Celery Root.  Robins Farm Stand on Tatlow Road (just past Laurel Road).
  • Halibut.  Satellite Fish Company, Sidney
  • Wines:  Muse Winery (Chalet Road), Sea Cidary (St Michael Road).
$60.00. Limit of 16 guests.
GROW TERRIFIC TOMATOES WORKSHOP - Tina's Top Tip

Corner Farm, 930 Towner Park Road, North Saanich

Thank you to everyone who participated in the Grow Terrific Tomatoes workshop on April 3, and a special thanks to Tina Fraser Baynes for leading the session. 


Tina's Top Tip for terrific tomatoes is to water evenly throughout the season.  While the roots of tomatoes can grow beyond an amazing eight feet most of the roots remain in the top 12-18 inces of the soil.  Water by drip-irrigation or some method where the foliage and fruit is not getting wet.  This helps to prevent pathogens from splashing onto the plant from the soil and prevents fruit from cracking.

Hosted by Tina Baynes

$20.00 non-members. $15.00 members. Limit of 12 participants.
SUPER SOIL - Saturday March 20, 10 am to noon

539 Downey Road, North Saanich

A group of enthusiastic gardeners gathered at the Deep Cove garden of Heather Goulet on March 20th to learn how to replenish and maintain their soil.

The Super Soil workshop was taught by Heather and North Saanich organic farmer Tina Fraser Baynes.  Participants learned about soil structure, maintaining hospitable conditions for life within the soil, cover crops and other factors in ecological food growing.

Tina Baynes demonstates soil structure.

Tina Fraser Baynes gets her hands dirty to demonstrate soil structure.

Hosted by Heather Goulet and Tina Baynes

$20.00 non-members. $15.00 members. Limit of 12 participants.