To view a listing of seedy events across Canada, visit: Seeds of Diversity
2012 Tour Map and Garden Descriptions
View 2012 Edible Garden Tour in a larger map
How to use this map: you can zoom in and out on the map within this fixed window and tap each of the green markers for an address and garden description OR follow the link below the map "2012 Edible Garden Tour" to see a larger version which may be easier for you to use, depending on your device and experience.
Map and Garden Descriptions
A map of edible garden locations and descriptions will be posted here Sat night. Please check back then.
Tofino's 4th Annual Edible Garden Tour
TCFI at Tofino Feast
Thank you to Feast Tofino for inviting the TCFI to be a part of this wonderful event. The TCFI joined chefs at the Dock Festival to showcase our infamous kelp pickles, and sell some local garden guides and transplants to raise awareness of and funds for community gardening on the wet coast. People were overwhelmingly surprised by the deliciousness of the kelp pickles and it was suggested by Joel Aubie, one of our local great chefs, that they went well with salmon! Imagine that! It was pure pleasure and entertainment to watch people's apprehension transform into delight as they tried the pickles. Needless to say, people are looking forward to the next opportunity to buy them: the Tofino Winter Craft Fair!
Helping a Bee with Mites
I found a bee in my greenhouse this evening. This happens from time to time but I always ensure they get out. Tonight I helped out in a different way. This poor bee had a huge cluster of mites on its back. I was shocked and horrified. I quickly googled 'bees with mites' to make sure that was what I was seeing, and then...
...since I know mites are having a huge impact on our pollinator friends, I couldn't help but take sides, and then action! Without a second thought, I ran and got my tweezers and hoped that the bee would stay still enough to allow me to SQUISH all the mites on its back!!!! Amazingly, it hardly moved, probably because it was too cold, though I wish it was because it was just thankful to get some help with its parasites! I was surprised at how fast some of the mites were when they got moving (they were probably affected by the cold too). I had to be pretty quick and careful about what I was plucking and squishing; I didn't want to hurt the bee but I wanted to get as many mites as I could. I also wanted to minimize the duration of the bee's stress, whether it was in a cold torpor or not.
Here is the bee after my quick mite-squishing tweezer-session! Big difference, I think. I hope it helps. I try to let nature take its course as much as I can because I don't want to choose one life over another and I don't like to kill any of nature's amazing creatures, but given the current plight of bees and colony collapse disorder, I couldn't help myself. I just hope that when I go to let the bee out of the greenhouse tomorrow morning that it is still alive. Sorry for the less-than-crisp pics--my iPhone won't do macro. Also not stoked on the layout of pics vs text on this post but blogger was giving me too much grief to do it the way I wanted!
My first Tofino Meyer Lemon!
Last Tuesday, as the sky hailed, rained, and broke for sun, I excitedly harvested a Meyer Lemon from my greenhouse in Tofino. My 3 lemons have been harvestable for quite some time but I wanted to see how things would progress over winter. I am happy to report that in spite of some below 0 temps this winter, they faired well.
The occasion that inspired this harvest was a visit with Daniela who I have been trying to connect with for a chocolate elixir for about 5 years (and we finally did)! You wouldn't think that could happen in a small town but it does, all the time!
I have never picked a lemon off a tree before (never mind one in Tofino) but it was very fragrant. I figured this was a good sign of a tasty fresh tree-ripened fruit and I was not disappointed. Thankfully it hadn't gone mouldy sitting out in the greenhouse all winter nor had it frozen.
It was so delicious that when we cut some slices off to sample, we ended up eating the rind too!! The inside was quite orange, and tasted like a cross between a lemon and an orange. The rind was surprisingly soft and not bitter. It would never even have occurred to me to eat the rind if Daniela hadn't been there. Her mom used to get giant lemons sent from her homeland of Sicily for the family to eat as a special treat, including the rind, so I am grateful my descendent-of-Sicily-friend was there for my first lemon harvest! 
Here is Daniela, enjoying some homemade lemongrass and Meyer Lemon tea*. Yes, that is a squished lemon rind as "garnish" on the mug lip but she ate that too! So delicious, so fun, so grateful for my lemon tree, my greenhouse and friends like Daniela! :)
*Lemongrass tops steeped in hot water with some Meyer Lemon juice.
Plots Available in Tofino's First Community Garden
The Tofino Community Food Initiative is pleased to announce its first organic community garden. Eight 4' x 6' (1.2m x 1.8m) plots are available at the community garden site in the Tofino Botanical Gardens (TBG). Plots are available for a one-year lease and come ready to plant with access to garden tools and water. (The annual lease fee of $75 also includes a one-year membership to the TBG.) Preference will be given to people without secure access to garden space. Gardeners must make a one-year commitment and sign a user agreement. If you are interested in a plot, please contact the TCFI at tofinolocalfood@yahoo.ca by March 11.
A meeting of all community garden plot owners will take place at the end of March or early April. A soil preparation workshop/work bee will take place April 15th so plot owners should be prepared to attend this.
A meeting of all community garden plot owners will take place at the end of March or early April. A soil preparation workshop/work bee will take place April 15th so plot owners should be prepared to attend this.
Organic Gardening Course
This spring west coasters will again be able to become a Master Organic Gardener by taking a two-week course offered by Gaia College. Here are the details. Members of the TCFI have taken the course, so if you have questions, just post them here and we'll do our best to answer them in a timely fashion.
Highlights from "Fruit Trees & More"
Here are a few highlights from the little field trip I took to Bob and Verna Duncan's "Fruit Trees & More" Farm. They live down in Sidney and grow an amazing variety of things you wouldn't imagine possible on the island: lemons, limes, navel oranges, kiwis, grapefruit x pomelos, small citrus fruits, persimmons, dates, olives, an avocado tree, loquats (whatever they are), guavas, pomegranates, tea, peaches, nectarines, a million kinds of apples, pears, and so much more. Best part is, you too can buy plants from them! Lemons and limes do not require heat to ripen, unlike the sweet citrus fruits, so we can grow them here on the wet coast with some minor accommodations! I have 2 yellow lemons on my tree right now! Here is their website.
Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.
In the pics: kiwis, navel oranges, grapefruit x pomelos, persimmons, date tree.
Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.
In the pics: kiwis, navel oranges, grapefruit x pomelos, persimmons, date tree.
Thanks for another successful Edible Garden Tour!
Thanks to everyone who participated in the 3rd Annual Edible Garden Tour--hosts and guests!
Yasmin wrote an article on the event for the Westerly which also got picked up by the Vancouver Sun!
Tofino Edible Garden Tour - Sun. Sept 4th
The 3rd Annual Edible Garden Tour is brought to you by the Tofino Community Food Initiative. Admission is by donation (see donation jars at each garden) to the organization. All gardens are open to tour from 3-7 pm unless otherwise indicated. Print-outs available at Storm Surf Shop, Green Soul Organics, Tofino Botanical Gardens, OCN Garden Centre, Chocolate Tofino, and Cox Bay Info Centre.
301 Tonquin Park Road - Gill & Hilda Sadler - 3 to 6 pm only
These long-time local gardeners have honed their skills and varieties over the years to successfully grow corn big enough to eat, fruit hanging off trees, veggies of all kinds, plus two varieties of grapes!
947A Yew Wood – Nicolas and Nyla Attiana
Sustainability is key in this garden with a great rainwater catchment and composting system. This garden will also give you inspiration for what can be done in a smaller space.
638 Yew Wood - Jen and Adam Smallwood
This garden is a great example of the vegetables and varieties that grow well in our climate. Come see how you can not only feed your family but also your neighbors and with very little effort!
612 Tibbs Place - Jim Green
Garden beds, composters, greenhouses and rainwater catchment systems – all built from recycled and scrap materials! Jim also successfully grows hot house veggies outdoors.
1119 Fellowship Drive - Jenn Heckert
Come see how a rock pile has been transformed into a productive veggie garden from which food is harvested daily! This garden also has two greenhouses and a rainwater catchment system.
828 Ocean Park Drive - Suzanne & Jeff Mikus
This backyard is an oasis of food, flowers and chickens and uses a variety of cloches and covers. While visiting this garden please park across the street in the paved parking area.
664 Ocean Park Drive - Marc & Georgina Valc
This garden mixes edibles, ornamentals, chickens, rainwater catchment and a greenhouse into a attractive space that is very pleasing to the eye.
937 Sandpiper Place – Sarah Sloman & Sean Porter
Visit a local horticulturalist’s garden where edibles have been incorporated into every available nook and cranny. There probably isn’t a vegetable that she hasn’t grown.
1386 Pacific Rim Hwy – Alison Murfitt
Located down the next driveway on the left after Rosie Bay. There are two gardens to visit at this location. Although this garden is not even a year old it is producing a plethora of food, herbs and edible flowers. Alison has maximized the use of space in her homemade garden boxes. Come see what can be accomplished in a short period of time.
1386 Pacific Rim Hwy – Sarah, John, Reed & Chloe Platenius
This property is landscaped with edibles including flowers, fruit (a variety of berries, apples and plums) and herbs. With the addition of chickens, hoop houses and a great composting system, this garden is an example of how to introduce kids to gardening.
301 Tonquin Park Road - Gill & Hilda Sadler - 3 to 6 pm only
These long-time local gardeners have honed their skills and varieties over the years to successfully grow corn big enough to eat, fruit hanging off trees, veggies of all kinds, plus two varieties of grapes!
947A Yew Wood – Nicolas and Nyla Attiana
Sustainability is key in this garden with a great rainwater catchment and composting system. This garden will also give you inspiration for what can be done in a smaller space.
638 Yew Wood - Jen and Adam Smallwood
This garden is a great example of the vegetables and varieties that grow well in our climate. Come see how you can not only feed your family but also your neighbors and with very little effort!
612 Tibbs Place - Jim Green
Garden beds, composters, greenhouses and rainwater catchment systems – all built from recycled and scrap materials! Jim also successfully grows hot house veggies outdoors.
1119 Fellowship Drive - Jenn Heckert
Come see how a rock pile has been transformed into a productive veggie garden from which food is harvested daily! This garden also has two greenhouses and a rainwater catchment system.
828 Ocean Park Drive - Suzanne & Jeff Mikus
This backyard is an oasis of food, flowers and chickens and uses a variety of cloches and covers. While visiting this garden please park across the street in the paved parking area.
664 Ocean Park Drive - Marc & Georgina Valc
This garden mixes edibles, ornamentals, chickens, rainwater catchment and a greenhouse into a attractive space that is very pleasing to the eye.
937 Sandpiper Place – Sarah Sloman & Sean Porter
Visit a local horticulturalist’s garden where edibles have been incorporated into every available nook and cranny. There probably isn’t a vegetable that she hasn’t grown.
1386 Pacific Rim Hwy – Alison Murfitt
Located down the next driveway on the left after Rosie Bay. There are two gardens to visit at this location. Although this garden is not even a year old it is producing a plethora of food, herbs and edible flowers. Alison has maximized the use of space in her homemade garden boxes. Come see what can be accomplished in a short period of time.
1386 Pacific Rim Hwy – Sarah, John, Reed & Chloe Platenius
This property is landscaped with edibles including flowers, fruit (a variety of berries, apples and plums) and herbs. With the addition of chickens, hoop houses and a great composting system, this garden is an example of how to introduce kids to gardening.
Garden Tour Update
Sorry for the confusion, folks. The new date for the garden tour is Sunday, September 4 from 3 to 7 pm. There are lots of great gardens on the slate. More information and maps coming soon. Or check us out on Facebook.
Third Annual Tofino Garden Tour
The Tofino Community Food Initiative is having its 3rd Annual Edible Garden Tour on Sunday August 21st, from 3-7 pm. The purpose of the tour is to inspire locals with the abundance and variety of foods that people grow in Tofino plus highlight some of the special ways that people grow food on the west coast.
We are looking for folks who would be interested in showcasing their vegetable gardens and greenhouses on the tour. The hosts would be asked to be available to show their gardens from 3-7 pm on Sunday August 21.
We encourage everyone to participate, however large or small, new or old your garden may be!
If you or anyone you know would be interested in showcasing your garden, please email tofinolocalfood@yahoo.ca by Sunday August 14th to make sure we get your garden on the map. You can also send us a message via Facebook or simply reply to this posting!
We look forward to hearing from you!
We are looking for folks who would be interested in showcasing their vegetable gardens and greenhouses on the tour. The hosts would be asked to be available to show their gardens from 3-7 pm on Sunday August 21.
We encourage everyone to participate, however large or small, new or old your garden may be!
If you or anyone you know would be interested in showcasing your garden, please email tofinolocalfood@yahoo.ca by Sunday August 14th to make sure we get your garden on the map. You can also send us a message via Facebook or simply reply to this posting!
We look forward to hearing from you!
2nd Annual Garden Tea Party!
Who's invited: Everyone, all-ages, but no pets please! Flouncy hats & funky garden outfits encouraged!
What's included: A plate of scrumptious sweet & savoury items, hot or cold tea, lemonade, backyard games and entertainment!
Where: Adrienne Mason's Backyard Garden - 380 Gibson St - Rain or Shine!
When: Sunday July 24th, 2011, 12-4pm
Why: Summer fun and a TCFI fundraiser for the community garden
How much: $15 for adults, $5 for children (10 & under)
*Wheat-free options are available with advanced request (please contact Adrienne)
Basil and a tomatillo from Tanya's greenhouse
I harvested a big fistful of basil from my greenhouse tonight....
...and sprinkled some onto tomato and asiago on toast, drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Yum! I will make the rest into a basil salad dressing later tonight (a la rebar cookbook).
Here is a progress pic of a tomatillo, also in my greenhouse:
...and sprinkled some onto tomato and asiago on toast, drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Yum! I will make the rest into a basil salad dressing later tonight (a la rebar cookbook).
Here is a progress pic of a tomatillo, also in my greenhouse:
Highlights from Adrienne's Garden
The weather was finally sunny and warm enough that we had a TCFI board meeting in Adrienne's garden on Monday. Here are a few highlights:
Baby grapes:
Early peas:
Meyer lemon tree:
Broccoli and fava beans:
Blueberries:
Beautiful calla lillies:
So many sweetly-scented roses:
Baby grapes:
Early peas:
Meyer lemon tree:
Broccoli and fava beans:
Blueberries:
Beautiful calla lillies:
So many sweetly-scented roses:
Call for Interest in a Garden Plot
Community Garden in the Lone Cone Neighbourhood?
Additional info and links will be added ASAP. Thanks for your interest.
Additional info and links will be added ASAP. Thanks for your interest.
Gardening Inspiration from my Greenhouse!
On May 30th, this was what it looked like in my greenhouse (a variety of tomatoes, hot peppers, basil, tomatillos and some seedlings):
On June 20th, despite the lack of sunshine this past month, this is what it looked like:
It's a bit more crowded with the addition of my 2 Meyer Lemon trees in the back corners and my Olive tree in the foreground but everything is filling in quite quickly. I have some little green tomatoes already and yesterday I also harvested a good handful of basil. So exciting!
Do you have some inspiring garden photos? Why not share them with us either here or on our Facebook page?
Happy Solstice everyone! I am going out to do some more planting!
On June 20th, despite the lack of sunshine this past month, this is what it looked like:
It's a bit more crowded with the addition of my 2 Meyer Lemon trees in the back corners and my Olive tree in the foreground but everything is filling in quite quickly. I have some little green tomatoes already and yesterday I also harvested a good handful of basil. So exciting!
Do you have some inspiring garden photos? Why not share them with us either here or on our Facebook page?
Happy Solstice everyone! I am going out to do some more planting!
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