Island Farm & Garden Late Spring 2012

FARM GARDEN&RESoURCEFUL LIVING

MAY/JUNE 2013FREEISLAND

May 25 & 26 VICTORIA Pearkes Rec Centre

VANCOUVER ISLAND PET EXPO.COM

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Horse Rider Report

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Your Best Friend’s HealthTips from Dr. Brett Hayward Nanaimo Veterinary Hospital

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Island Farm & Garden ~ May / June 20132

13411 Doole Rd | Ladysmith, BC | V9G 1G6

250.924.1439www.islandfarmandgarden.ca

Naturally Resourceful

Resourceful living is a fundamental adjustment in philosophy that reflects the constant changes around us and how we react to them. Whether it’s economic change, climate change or simply the progress of our own life situations, we stand ready to creatively forge ahead and meet challenge head on.

Vancouver Island is vibrant with agricultural activity, and no-one exemplifies resourceful living more than island farmers and gardeners. Our magazine is poised and ready to share (as is the farming tradition) ideas to increase productivity, decrease costs and improve flexibility — the key to market survival.

Circulation & Distribution

Island Farm & Garden Magazine is locally owned and operated from a 5 acre farm in Ladysmith, BC. We distribute bi-monthly to hundreds of locations, including garden centres, farm supply stores, tack shops, grocery stores, coffee shops, medical and veterinary centres as well as direct mailing over 1000 copies to island farms and businesses. We cover Vancouver Island from Victoria to Campbell River, including Port Alberni and Salt Spring Island. The magazine is also available in a digital version on our mobile device friendly website — check us out on your iPad or tablet. Current visitors to our blog account for another 2000 readers per month, and growing fast!

Publisher Lesley Lorenz [email protected]

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Island Farm & Garden ~ May / June 2013 3

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Table of ContentsHow to Build a Rock Retaining Wall ..........................................5Healthy Teeth = Happy Dog .................................................. 6-7Feeding the Working Dog ............................................................8Road Tripping with Rover ............................................................9Dog Training Tips .............................................................10-11Beautiful Edibles ................................................................12-13Mother’s Day Ideas for Edible Containers .............................14Lesley’s Basil, Strawberry and Goat Cheese Salad ................15Business Profile: Nature’s Intent ............................................. 16Extractigator: Scotch Broom’s Nemesis ................................. 17From the Ground Up: Community Supported Agriculture ...............................18-19Island Farmers’ Markets ...........................................................20Growing Connections ...............................................................21Made in Canada: Profile of the Canadian Horse .........22-23Learn from the Pros at the Horse Shows ......................24-25Buying a Property with Horses in Mind .......................26-27Hope for Horses Society ...........................................................28Port Alberni Farm Gates: Shop Your Local Growers ...........29Kitchen Sink Burgers ................................................................31Range to Range ..........................................................................33Keeping Deer Out of the Garden .................................. 34-35Greenhouse Irrigation .....................................................36-37Business Profile: Harbour City Equipment ...........................38Managing Risk on the Farm ....................................................39Your Road Map to Farm Succession .......................................40The Frugal Farmer .....................................................................41Calendar of Events ............................................................42-434-H… 4-FUN! ............................................................................44Business Directory.....................................................................45The Last Laugh ...........................................................................46

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and they all gather round the septic field to assess the job site.

Day 5. We dig a trench a few inches deep where we want the wall to be located, and start to pick out the rocks for the job. Ha ha no shortage there! Mark’s brother Cam has organized the rocks by size, which will make it easier to select the correct rock once we begin. I go to Friesen’s to pick up a load of gravel for back fill, and find out the pickup holds only 2/3 of a yard of gravel; that stuff is heavy! I have to make two trips.

Day 6. There is much discussion about every rock — a desirable stone is large, flat, and angular — and it must be placed with nooks and crannies fitting jig-saw puzzle style into the adjacent rocks. Accord-ing to Mark’s fencing book, to be structurally sound, our wall must be 1/2 as wide as it will be tall. We are making a four foot high wall, so the base has to be 2 feet. We set gravel into the trench, and begin to lay rocks into the gravel. The first layer of rocks looks odd, but as we put down subsequent layers, it improves rapidly. We backfill with rocky soil and fortify with gravel. Steps are created by digging into the bank, then extra huge stones are laid into the soil and secured with additional support rocks and gravel. The project has a very satisfying, medieval quality to it.

Day 7. Our rock wall is now finished save for the topsoil and grass seed we will finish off the top with. The project took 3 people 3 days, and cost $45 for a yard of gravel. We found enough rocks out in the field, so they were our favourite price… free.

This issue I was hoping to report

back on a lovely huge greenhouse, hulking in the middle of our field. Unfortunately, torrents of rain thwarted us. I bet a few farmers have mentioned this before, but weather can wreak all sorts of havoc on the best laid farm plans.

Day 1. We clear a patch of land for the green-

house. Our neighbour kindly points out the property line, and we realize that fence line does not always equal property line. We do a little additional research and discover that a greenhouse intended for commercial pur-poses (I plan to sell tomatoes) is considered an agricultural building and must be 50 feet from any property line.

Day 2. We clear another patch of land in the middle of the property, where there’s a slight depression. A depression is a perfect

place to get a tractor stuck. We dig mud for two days, but finally need our trusty neighbour to show up again with his much larger tractor and boost us out of the canyon-like ruts that formed under the tires, and are filled to the brim with groundwater and mosquito larvae.

Day 4. Mark’s brothers show up to build a greenhouse. With mud as thick as porridge and deeper than our gumboots swilling about the foundation area, we quickly pretend that all along we have

been plan-ning a rock retaining wall, to entice them into staying. Somehow, this works,

F r o m o u r Fa r m T o Yo u r s

How to Build a Rock Retaining Wall

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Taking care of dogs’ teeth has become much more efficient and

thorough in recent years. It’s not about having “a bright smile” that is advertised for humans. It’s predominately about battling bacteria. It’s the bacteria in the mouth that make most of the smells (halitosis), they make the gingivitis (red gums), the tartar and the loose teeth. People get cavities; dogs get rotten roots. Bacteria from the mouth can get into the blood stream and set up infection in other parts of the body.

What can you do? As awareness is the key to most things in life, so it is with your dog’s mouth, so you need to have a look

into his/her mouth on a regular basis. Ideally, this means starting out at an early age, looking gently into the mouth, mak-ing it fun and easy, so that the dog says (in effect), “Hey, I’ve got lots more teeth in case you were interested,” as opposed to turning it into a battle that both you and your dog hate. Once you have ready ac-cess to examining the oral cavity of your dog, you can then assess the situation when there’s something stuck in there, a bad smell, or a suspected loose tooth.

When your veterinarian examines and makes a plan for a dog’s mouth, he/she wants to save as many teeth as possi-ble, clean up the rest, and end up with

a happy, healthy mouth. Dogs don’t complain about pain in the mouth, but we hear regularly from owners, who call a week after a major dental cleaning with extractions, that the dog has turned into a puppy again. This tells us clearly that the dog was getting “ground down” over the months and years from having a sore mouth that was being invaded and attacked by bacteria. You see, a dog’s mouth is a warm, wet place, which is a very happy environment for bacteria. The saliva flushes and the immune system does its best, but bacteria find little niches to get a foot hold and start their colonies.

We know that it takes just three hours for the “fuzzy sweaters” to appear on our teeth

— this is plaque, made by bacteria, that we feel on our teeth with our tongue in the morning, and is the start of tartar. So taking care of our teeth or our dog’s teeth a few times a week isn’t that helpful. There has to be regular care, based on the individual dog’s needs — some dogs need every day care and other dogs are blessed with great mouths that need little care. You might wonder about the difference between dogs and why that is, and that wonder extends to people as well, because some people need to go to the dentist four times a year for cleaning and some rarely go.

Here is the guideline that I give to my cli-ents, concept #1: “When you take a wolf and shrink him, you tend to get dental problems.” What this means is that the smaller the dog, the more likely you are going to see dental problems. There are exceptions to the rule, for example big greyhounds can often have lots of tartar and gingivitis and smaller Jack Russell terriers often have beautiful mouths. When I see a small dog with a nice mouth, I comment on the dog’s good luck, and that it’s very nice to see.

Now down to practicalities and how to care for your dog’s mouth. If he/she will let you work in their mouth, that’s half the battle right there. The other half is you. Often we end up laying in bed at night going over all the things that we didn’t get done and the dog’s teeth might come into mind for you, and with a sigh of guilt we promise to try again tomor-row, and as we all know tomorrow never comes. Here’s concept #2: show yourself

Healthy Teeth = Happy Dog

and the world how much you love your dog by denying yourself some-thing, some daily pleasure, until the dog’s teeth are dealt with. You pick the event in time that will not happen until the dog’s mouth gets addressed — the morning coffee, a shower, a walk — anything regular that will spur your memory and conscience into action. Your vet-erinarian can advise you on which products, like dog toothpaste or mouthwash, and which techniques are best for you and your dog. You need to be regular, fairly brief (most dogs have short attention span and get fed up), focus on the problem teeth, then give a reward.

When a dog has only a few teeth that need scaling (removal of tartar) and he/she is amenable to it, I clean the teeth in the exam room, usually on an annual basis. If a dog will not allow his/her mouth to be looked at, by anyone, then we have some options. First is sedation, where the dog is still awake enough to walk but is quiet enough to allow some minor scaling on a few affected teeth. If the dog has been fasted and still won’t allow scaling, we can proceed to light anesthesia, where the patient is laying still but lets us do our work. If the dog still has anxieties about the procedure we can deepen anesthesia to where we can get on with any procedure we need to get done. Any extractions must be done under anesthesia.

In recent years the law in BC has ordained that groomers with training in cleaning dogs’ teeth are allowed to scale off the visible tartar. At face value, it’s a good thing to remove this tartar because it is filth and a foothold for more bacteria. It is vital that when the groomer finds loose teeth or significant gum disease to refer the dog on to their veterinarian, who has the training and equipment to deal with more complex issues. In the ideal scenario, the owner, groomer and veterinarian are all working together for the optimal care of the dog, keeping communication open, and discussing options.

Veterinarians have superb equipment to deal with dental issues: ultrasonic scalers, low speed polishers, high speed drills, as well

as manual instruments for scaling, elevating, and extracting. Antibiotics and medications for pain control are prescribed when necessary. We can radiograph (x-ray) tooth roots to evaluate hidden disease — this is usually done during a dental procedure, under anesthesia, as our four-legged friends don’t sit still for ra-diographs like people do. If there are more complex issues, such as root canal or tooth capping, we can set you up with a referral to a veterinary dentist, as one regularly comes to the Central Island Veterinary Emergency Hospital (www.civeh.com).

If you get the gist of this conversation, you can see that we veteri-narians, like dentists, are trying to work ourselves out of a job: we want all dogs to have happy lives, with mouths that are clean and free of bacteria and disease. We can grab the bull by the horns and fix any dental problem, but it’s the owners who have the power to give their pet a comfortable mouth. If your dog is one of those that will not let anyone in there (and we know the type!), we have safe anesthesia that will let us get the job done.

Dr. Brett Hayward, Nanaimo Veterinary Hospital

4508 Wellington Road Nanaimo 250.758.3985

At the Nanaimo Veterinary Hospital we are dedicated to providing quality veterinary

care to pets who are family members.

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Working dogs guard sheep, herd animals, pull sleds and find and retrieve game. These dogs live active lives, often

staying outdoors year round. They are the canine equivalent of elite human athletes. Because of this, their nutritional needs are different than a sedentary companion dog. How should we feed these athletic dogs and which nutrients are important for them?

The high activity level of a working dog makes energy the most important nutrient in their diet. Their high energy requirement

is met either by food or from body stores. Principal energy sourc-es are food fats and carbohydrates; however protein can be used when fats and carbohydrates are short. Energy from food is first used to maintain body functions such as respiration and blood

circulation. The energy not needed for these maintenance functions is then used for growth, movement and reproduction. Energy use in the body is not 100% efficient and some is “lost” as heat which keeps the dog warm. Other factors that influence energy needs include body size, hair length and thickness and exposure to wind or rain.

Food for a working dog should be high in energy from fats and protein. Studies on athletic dogs show that both fat and protein is used during prolonged exercise. Guidelines for an acceptable food are:

• Metabolizable energy — (ME) of 4000 kcal/kg

• Protein calories — 30% to 35% of total from high quality animal sources

• Fat calories — 50% to 65% of total• Carbohydrate calories — 10% to

15% of total More food should be given to dogs that remain outdoors during cold, wet weather and their body condi-tion should be checked on a daily basis. Check the amount of flesh over the ribs by placing your thumbs on the backbone and running your fingers along the ribcage. You should be able to feel the ribs. If it is hard to feel the bony part of the ribs, the dog may be too fat. Increase or decrease the amount of food given based on your dog’s condition.

Everett Dixon, M. Sc, is a nutritionist with Top Shelf Feeds. He can be reached at the head office in Duncan 250.746.5101.

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If it’s your first road trip with your dog, you’ll want to take a few precautions to make sure the trip goes off without a hitch. Many

animals are prone to motion sickness, so feed your dog at least three hours before you head out. During the trip offer your dog water and exercise on leash often, but no food or treats until you’re at your destination. Make sure your dog has identity tags, and if you are heading into another country, plan well ahead as there are various requirements at borders. Canadian dogs need to have proof of current rabies vaccination in order to travel in the US.

You often see dogs with their heads out the windows, a grin from ear to flapping ear. They may look like they’re having a ball, but

there is a danger of inner ear problems arising from it and also lung infections. Rocks that are flung up from passing trucks can hit and injure your dog’s face or eyes. Please don’t forget that keeping a dog closed in your car during warm weather can cause heat stroke and dehydration. Leave the windows open for a short wait (under 5 minutes), or better yet take your dog with you whenever possible. To help keep your best friend happy and occupied take along a few chew toys and stop often for exercise and water breaks.

“ While on the road have your dog restrained and keep it in the back seat so it won’t go through the windshield or be injured by an airbag in case of accidents. free roaming pets can distract the driver by jumping onto your lap, or the dashboard or becoming entangled with the brake and gas pedals. crates or pet barriers can be used, or a harness that clips on to a seat belt; choose one that has enough mobility so that the dog can move and turn in the seat. these can be ordered for your specific car or truck through the dealership or your local pet shop.” ~ casey van ireland, Westview ford

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Dogs work well when they’re a little bit hungry and full of energy. Start by using a treat for each reward, then when

the dog understands the behaviour, you can alternate with treats and a pat. Once the dog understands what behaviour you want, you can teach him the English word for it (like “sit”) and after that, you can start to slowly phase out treats. Most dogs want to work, to be mentally stimulated, and to please you. They like this kind of interaction if you keep it short and sweet. 4 or 5 repeti-tions is enough.

how to teach your dog to sit1. Stand in front of your dog with a treat in your hand.

2. Show your dog the treat. When she tries to sniff it, move the treat over her head toward her tail. Don’t move the treat upwards or she will start to stand on her haunches.

3. As she lifts her head up to sniff, her backside will go down.

4. Give her the treat.

5. Only use a treat in your hand 2–3 times, then only pretend to have a treat in your hand, but when your dog sits, you still give her a real treat from your pocket.

6. When she willingly sits every time, start saying “sit”, to teach her what the behaviour is called.

7. Once she understands “sit”, and sits every time you ask her, you can phase out the treats.

8. Puppies need to be socialized at an early stage — the most recent research show that the “socialization window” (the time during which puppies learn to be comfortable with other dogs, children, bicycles, umbrellas, etc.) opens at between 3-5 weeks of age and closes at 12–16 weeks. For this reason, it is a good idea to take your puppy out often and let her experience many things. Many trainers and kennel clubs will now allow puppies to enter a class as soon as they have had their first set of shots, at 8 weeks. Fear is one of the main causes of difficult behaviour in dogs, like aggression and excessive barking. Start off on a good foot (or paw) and help your puppy to feel comfortable in all kinds of situations. Make sure you are calm and assured, and introduce her briefly to new items or situations often. Let your son skateboard by, turn the vacuum on for only a moment, or let her see that you are still you when you are wearing a toque.

Some people feel more comfortable taking a class with their new puppy, or may have a new older dog from a rescue situation. There are many classes and courses you can take. Do a little research to be sure that you are getting a reputable instructor.

Here’s a few recommendations from Lisbeth Plant KPACTP, of Cowichan Canine, who generously offers every dog adopted from the Cowichan & District SPCA a free training session with their new owner. She also visits the SPCA regularly to help dogs improve their manners so they will be more adoptable.

Dog Training Tips

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Getting a Rescue DogIf you are not overly concerned about getting a puppy, or a purebred dog, or

even a mixed-breed dog with a known parentage and health history, then please consider a rescue dog from a local shelter.

There are many advantages to getting a rescue dog; first of all, it’s commonly NOT a puppy, but an adult. The dog will USUALLY (but not always) be house-trained, out of the “chewy” stage and able to “hold it” through the night. They are happy to just “hang out” and sleep while you eat, rest, work on the comput-er, watch TV… instead of being in need of supervision and pestering you for entertainment every waking minute, and they are usually fully grown, so of predictable size, coat type, etc.

There are of course also some risks associated with getting a rescue dog. They often have an unknown background and socialization history, the health of the parents is unknown and there may be little or no training history. There may be temperament issues that are not apparent at the time of adoption.

Temperament can be difficult to assess. There is usually a reason for the dog hav-ing been surrendered to the shelter in the first place. The person who surrendered the dog may or may not have told the shelter staff the truth… was the dog really surrendered because of “lack of time”, or was it because he bit the children?

“Lack of time” often translates as “not trained” and you may have to do a lot of remedial socialization and training in order to get the pet you were hoping for.

Many shelter dogs come with emotional “baggage” and it may take some time for those issues to surface again after the traumatic experience of being surren-dered and put into the stressful shelter environment. However, by adopting a dog from a shelter, you are doing a good deed, you are providing a home for a dog that is in desperate need not only of a home, but of love, safety and kindness, that he has perhaps never had yet in his life.

If you do need help from a trainer, remember that a good trainer uses primarily, or exclusively, re-ward-based training methods (treats, toys, play), is a

good people-teacher, demonstrates continual self-education, keeps up-to-date with new training methods, attends workshops and conferences, and is re-spectful to both you and your dog. There should be no problem with letting you observe a class before attending. Does the teaching style suit you? Are the dogs and owners having fun? Ask the students how they like the class.

Dog Bite Prevention© Lisbeth Plant KPACTPThe great majority of dog bites are not “vicious dogs on the rampage”, but family dogs that bite a child during unsupervised interaction. PARENTAL SUPERVISION of dogs and chil-dren is crucial. Dog bite prevention education applies to both children, adults and professionals who come into contact with dogs regularly. May is International Dog Bite Prevention Month.

the basic “dOs and dON’ts" around dogs include:1. Do not hug a dog, put your face close to his

face or lie on him. Do sit beside him and rub his chest.

2. Do not play tug-games with a dog. Do play fetch.

3. Do not lean over or step over a dog. Do respect a dog’s resting place and leave him alone.

4. Do not bother a dog that is sleeping, eating, has a toy or bone, is hurt or has puppies. Do wait for the dog to come to you for attention.

5. Do not stick $ngers or hands into the dog’s crate. Do ask an adult to let the dog out of the crate if you want to pet him.

6. Do be a tree or a rock (stand still with your hands folded in front of you and look at your feet, or curl up on the &oor) anytime your dog gets too rough or excited, until he goes away.

7. Do not run and shout around a dog. Do be calm around dogs.

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For All Your Pet and Garden Needs

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many Island gardeners are transitioning their focus from

traditional annuals and bedding plants to beautiful edibles. It’s a trend that makes total sense — berries, fruits and salad greens of every colour are available to brighten up your borders, planters and patios. Preparing an edible planter is a fun activity, results in a useful prod-uct, and makes a beautiful gift too. Get together with a friend or family member for the project — the work will go more smoothly, you can share out the plants that are sold in six-packs, and have a re-laxing chat while you work. I’ve had some of the most interesting conversations while potting up plants — somehow the activity digs up pleasant memories.

Because of the close proximity in a plant-er, it is worthwhile to take companion planting into account. There are some plants that like to be neighbours, and are mutually beneficial due to attributes

like use of nutrients and pest resistance. Tomatoes get along well with peppers, basil, chives, oregano, gera-niums and marigolds. In fact, a scientific study done by Michael Bomford (Organic eprints) showed that grow-ing basil and tomatoes 10 inches apart can increase the yield of tomatoes by about 20%. A patio tomato ringed with basil and nasturtiums is not only fragrant and beautiful, it is entirely edible! Here’s a ‘recipe’ for a beauti-ful edible planter that takes advantage of companion planting.

Start with a nice big pot: a 5 gallon size, or at least 12” diameter and 12” deep. Clay pots work well for tomatoes. If you are re-using a pot, give it a good wash and

then dip it in a solution of 10 parts water to 1 part bleach, in order to avoid any transference of last year’s pests or fungus.

Use really good soil! I like to use a mix of 3 parts sea soil, 3 parts potting soil, 1

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part perlite and 1 part peat moss. You can add your own compost instead of the sea soil if you have it, or purchase a ready-made product. The soil should be light, fluffy, and dark in colour. Don’t skimp on this step — good soil is key for good results!

If you are using a clay pot, soak it for 1/2 an hour before you begin.

Fill the pot right to the top with soil, as it will compress down substantially when you water.

Start by planting your to-mato. A patio tomato works well because it has a sturdy stalk and needs little sup-port. Remove the bottom set of leaves with your pruners and plant the tomato as deep as possible. Each little hair will create a root! Press the soil in nice and tight.

Ring the tomato with basil and nasturtiums, tucking in snuggly. Give each plant lots of room to grow; a 5 gallon pot will fit one tomato, 2 basil plants and 2 nasturtiums. Anything more will soon become overcrowded and your plants will compete for nutrients and the soil will dry out more quickly.

Add your favourite fertilizer — I use a teaspoon of 14–14–14 slow release. You can also use a soluble fertilizer about once every two weeks.

Place in full sun or partial sun. The plant-er will need to be kept in a greenhouse if you start it before May 24th.

Happy, delicious gardening! ~ LesleyPlace iN GReeNhOUse

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a garden gift made with your own hands is a wonderful way to make Mom feel special. These ideas from Diana Meagher of Diana’s Garden Centre

in Nanaimo are simple enough for a child to do with a little supervision.

1. Make a central support of twigs (or buy an expandable one, as shown here) place a bush bean in the middle, and ring the base with peas.

2. Grow a clay pot of colourful salad greens as a centre piece for the table on your sun deck. This works wonderfully for herbs too, and cuts down on trips to the garden while you cook dinner.

3. A herb garden is one of the most useful, thoughtful, and practical gifts for mothers who like to cook.

Mother’s Day Ideas for Edible Containers

Mother’s Day is May 12… remember who grew you!

“ Hundreds of dewdrops to greet the dawn, Hundreds of bees in the purple clover, Hundreds of butterflies on the lawn, But only one mother the wide world over.”

~ George Cooper

Diana’s Garden Centre & Floristhanging baskets & plantersgift certifi cates available

Mother’s DayWeddingsProm and Special Occassionssupporting local growers

pride in every petal

2517 Bowen Rd, Nanaimo250.760.0065www.dianasfl orist.com

Mother’s Day May 12

Put your order in now!


Lesley

F r o m L e s L e Y ’ s K I T C h e n

iNGRedieNts• One dozen plump, juicy

strawberries, sliced in half

• One handful fresh basil, ripped up

• 1⁄2 cup of goat cheese, crumpled (garlic flavoured is nice)

• Two tablespoons balsamic vinegar, or balsamic syrup if you have it

• A little olive oil• 1⁄2 teaspoon fresh ground

pepper• Salt to taste

MethOd

Mix this all up and let the flavours mingle for a 1⁄2 hour or so before serving over a bed of colourful greens.

* For an extra treat and additional protein, add hazelnuts that have been toasted with a little brown sugar and a dash of cayenne.

Lesley’s Basil, Strawberry and Goat Cheese SaladThis is one of my favourite salads, developed when I was making my own cheese. The flavours are wonderful together, especially when picked straight from the garden or an edible basket!

Scarlet Runner beans have a lovely red blossom and grow up very quickly around a trellis, garden gate or gazebo.

Evergreen blueberries make a gorgeous, delicious hedge.

Instead of traditional alyssum, try thyme and oregano for your bedding plant bor-der- they smell wonderful as you brush by, and produce a tiny pale flower for added colour.

A basket with strawberries, red verbena and snowdrift bacopa can hang within reach of hungry gardeners to snack on, and look pretty in Canadian red and white.

More Pretty Edibles for your Garden

Enterprises.comORGANIC COMPOST

TOPSOIL BARK MULCHSAND GRAVEL

Retail & Wholesale

1200 Knight Rd COMOX

250.207.6352

Vancouver Island Now is the time to apply compost to your garden or top dress your grass. We can deliver compost to be rototilled in to your exist-ing soil, or a pre-mix of compost and soil. We deliver as little as half a yard – or come and pick up a smaller load in your own bin.


B u s I n e s s P r o F I L e

Nature’s Intent organic fertilizer products are made from natural sources, and

provide the nutrients that healthy soil needs, including the king of nutrients -calcium. Unlike traditional chemical fertilizers, Nature’s Intent organic fertilizers replenish depleted soil structure and nutrient content, including mi-crobial components – providing a rich soil en-vironment that mimics nature, not supplants it. Th e goal of Nature’s Intent is to improve

soil health, producing healthier plants, just as nature intended.

Pacifi c Calcium, Inc. has been providing the Pacifi c Northwest and Hawaii with granulated and ground limestone, dolomite, gypsum, and rock phosphate products since 1985, and is proud to introduce these organ-ic fertilizers to Canada.

Nature’s Intent Gran-ulated Feathermeal, Granulated Fish Bone-meal 4-13-0 and All

Purpose 7-2-4 have been approved by the CFIA and USDA for export to Canada.

Th e Nature’s Intent organic fertilizer line off ers a variety of formulations suitable to specifi c residential, agricultural and com-mercial soil needs, from farm crops to golf courses and everything in between. With years of product testing and outstanding re-sults, the product line is based on a philoso-

phy of complete soil restoration at compet-itive prices in easy-to-apply formulations.Th e product line is available in bulk, 2,000 lb tote bags, 50 lb bags (22.7 Kgs) and 25lb bags (11.34 kgs) and includes:

* Nature’s Intent Calpril (calcium carbonate) * Nature’s Intent Dolopril (dolomitic lime) * Nature’s Intent 7-2-4 All Purpose Fertilizer * Nature’s Intent Fish Bonemeal 4-13-0* Granulated Feathermeal 12-0-0 * Montana Natural Rock Phosphate 0-3-0 * Canadian Mountain Gypsum * Ground Dolomite & Limestone.

For more information on where to get Nature’s Intent on Vancouver Island, please go online and visit www.naturesintent.com or contact Jay Yanik (Sales Manager) at (509) 885-3414, or Pacifi c Calcium, Inc. at (509) 486-1201.

Nature’s Intent

1-877-553-3373 www.prairiecoastequipment.com

5045D Tractor 0% Financing for 60 Months

•2WD •45 HP•8F/4R Transmission•Independent 540 PTO

X300 Lawn TractorNo Payments or Interest for Months

Sale $17,500-Tractor Only-

•18.5 HP•42” Mower deck•4 yr/300 hr limited warranty•Twin Touch™ hydro trans. Sale $3,299

-Mow Like a Pro-

RSX Gator-Base Model3.9% Financing for 60 Months

Sale $14,300-Green & Yellow Base-

•1200lb tow/ 800lb payload cap•85km/h •839cc •4WD •10.3 in ground clearance

Expires May 31 2013

Items may not be exactly as shown, accessories & attachments cost extra. Taxes, set-up, delivery, freight, and preparation charges not included. A documentation fee of up to $250 will be applied on all finance offerings. Additional fees may apply. Programs and prices subject to change, without notice, at any time, see dealer for full details.*Offer valid from February 1, 2013 until May 31, 2013. Down payment may be required. Monthly payments and cost of borrowing will vary depending on amount borrowed and down payment. Minimum finance amount may be required. The charge for amounts past due is 24% per annum. Additional fees may apply. Subject to John Deere Financial approval. See participating dealer for details. Program subject to change, without notice, at any time. Eligibility for the $0 down payment offer is limited to highly qualified customers and scheduled monthly payments will be required. 0% purchase financing for 60 months on 5D/5E Utility Tractors with open stations and 9X3 transmission, under 83 HP. Representative Example: Model 5075E at $32,334, plus a $50 documentation fee, less a down payment of $0, at 0% APR, monthly payment is $539.73 for 60 months, total obligation is $32,383.80, cost of borrowing is $28.30. **Offer valid from March 1, 2013 until May 31, 2013. Subject to John Deere Financial approval. In the event you default on this or any John Deere Financial Multi-Use Account transaction, interest on all outstanding balances on your Multi-use accounts (including on this and all special Term transactions on your Multi-use Account) will begin to accrue immediately at 19.75% AIR from the date of default until paid in full, and you will be required to make monthly payments on your Multi-use Account equal to 2.5% (personal use); 3.0% (commercial use) of the original amounts financed plus interest. Minimum purchase and finance amount may be required. See your dealer for details. Program subject to change, without notice, at any time. For purchases on your Multi-use Account for personal use. Offer is unconditionally interest free for the first 12 months. After the 12 month period, for eligible purchases of goods and services: 1) a minimum monthly payment of 2.5% of the original amount financed is required; and 2) finance charges will begin to accrue immediately on amount financed at 17.9% per annum. ***Offer valid from March 1, 2013 until May 31, 2013. Subject to John Deere Financial approval. In the event you default on this or any John Deere Financial Multi-Use Account transaction, interest on all outstanding balances on your Multi-use accounts (including on this and all special Term transactions on your Multi-use Account) will begin to accrue immediately at 19.75% AIR from the date of default until paid in full, and you will be required to make monthly payments on your Multi-use Account equal to 2.5% (personal use); 3.0% (commercial use) of the original amounts financed plus interest. Taxes, set-up, delivery, freight, and preparation charges not included and may increase price or monthly payment(s).Minimum purchase and finance amount may be required. See your dealer for details. Program subject to change, without notice, at any time. For purchases on your Multi-use Account for personal, agricultural and commercial use. For eligible purchases of goods and services: 1) minimum monthly payment required (see example below); and 2) finance charges will begin to accrue immediately on amount financed at 3.9% per annum. No down payment required. A statement of account will be provided monthly. For example, on a new John Deere RSX 850i Sport, based on a cash selling price of $17,333† (selling price in example is based on MSRP as of 13 February 2013 and may change at any time without notice.) less a down payment of $0, to be financed for a maximum of 60 months with 60 monthly payments of $318.43 totalling $19,105.80 based on 3.9% AIR with a cost of borrowing of $1,772.80.

Retail $15,635Retail $3810


Like a lot of newly transplanted Vancouver Islanders, I used to think the yellow blooms of the Scotch Broom added

colour to our roadsides and ditches. It was just another native plant that contributed to the Island’s beauty -until I purchased my small farm two years ago and, declared war on the menace. Broom stages a yearly invasion, and requires that I do battle with it fiercely and repetitively, so it sits atop my most hated plant list.

Scotch broom is an invasive plant species that arrived on Vancouver Island in 1851 courtesy of Captain Walter Grant. He procured the seeds while visiting Hawaii and planted them on his farm in Sooke. Back then people didn’t realize how prolific this weed was, and used it as a decorative addition to their gardens and boulevards and as a bank stabilizer for landscape restructuring. Today it is a serious

problem causing harm to our ecosys-tem and many industries including farming and forestry.

Broom generates as many as 18,000 seeds per year, which remain viable for over 30 years. Additionally, Broom has a long life span (10-15 years), is drought tolerant, and has no native natural enemies. (Except me) This is one tough plant to do bat-tle with and if you’re going to go to war with an über-tough enemy you better have a good weapon — enter the Extractigator.

I discovered the Extractigator last summer when I broke a second pair of loppers trying to cut 2–3 inch Broom stems (thicker than a broom handle!) at ground level. The conventional wisdom was to “cut broom in bloom”, but when you have a veritable forest of broom with plants over 6 feet tall you’re going to go through a pile of loppers, time and skin (blisters, scratches etc.) to get the job done. I needed to wield another weapon. While at my local hardware store purchasing a third set of loppers (and complaining bitterly about my Broom battle) a staff person told me about the Extractigator. I rented the unit, and one day later I had decimated sev-eral hundred plants (some the size of small trees). Now I have my very own shiny, new Extractigator in the tool shed ready to do battle.

The Extractigator is an amazingly simple tool to use. By holding the tool close to vertical the jaws slide open on their own. You move the Extractigator in close to the plant so that the handle is more or less parallel with the stem and maneuver the jaws around the stem near the ground. (Fig 1) Then you simply pull back on the handle which causes the jaws to close and the tool to start leveraging the plant out of the soil by the root. (Figs 2 and 3) The company website (www.extractigator.com) explains how things like pull ratio and fulcrums are maximized but all I know is you will be amazed how little effort is required — even those large six footers with two inch trunks come out of the ground with relative ease. (Fig 4) When the plant is out you lift the Ex-tractigator up towards a vertical position again, the jaws open up effortlessly, automatically dropping the plant you just yanked out, and off you go to do battle with your next opponent. The tool is a marvel of engineering — a simple design with very few moving parts, there is little that can break and almost no maintenance. Clean after each use and lubricate once in a while and the tool should last generations!

The Extractigator is hand-made right here on Vancouver Island by Shawn Taylor of Exclusive Mechanical Systems, Ltd. and is fully guaranteed for materials and manufacturing. If you are about to wage your own war on the notorious Scotch Broom I most highly recommend you add this weapon to your arsenal. mark

Extractigator Scotch Broom’s Nemesis

fiG 1

fiG 2

fiG 3

fiG 4

The Ultimate toolto remove unwanted

bushes or trees!

Available at...Buckerfield’s, Sooke Home Hardware, Duncan Home Hardware, ParksvilleHome Hardware, Mouat’s Home Hardware, Willow Wind Feed & Tack,Richlock Rentals, Western Equipment, Beaver Creek Ace Home Center,Black Creek Farm & Feed, Borden Mercantile, Slegg Lumber, Port McNeillRona, Wild Rose Garden Centre, Pender Island Home Building Centre,Windsor Plywood Salt Spring Island, Mayne Island Building Centre,And online at: www.extractigator.com

design!Awardwinning

Proudly...Made In CanAda!Shawnigan Lake, BC

“Send Broom…to its doom!!”

Invasive plants?See ya later,Alligator!!


many people have heard the slogan: “Know your farmer; know your food.” On Vancouver Island, we are fortunate to have many oppor-

tunities to do just that. At farmers markets we can develop relationships with the people who grow our weekly vegetables. Not only are we buying healthy delicious food, we can learn more about how that food is grown, how to prepare it, and how we might start growing food ourselves.

Another way of knowing the farmer is to become involved in Community Supported Agriculture (CSA). A CSA farm invites people to become season’s members. As a member, you pay the farmer your money up front before the growing season begins. This cash flow allows the farmer to invest in seed, repair farm machinery, and most importantly, know how many people he/she will be growing food for. Some farmers can be flexible and are willing to accept post- dated cheques. When harvest time arrives, shareholders are notified and on a weekly basis come to the farm to pick up their share of the vegetables grown. A share reflects the size of family; paid for and distributed accordingly. Some farms deliver.

At Alderlea Farm in Glenora (southwest of Duncan), the community is invited to taste how delicious organically-grown vegetables are at the Alderlea Farm Café. A meal at the Café has been known to convince people to become in-volved in the Farm’s CSA program. With produce picked fresh from the field that day, Katy Ehrlich prepares meals that enhance the natural goodness. Cre-ating community around food goes back to the beginning of time. Sitting with friends and family at the Café overlooking the valley on a sunny day is balm for the spirit.

Lorna Medd of Cowichan Station, a retired health advocate, puts it succinct-ly; “We’re living in a time when there’s loss of habitat, climate change and the introduction of chemicals into the environment. Our hospitals are jammed

with people suffering from chronic conditions of obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease. Yes, exercise is important, but so is good food. Unfortunately, the food that’s easily accessible is generally devoid of goodness.”

There are more and more farmers on Vancouver Island who are providing a healthy alternative to the processed food we’ve become accustomed to. As food labeling

From theGround Up

Community Supported Agriculture


becomes more convoluted and the term “organic” is being watered down, it is increasingly important that we know how our food is grown. Jill Ross of Shawnigan Lake says, “When you know your farmer and trust them, that organic label is not so important. After all, labels don’t always tell the whole story.”

Chuck Thompson of Duncan concurs, “I want to know if the person growing my food is working the land to support it, or if their methods are devastating

the land.” Many people want to know that the island’s arable farmland will be available and healthy to produce the food their children and grandchildren will need.

When we care about the quality of our food and put our money where our mouth is, we can create the kind of food resources we want. We have choice. Local farming becomes stable and viable when there is a connection between the people who raise food and the people who eat it. This relationship between farmer and consumer has eroded over past decades, and now, in exciting ways, is being turned around. Families are a vital link in this new movement in farming. Connecting children to the land, to the source of their food is both nurturing in the present and sustain-ing in the long run.

Being part of a CSA program and bringing children to a farm helps them develop an ap-preciation for the food they eat. “Children taste the sweetness, the goodness, the vitality in the food we grow,” says Katy Ehrlich of Alderlea Farm, “and they start to enjoy eating vegeta-bles.” They also can see the farmer at work. A positive encounter with farming and food can have far reaching effects. How many children answer “farmer” when asked what they would like to be when they grow up? Farming is not the valued profession it needs to be. Our live-lihood depends on it. Becoming familiar with life on the farm can be exciting, interesting and life changing. Pulling a carrot or searching for an egg was a commonplace activity a hundred years ago. Today, many children have never had the experience. Joining a CSA or visiting a farm allows a child to connect with the land.

Many people have been alarmed to learn that should something happen to interrupt ferry service for any length of time, there is only enough food on Vancouver Island to feed the population for 3 days. We need to lessen our dependence on imported food and strength-en our own ability to feed and sustain our-selves. For those who don’t have the interest

or ability to grow their own food, becoming involved in a CSA is one way of investing in health, community and the future.

Farmer John of Alderlea Farm says, “Coming to a farm allows people to see how the food is grown, to smell it, taste it.”

Check out the delicious food at the Alderlea Farm Café - Tues-days, Fridays and Saturdays from 11:00am – 6:00pm. alder-leafarm.com. Google ‘CSA Vancouver Island’ to find a partici-pating farm near you. And consider buying your vegetables this coming season from a farm stand, a farmer’s market or a CSA and put your money where your mouth is! Invest in your health; support your local farmer.

Selinde Krayenhoff is the co-founder of Island Parent Magazine and its former publisher and editor. She is a writer and speaker on topics that intrigue and compel her. She volunteers at Alderlea Farm. Visit her blog: selindek.wordpress.com


Island Farmers’ Markets

SOUTH ISLAND

NORTH ISLAND

CENTRAL ISLAND

OAKLANDS SUNSET June-Aug

Every 2nd Wed 4:30-8:00

250.370.91032827 BELMONT, VICTORIA

MOSS ST. COMMUNITY May-Oct

Saturdays 10:00-2:00live music

250.361.1747401 MOSS ST, VICTORIA

SOOKE COUNTRYMay- Oct

Saturdays 10:00-2:[email protected]

2407 OTTER POINT RD, SOOKE

JAMES BAY May-Oct

Sundays 9:00-3:00produce, music, craft s

250.381.5323494 SUPERIOR ST. VICTORIA

GOLDSTREAM STATION May 25- Oct 19

Saturdays 10:00-12:00250.507.5767

BRYN MAUR RD, LANGFORD

PENINSULA COUNTRY June-Oct

Saturdays 9:00-1:00250.216.0521

1528 STELLYS CROSS RD, SAANICH FAIRGROUNDS

NORTH SAANICHJune

Saturdays 9:30-12:30food and entertainmentnorthsaanichfarmmarket.ca10990 WEST SAANICH RD

SIDNEY SUMMER June- Aug

Th ursdays 5:30 pm- 8:30 pmvery large market

250.655.6433BEACON AVE, SIDNEY

DUNCAN FARMERS Year Round

Saturdays 9:00-2:00250.732.1723

DUNCAN CITY SQUARE & INGRAM ST

HONEYMOON BAYMay- Oct

Saturdays 10:00-2:00250.749.7233

“COFFEE MILL” SITE, HONEYMOON BAY

LADYSMITHMay - Sept

Tuesdays 3:00-7:00250.245.21121ST AVENUE LADYSMITH

DUKE POINT Everyday 8:30-5:30

fresh produce and craft s250.324.2227

DUKE POINT FERRY TERMINAL

CEDAR FARMERSMay- Oct

Sundays 10:00-2:00250.668.5783

CROW AND GATE PUB FIELD,CEDAR, NANAIMO

NANAIMO DOWNTOWN May 24- Oct 11

Fridays 10:00-2:00Sept 15,17,27 10:00-3:00

[email protected] FRONT ST, NANAIMO

BOWEN ROAD May- Oct

Wednesdays 4:00-6:30250.390.5199

2300 BOWEN ROAD, NANAIMO

LANTZVILLE May 5- Oct 27

Sundays 1:00-4:00250.390.4487

7113 LANTZVILLE ROAD,LANTZVILLE

PORT ALBERNI Year Round

Saturdays 8:30-12:00250.723.7472

DOWNTOWN @ HARBOUR QUAY

ERRINGTONMay- Sept

Saturdays 10:00-1:00250.248.9929

ERRINGTON COMMUNITY PARK, VETERANS RD COOMBS

SPIDER/HORNE LAKEMay 11 - Sept 7 Daily

Pineridge Farm Market 250.619.8047

2715 TURNBULL RD.QUALICUM

COMOX VALLEYMay-Sept

Wed 9:00-1:00 Sat 9:00-12:00250.218.0321

COURTENAY EXITBITION GROUNDS

PARKSVILLE June-Aug

Tuesdays 6:00-8:00Artisan+Food+Music

250.248.3613123 CRAIG ST, PARKSVILLE

QUALICUM BEACH May 2- Oct 10

Saturdays 8:30-12:00250.248.8005

VETERANS WAY & MEMORIALQUALICUM BEACH

SALT SPRING ISLANDMarch 30- Oct 26

Saturdays 8:30-3:30250.598.4497

CENTENNIAL PARK, GANGESSALT SPRING ISLAND

GABRIOLA ISLAND May- Sept

Saturdays 10:00-12:00250.247.9095

465 SOUTH ROAD, GABRIOLA ISLAND

IF WE MISSED YOUR MARKET PLEASE LET US KNOW!250.924.1439


The Cowichan Green Community (CGC) has been working on a project to bring farmers, chefs and retail purchasers

together. The idea percolated up from Executive Director Judy Stafford when she found that both the producers and the buyers wanted to connect — but were missing a key conduit — which CGC hoped to provide.

Project Researchers Tessa Stiven, Audra Stacey and Niki Stutynski started the 6 month long project in November. It has encompassed a survey, interviews with locals, two focus groups and other market research. After the data was collected, the researchers realized that the information would be best shared in the form of a handbook. I was lucky enough to get a sneak peak at the product, and was very impressed with not only the quality, but the significant usefulness of the handbook.

The handbook, “Growing Connections” covers information about three purchasing sectors — chefs, retail purchasers and institutions. It explains to the farmer how these sectors buy and prepare food products. Conversely, purchasers learn how the farmer’s crop is produced including seasonal harvest schedules, how to build relationships with farmers, considerations for stor-ing and processing local food, and how to feature local products in their marketing programs, that is, sharing the food’s story. The entire handbook will be available on line at www.cowichangreencommunity.org.

Stiven, Stacey and Stutynski came to the conclusion through their research that an online marketplace would be extremely helpful to farmers and purchasers, and have made recommendations that the next project address this need when funding becomes available.

The Cowichan Green Community is a non-profit organization that has been focusing on environmental sustainability in the Cowichan Region for over eleven years. For the last six years CGC’s mandate has revolved mainly around improving food security by developing strong relationships with local food producers and increasing urban and rural food production. They can be reached at 250.748.8506 or visit the office at 360 Duncan Street in Duncan.

Thanks to the Cowichan Green Community for sharing this excerpt from the Farm to Chef section of the Growing Connections Handbook.

commitment and consistencyCommitment to the restaurant and supply consistency are key to building a relationship with a chef or restaurant.

Start with communicating reliably. Call or email to take orders at a regular, agreed upon time each week (usually a weekday afternoon between the lunch and dinner rush is a good time). Set up a delivery time that also works for both you and the restaurant and deliver at this time each week.

Once a relationship has been established, always do your best to fulfill your obligation even if it means supplementing your order with produce from another farm. If you are simply unable to fill an order, let the restaurant know as soon as possible so they can make other arrangements for finding or substituting an ingredient. If the quality of the product is lower than expected, let the chef know and offer a discount. Never send dirty or low quality product as part of an order.

Know your ProductsAs farmers, of course you know your product. However, it’s important to know how to communicate this information to chefs. For example, be prepared to describe to chefs the particular qualities of an item at a certain time of year (e.g. is the arugula peppery or mild). Or if a product has run out, be able to suggest a substitute of a similar product (e.g. rutabaga for turnips).

Also, it is important to communicate when new products are coming into season or slowing down. Doing so will give chefs ample time to adjust their menus.

extend your seasonFarm production is usually slower in the winter, depending on the product, but so is the restaurant business. That said, restaurants do not usually shut down entirely in the winter and if you are able to continue supplying them year-round, then they are less likely to go and find another supplier.

Growing Connections

The Broody Rooster Guesthouse & Gallery

250.245.4405

2980 Giovando NANAIMO

Art Show & SaleAugust 15-18

broodyrooster.com

Nicole VaugeoisLesley Lorenz

featuring


This is the horse that built Canada. First recognized

in the mid seventeenth century, our country’s pioneers rode this breed across the prairies, used them to homestead, log and un-load ships. The Canadian horse is our proud heritage, and belongs to each one of us. It is an official national symbol, and has a striking profile - most often black as midnight, 15–16 hands in stature; athletic yet calm and easy to handle. Their movement is fluid, swift and exuberant, making them an excellent choice for a range of disciplines, from trail riding to jumping and dressage.

The 16th Annual Canadian Horse Show will be held at the Cowichan Exhibi-tion Grounds on Canada Day. This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a free event with the whole family. Spectators will get a chance to view a variety of events, including halter classes, dressage, jumping, and even a costume class, which is always popular with children.

Vancouver Island has the greatest concentration of the highest classifying Canadian horses in the country, and is home to the specific horse, Bil-ly, whose image is displayed at Heritage Canada as the national symbol. Many of his offspring will attend the July 1st event!

Made in Canada Profile of the Canadian Horse

Coming soon to the Cowichan Exhibition


The Canada Day show was originally conceived to help promote the breed, and give it a sustainable, prominent position as the official breed of Canada. It is also an opportunity to cele-brate the beauty of this powerful Canadian icon. While most of the horses, riders and trainers participating in the event are from the island or the lower mainland, the show is open to all, and some entrants travel from as far east as Ontario.

Island resident Dorothy Kirby, who received a lifetime achievement award from the BC Horse Council in 2010, will judge the event.

This is the perfect way to celebrate Canada Day — with a national symbol, at a free local island event. Visit for a little while or stay all day.

To find out more, please contact Claire at 250.710.5851.

EQUINE EMPORIUM

4485 -A Trans Canada Hwy

Duncan

Lots for You & Your Barn Buddies!Clothes . Tack . Gi� ware . Lots More

250.746.8122

UNDER THE BIG RED BOOT

Open 10-5, 7 Days a Weekwww.EquineEmporium.com


Winter clean-up is nearly over. Hairy horses are turning into smooth and shiny horses, thanks to our hardy

grooming regime and a sturdy pair of clippers. Wet riding rings are drying out and the promise of long sunny days have us hitting the trails again. Warm water proof gear can be packed away (almost) and room made for lighter, brighter horse blankets and riding gear. Spring time is here and show season is just around the corner!

You don’t have to compete in a horse event to enjoy the pleasure of being at one. I encourage all horse lovers to check out and support local horse shows. I enjoy rodeos, horse racing, dressage, show jumping, cutting and reining, breed shows and everything in between! You don’t have to be a competitor to appreciate the skill required for each discipline, or find yourself fascinated by the unique qualities of the different breeds involved — such as Thoroughbreds in horse racing or Quarter Horses in reining — and you never know where you may find a new interest. A few years ago I volunteered at a local competitive trail riding event and was fascinated by the various ages and abilities of the riders,

and the diverse breeds and sizes of the horses. Until I had this experience, I had no idea how thrilling and how accessible com-petitive trail riding is. You’ll be surprised by what you can learn just by being at an event!

I haven’t competed at a horse show since I was a teenager. At that time I was a member of my local Pony Club, rode at a popular boarding and riding lesson stable, and would catch a trailer ride to the odd local show in the sunny summer months between school years. Now I ride for pleasure only, but part of the plea-sure I take in horses is continuing my education in horsemanship and riding. Horse shows are a fun place to learn about both.

So now I’ve talked you into spending a sunny spring weekend hanging around a horse show. Get up early, dress in layers, bring rain gear and grab a hot cup of coffee for the road. Make sure you have cash on hand to purchase snacks (or pack some for the day), have water and sunscreen handy, and bring a camera if you’ve got one. Oh and bring along a pen and notepad, so you don’t have to remember the name of a horse and rider you admire, the style of breeches you just have to have, or a technique you noticed that may work for your own riding.

First thing in the morning you can start your education hanging around horses and riders getting ready for their day. Take some time to watch how riders prepare their horses, such as grooming techniques and equipment use, how they braid manes or brush out tails, the type of tack they use. Even fun information, like seeing the latest trends in horse and rider fashion, is easily gath-ered at a horse show. If you can find someone who doesn’t seem to be rushing for an early class, horse people are often happy to share their secrets for keeping a horse’s tail thick and shiny, or riding pants clean before entering the show ring.

Next, make your way to the warm-up area and spend some time observing riders and horses prepare for their class. As a dressage rider I learn a lot by watching other dressage riders — especially advanced riders — warm-up for a class. Take note of what they focus on (relaxation or energy, flexibility or collection), how they school the horse through a spooky corner of the arena, or keep their horse’s attention in an environment full of distractions. Watching riders handle nervous horses, spooking or disobedience, and other challenging situations, is valuable education to improve your own riding skill, whether you trail ride or take weekly lessons.

Watching and learning from more advanced riders is a particu-larly useful way to improve your own riding. When watching a class, make notes on horse and rider teams that seem to be doing well. What makes them stand out? How does the rider’s skill and horse’s performance differ from others in the class? Watching

Learn from the Pros at the Horse Shows

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good riders can train your eye to recognize qualities such as a deep seat, light hands or a strong two-point position. In my own riding I’m currently working on improving my contact. I’m usu-ally too light with a lot of loop in the rein. Watching advanced riders shows me what steady, effective contact looks like, and how this contact affects the horse. I’m able to take these images into the saddle with me as I visualize the reins in my own hands, steady and effective.

Horse shows are the place to see who’s out and about in the local horse community. Each show season is the chance to see new horses and riders, as well as new trainers and riding instructors. For instance, heading to a horse show is especially useful if you’re looking to buy a horse or find a riding teacher. Riding instructors often travel with their students to shows, especially if they’re the instructor at a riding stable, and many compete themselves. Hang around the warm-up ring and watch riding instructors interact with their students. Or you may find them competing on a green horse or riding in advanced classes. In this setting you have a chance to observe their riding and teaching style and decide if it’s a fit for your own interests and goals. If you’re considering buying a horse, going to local horse shows gives you a big picture view of the kind of horses being ridden locally, and horses currently available can be seen on the ground and under saddle in an environment where you can easily observe the horse’s temperament, training, talents and abilities.

Horse shows offer the opportunity to meet other horse lovers in your community. They’re great places to socialize and to get excited about horses and riding, and horse people love to share their passion and this passion is infectious. I often find myself coming home from a show more energized and more inspired to improve my own riding and horsemanship skills. I dare you to go to a show jumping, dressage or western pleasure show and not

find yourself wishing you were in your own saddle, instead of sitting on the sidelines!

Guest writer Adrienne Wanhill is a novice dressage rider living in a horsey girl’s dream home — a loft suite above a barn.

May 16–19 SSITS Hunter/Jumper Show (VIH-JA) Watch a “bronze level” professional show, with hunters and jumpers from all over the Island. Saanich Fair Grounds. Contact Diana Edwards [email protected]

May 18–20 Langford Rodeo, Luxton fairgrounds Sad-dle & Bareback Bronc Riding, Bull Riding, Steer Wres-tling, Ladies Barrels, Mutton Bustin’, Boot Scramble. Contact Sandy West and Charlie Price 250.478.4250

May 19 Western performance horse show North Vancouver Island Horse Association Courtenay Fair-grounds. Contact Deb 250.338.5690

May 26 MICA Spring Schooling Dressage Show, Beban Park, Nanaimo Everybody welcome! Each rider will be given feedback, draw prizes throughout the show! For more information and entry forms visit www.midislandcadora.com or email [email protected]

June 2 Saddle Club Fun Show. Metchosin Ring This is an open show offering various classes including showmanship, halter, leadline, various pleasure and equitation, musical ride classes, and western games in the afternoon. People are allowed to ride in English or Western tack in the classes. Email [email protected] or call Gail 250.642.4515

June 2 Vancouver Island Appaloosa Horse Club Show at Westside Stables For all levels, fun show in a low stress environment 6404 Central Saanich Road. Contact Stacy Carlos 250.920.9896

June 13–16 Westside Derby Show (VIHJA Points Show) at Westside Stables Hunter and Jumper derby show, fun for all ages! 6404 Central Saanich Road. Contact Leanne Creed 250.544.0050

June 15 Cedar Horse Club Schooling Show Show for beginners, great to watch and learn from them. Beban Park, Nanaimo. Contact Lesley Coultish [email protected]

June 22–23 Arbutus R.V. Miniature Horse Show/Clinic & Silent Auction (all proceeds to Pipsqueak Paddocks ). Judge for this show/clinic will be AMHA/AMHR judge, Roger Eitel. Contact Denise Watson 250.748.3880

May 11–June 16 Campbell River Trail Riders various shows in Western, Dressage and English Shows. For more information visit www.campbellrivertrailriders.com

July 1 The Canadian Horse Show, Cowichan Exhibi-tion Grounds Duncan BC. Free family fun. For more information contact [email protected]


If your dream is about to become a tangible reality, and you are shopping

around for an equestrian property, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind as you browse the countryside.

How many acres do you need? At the bare minimum, an acre of accessible land per horse is required, although they’ll be happier and healthier with more room than that — and able to get

at least some of their nutrients from grazing on a good pasture.

How do you know if it’s good pasture? Walk through the fields. They may look green from a distance, but up close, you’ll see nettles, thistles, or tansy. (Tansy is toxic to horses — you’ll want to remove any you find.) If the earth is soaking wet and swampy, it won’t be good for your horse’s hooves. If it’s all rock, they’ll still be uncomfortable.

Where should you buy? A secluded mountain top may seem ideally magical, well priced, and you may get more acres for your dollar, but keep in mind that if you have to travel a long way to work you’ll spend all your time commuting in-stead of riding with the wind in your hair.

Are the barns and shelters adequate? A broken-down barn with honeysuckle crowded over it may look charming, but

if you have horses, you’re really going to have to use that barn. Check for water sources and electrical to the outbuildings. Is it leaking? Repairs can be costly! In fact, you should research the cost of building the size of barn you’ll need — even small, two horse shelters are several thousand dollars to construct, and larger stables can cost well over $20,000. You’ll want to factor this into the price of the property

— not only as financial cost, but also your time and energy.

Is the fencing in good repair? Fencing is critical to keeping horses. Walk the entire property line before you buy. Horses like a fence that is easy to see (avoid barbed wire). Hedges are simply not reliable enough — an escaped horse is a danger to himself and to others. A simple rule of thumb for having fencing put in — plan on at least $1000 per acre, depending on materials used.

Buying a Property with Horses in MindIf wishes were horses, we all would ride!

See Multimedia, History & Possibilities atAlberniBestProperty.com

The GablesThe Alberni Valley’s

Landmark Homestead

The GablesThe Alberni Valley’s

Landmark Homestead

Once in a Lifetime Off ering by:Sandra Lamoureux

RE/MAX Mid-Island Realty, Port Alberni, BC

250.724.HOME (4663)TF 800.856.4337

Once in a Lifetime Off ering by:Sandra Lamoureux

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250.724.HOME (4663)TF 800.856.4337

2+ acre fl ower farm $897,0002+ acre fl ower farm $897,000

Remax Mid Island.indd 1 5/27/10 3:25:33 PM

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Each office independently owned and operated.Not intended to solicit properties already listed for sale.

#1 - 5140 Metral DriveNanaimo, BC V9T 2K8

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If you are considering Buying or Selling Real Estate in Nanaimo then contact Rob Grey and his team

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Rob Grey and his team are one of Nanaimo’s topproducing real estate teams. The team has

extensive experience in the purchase and saleof rural properties.

LOOKING forinformationon acreage

and farm listings?


Are you close to trails? The whole point of finding a property for your horses (unless you’re a breeder) is to get out and enjoy a

ride. Check out the trails in the area, and the access from the property to the trails. Are the connecting roadways small and virtually traffic-free? You’re less likely to get out for a ride if you have to trailer your horse to the trails.

Do you love it? You have to love it. the plant tansy is toxic to horses.

Sunny 8 acres with greenhouses. Property zoned A-1 and in Agricultural Land Reserve. Property is only partially used by greenhouses and would suit a main home and secondary build-ing for farm hand. Perfect horse property surrounded by trails for riding. Wonderful view of Cobble Hill Mountain. Property is cleared and ready to go for more gardening or storage as need-ed. HST applicable. Water and electricity available. Great loca-tion for Duncan and Victoria area commute. Would make a great location for any business allowable under the current zoning.

NANCY Vieira.com | Pemberton Holmes Ltd 250.514.4750 | rural specialist

Enjoy the peace & privacy of a legacy property. A generous 3 bed plus, 2 bath, 2061 sqft French Provincial farm home sited on a sunny oasis down a country lane. Huge living room with cozy fireplace, office/guest bedroom 2 playrooms. Work shop and nu-merous out buildings. Vegetable & flower gardens surround the home site. Oak floors throughout, features include dormers, skylights & wood sash windows. Fruit trees, stream & pond complete with ducks, on 9.12 wooded ocean view acres. Zoning permits 3 homes. A rare find on the Victoria side of Sooke. Only minutes to Sooke, Langford and shorter commute to Victoria. Come see this hobby farm at 5266 Sooke Road. Easy walk to Galloping Goose Park Trail. Bus transportation is at lane way on Sooke Road.

BUY NOW! Very peaceful rural setting allows for enjoyable lifestyles, just large enough to be very private. Comfortable, inviting homes that are well suited to fami-ly living and entertaining. The design of the 13 acre farm allows for numerous ventures and activities. With the central location near two big city centers (Victo-ria~Nanaimo 1 hour away); local shopping just 5 minutes away and close to the air-port. Beautiful setting with extensive landscaping to enjoy what each season brings. Many things were planted her; love being the main one. Dreams can be made and realized here~on this land and in these homes. Make these homes your dream come true on the best farm land area south of Duncan.The Saskatoon Berry Farm.

Gordon’s Beach Farm features a panoramic ocean view overlooking the Olympic Moun-tains,the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and Sheringham Point Lighthouse. Relax and unwind on your 10 acre estate located 10 minutes from the Village of Sooke, and one hour from Victoria, on fabulous Vancouver Island. Privacy and West Coast living are second to none at this property. Art Deco Home has four delightful suites with private entrances, ocean view cabin and barn with studio/shop. Easy stroll to many natural attractions including miles of rugged west coast beaches, ocean kayaking, windsurfing, incredible hiking, biking trails, and whale watching from shore. Experience nature at her finest, whales, sea lions, birds! BRING YOUR HORSES!

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Hope for Horses is a non-profi t society that

raises funds through the ef-forts of volunteers. It is in-

tended to be a last resort for the care of equines when all personal resources and potential lenders have been exhaust-ed. It was born out of the need to raise funds for Vancouver Island horses that have been neglected, abused or abandoned. We are not a horse rescue, but rather a resource for funding for horse(s) in distress. For more informa-tion on our society please feel free to visit our website where our Funding Application form can be found. We recognize that sometimes when "life happens" there is a need for a place for people to turn to for temporary help and assistance for their horses. Once a request has been made, our funding committee (which includes a veterinarian) re-views and makes a decision on whether the society can as-sist in order to cause a positive outcome for the horse. Th e application process is completely discreet and confi dential. Our Blanket Bank program has been very successful in part to our Vancouver Island horse folks who have generous-ly donated their used blankets to this cause. Th ey have been washed and repaired and are ready for an equine in need any-where in BC. We also accept brushes, halters and lead ropes. Hope for Horses raises money each year. Our 2013 spring project is a unique cookbook called Country Kitchen Recipes with recipes collected from our equine community, family and friends. Th anks to our wonderful sponsors, family and the equine community we know our book will be a great success. Th e cookbooks will be available mid June and you can check our website for Island locations to buy your copy or place an order thereby helping an equine in need. We welcome new members.

Yvonne Dekleyne

www.hopeforhorsesbc.com

Raising andDistributing Funds to Aid Equines in Need


ARRowVALE FARm & mARkETBob & Ann Collins250.723.7948www.arrowvale.cafarm products, hay rides, maple syrup

BoB’S PLACEBob Haynes250.724.1116Poultry & eggs, lamb & pork

AVALoN FARmCathy & Kerry MacDonald250.724.6721www.avalon.caorganic blueberries

ChASE & wARREN ESTATE wINERy250.723.9463www.chaseandwarren.caa variety of local wines

CoLEmAN mEADowS FARmJennifer Dyson250.724.0876www.island.net/~awphbberries, flowers, herbs & beef

CoTToNwooD FARmJan Carter250.723.8214www.cottonwoodfarm.calamb, wool products & vegetables.

NASh DhALIwAL250.724.5207Blueberries-in season

EDEN TREE FARm & GARDENINGHeather Shobe250.724.2175www.edentreefarm.capermaculture farm & nursery

EmERALD CoAST VINEyARDS250.724.1500www.emeraldcoastvineyards.cared, white & blush wine

GEoRGE hAACk250.724.4588Produces beef, hay & hops

hEAVEN SENT RANChRandy & Lee Gibson250.724.2002 250.735.0590Produces lamb, beef & wool

hERTEL mEATS250.723.9698www.hertelmeats.compork products, bacon, sausage, & smoked meats

kICkING BIRD EmU RANChDoug & Ruth Jeffrey250.724.3608Provides Emu meats, oils, & soap.

LEDA oRGANIC FARmGary & Jackie Swann250.723.7692produce, eco-forest, maple syrup, nuts

ThE LEE FARmBob & Vickie Lee250.723.7472lamb, chickens, brown eggs vegetables & preserves

mAUREEN & PETER LENIhAN250.724.3703Raises sheep & turkey. Produces wool & eggs.

LoNELy PINE RANChDoug & Patti Donovan250.723.7780vegetables, fruits, berries, eggs, preserves, baking

LUCky DUCk FARmJohn & Lisa McInnis250.723.7877Ducks, vegetables, duck & chicken eggs, mushrooms

mCCoy LAkE FARmSBill Thomson250.724.3775www.farmerbills.comSells beef, pork, & local hay

mIRABEL URBAN FARmJen & Stephen Fisher-Bradley250.724.7308seeds, bedding plants, herbs, fruits & nuts

mISS FITz FARmGrant Volkmann250.720.0997Provides organic chicken, turkey, & eggs

NAESGAARD’S FARm & mARkET250.723.3622www.naesgaards.comStrawberries (June-October), vegetables in season

NUTTy FARmLarry Marzinke250.724.7306Grass-fed beef, chicken, eggs, vegetables & nuts.

PETRoNELLA’S PRoDUCE & PoULTRyRandy & Deana Bolger250.723.4514vegetables turkey, chicken & eggs

PLEASANT VALLEy FARmVancouver Island Grain & Milling Wayne & Carrie Smith250.723.9988www.vancouverislandgrainandmilling.commilled cereals & flour

RAGES FARm250.723.2359Local produce, specializing in year-round cucumbers

BILL & mARGo TAyLoR250.724.5380Sells lamb (whole & sides), eggs, & pears

PoTTER’S PRoDUCEBen Potter250.723.5170vegetables, eggs, garden tours

RAIN VALLEy FARmDarryl Hatch & Ann DeBrincat250.724.5594eggs, beef, pork & turkey, herbs.

TIm & EV (E.J.mILLER) TowLE250.723.8061herbs & plants, creams, vinegars, vinaigrettes, original art

Port Alberni Farm Gates Shop Your Local Growers

grow with us in the

www.portalberni.ca

Alberni Valley

Mike IrgRegional Planner

250.720.2710

� e Most A� ordable Agricultural Land On Vancouver Island.Pat DeakinEconomic Development 250.720.2527


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iNGRedieNts• 1 kg lean ground meat (a

mix of pork, bison and beef is ideal) 3 cloves garlic, diced

• 1 sm onion, diced• 2 farm fresh eggs• 1 brick of feta, crumbled• 2 handfuls of freshly

chopped cilantro

• 6 dashes Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tsp Montreal steak spice• 1 tsp pepper• 1 tsp brown sugar• 1 tsp paprika• 1 tsp dried chilis• 1⁄2 tsp dried mint• 1⁄2 tsp cumin• 1 tbsp HP sauce

Mike & Marley’sKitchen Sink Burgers

*abOUt bisONBison is a type of ground meat that can be cooked medium rare to well-done, as long as the meat is fresh and healthy-looking (go local!)

Allow patties to rest for about 5–10 minutes before serving, otherwise the patty can fall apart and the juices will run instead of soaking into your burger.

If you don’t put love into the burgers or your barbeque, you might as well go to a drive-thru.

tRY these YUMMY OPtiONs ON YOUR bbQ tOO…The Sausage House farmer’s smokey. It’s a course grind, lightly smoked sausage with extra garlic. Pawel knows you’ll love it!

Betty recommends Cedar Valley Poultry’s free range chicken thighs — simmer or marinate for a little while before grilling, and they’ll stay moist and juicy!

RecOMMeNded cOOKiN’ tUNesMosquito Song, Queens of the Stone Age

bbQ tiPs

Make sure your grill is clean before you start, and be sure to use a metal brush to get all the black gunk off.

Preheat your barbeque properly, for even cooking and a nicely seared outer layer. Brush grill with cooking oil or spray with PAM, or your burgers will stick and fall apart. If this happens, improvise and add more saucey stuff to the bits of burger to make Sloppy Joe’s. Do not use olive oil as it tends to burn and can give bison an off taste.

Make sure to flip after 6–8 min, and then leave it alone until cooked. No double flipping. A burger only has one good flip in it anyways.

Do not press down on the patties with your flipper, as all the juices will run out.

diRectiONs1. Preheat BBQ to 475–500 degrees.2. Place meat in a large bowl. Mix the ground meat with your fingers until

separated, then add both eggs and mix thoroughly. Add ingredients one by one, mixing and squishing with your hands until everything is in there. Leave feta and cilantro for last.

3. Once the meat is seasoned to your liking, form into eight patties.4. BBQ until meat is brown and slightly pink* on the inside, about 6–8 min on each side. Throw a few peppers and some sliced zucchini on

the grill after brushing with oil for a quick and easy veggie side dish.

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Beaver Creek Market 6230 Beaver Creek Rd. Port Alberni 250-724-3932Black Creek Feed 2184 Lalum Rd. Black Creek 250-337-8922Buckerfi elds Duncan 5410 Trans Canada Hwy. Duncan 250-748-8171Buckerfi elds Nanaimo #1-1277 Island Hwy Nanaimo 250-753-4221Buckerfi elds Parksville 587 Alberni Highway Parksville 250-248-3243Buckerfi elds Saanich 1970 Keating Cross Road Saanichton 250-652-9188Foxglove Farm & Garden 104 Atkins Rd. Ganges (Salt Spring Island) 250-537-5531Heriot Bay Tru-Value Foods 1536 Heriot Bay Road Quadra Island 250-285-2436McDonalds Farm RR#1 - P14 Bowen Island 604-947-2517Quality Farm & Garden RR#4 325A Pratt Rd. Gibsons 604-886-7527Rainbow Valley Farm & Pet 4480 Manson Ave. Powell River 604-485-2244Raven Feed & Pet Supply 535 North Road Gabriola Island 250-247-9200Station Farm & Feed 1290 Alberni Hwy Errington 250-248-8631The Trading Post 3345 Island Highway Cassidy 250-245-2115Welcome Harvest Farm Ltd Van Anda 604-486-7137White House Stables 9774 West Saanich Rd., RR#2 Sidney 250-656-8701Willow Wind Feed 2714 Sooke Rd. Langford 250-478-8012

Find ProForm at these independently-owned Vancouver & Gulf Island and Sunshine Coast locations, or where premium feeds are sold:

south Wellington Valley, just south of Nanaimo is home to Plecas Meats,

livestock service provider to community minded farmers from all over the Island. For over 50 years, Plecas Meats has supplied farmers with custom processing, cutting and wrapping and transportation of animals. In addition to their traditional services a new program has been devised by the second generation business owners Rod and Rhonda.

This program supports the Buy Local concept by giving consumers the assurance of knowing where their meat comes from. The Plecas family has developed their own software tracking system that tracks the products from the farmer to the consumer.

Every animal that is processed for this program will carry an ID number and that number will appear on every package that is created from that animal. Information about the source of the meat will be available on the website. Consumers will be able to trace

the source of the meat right back to the very farm where it was produced.

Farmers who bring animals to be processed and sold through the program must sign a Code of Ethics Form, ensuring that the an-imal has never received steroids or growth hormones, has not received antibiotics within eight weeks of processing and has never been fed animal by-products. Only grass or grass/grain fed animals are accept-ed for the program, and are guaranteed to have been raised and processed ethically.

“Great tasting meat products result from a combination of animal husbandry, feeding practices, aging and quality meat cutting” says Plecas. “We’re a Class “A” Government Inspected abattoir, and provide fresh frozen cuts of beef, pork and lamb to our customers. We package homemade sausages and ham-burger patties ready for the grill, and also sell by the whole, by the side or quarter. We invite both farmers and consumers to give us a call.”

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The black-tailed deer is a familiar sight for Islanders. Most often observed at dawn or dusk, they live on the edge, where

forest meets clearing. Deer are ruminants (they have four stom-achs, like a cow) but rather than graze, they like to browse. They enjoy the tips of cherry trees, the tops of flowers, berries, clover, lichens and bark. A vegetable or flower garden is a deer’s buffet: they prefer to delicately nibble a little of everything. Here are a few tips for protecting your garden.

deterrents: “Just keep moving folks”These suggestions are designed to make your garden seem like it’s not worth the effort.

• Plant items the deer don’t like around the edges of your garden: try foxgloves, chives, and sage — they dislike strong-smelling or thorny plants when given the choice. They do love roses.

• Take your dog out to the garden often, so his smell gets a chance to settle there.

• Put human or dog hair tucked under the leaves of your plants. This also adds a few nutrients to the soil.

• Flashy or noisy items are generally offensive to deer. Try hang-ing some old CDs in your fruit trees (Billy Ray Cyrus works well), putting up a few windsocks or colourful pinwheels, or perhaps even a sprinkler which is motion activated; don’t forget to turn it off before you head out to weed!

keeping Deer outof the Garden

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• Plant a few ears of corn, some raspberries, etc, far off at the edge of your property, so the deer can sample something tasty without coming in to your main garden. (Umm… this one could also lead to more deer; use at your own risk!)

RepellentsThis is for the insistent deer that didn’t get your first suggestions to dine elsewhere.

• Try chili pepper spray. Use a one to eight ratio of chili flakes to water, and steep as in tea (4 cups of water to 1/2 cup chili flakes). You can add a few drops of soap and even some garlic for extra offense. Spray onto your plants. Test a small area first to make sure your plant will stand up to the spray.

• Cougar Pee. Seriously, if you can get this, I want to meet you! Deer do not like the smell of predator’s urine. Many products available on the market emulate wolf or coyote urine. Encour-age your dog to mark the area.

• Raw eggs mixed with water is also indicated as repulsive to deer.

• There are some good repellents on the market, and an easy way to use them instead of spraying on each plant is to put a few stakes around the edges of your garden, and nail a rag to each one, and spray the rag liberally. Re-apply the spray every 4 or 5 days, or after each rainfall.

barriersThe next level of the battle to keep your blueberries for your own muffins means you’re going to have to build something — and it better be high. Deer have been known to jump over a 6 foot fence (some even higher). We have a six foot fence around our vegetable garden, which is near the house and where the dogs hang out. The deer only got in once when I left the gate open by mistake. However, we do see them jump the 4 foot fence around the goat pasture with ease. Here’s a few tips from Mark for building a deer fence.

We built our fence using 6 foot “deer and rabbit fencing” which is a woven wire fence with very small dimension squares (about 1" x 6") on the bottom gradually increasing to larger diameter squares (about 4" x 6") at the top. This fencing is a bit pricey but the advantage is obvious — it protects your garden from both deer and the little critters that like salad too. You have to make

sure the fencing is flush to the ground and you may need to forti-fy this by staking the fence to the ground, filling gaps with gravel or rocks, or by burying lumber or corrugated metal in a shallow trench along the bottom and attaching it to the fence posts. I’ve tried filling gaps with rocks, but we have some pretty determined bunnies around here so I’m hoping to install the latter option sometime this summer.

So far the six foot fence has been adequate to keep the deer out but I have heard Islanders speak of some pretty athletic deer so you might want to consider going to an 8-foot fence. If you decide to go with the 6 foot version and find you have the su-per-jumper variety of deer you can add extensions to your exist-ing fence posts and attach more wire to reach the desired height.

If you don’t need to protect a whole garden and are just looking to keep the deer away from some fruit trees or shrubs you might consider enlisting the help of the folks at Pacific Net & Twine. A visually unobtrusive mini deer fence can be created around trees and shrubs with a few metal t-posts and some netting. The mini fence should be at least 5 feet high and far enough out to protect the stem, branches, and leaves of the plant you are trying to protect. Stake the bottom of the net into the ground — a very determined deer might try to go under the net. For an even more invisible fence you can use heavy gauge monofilament fishing line around the perimeter of the tree or shrub. Apparently deer don’t see all that well and they walk into the monofilament, get startled, and stay away. Lesley & mark

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glovesworkwear

PACIFIC NET & TWINE

quality products for your garden, orchard

or vineyard

1380 Alberni Hwy 250.248.6953 Parksville

PACIFIC NET& TWINE LTD.

SHAUN & ROBERT CROCKETTServing the community for over 20 years

2166 Hardy Rd. Courtenay 250-338-9046fi [email protected]

Quality Horse and Livestock Fencing• Wire • Rail • Boards • Bayco• Deer, dog, privacy fencing

Post PoundingCustom Field Work


There are many choices involved in irrigating your green-house. Choosing the best system depends on many factors

including the type of plants you intend to grow, the size and layout of your greenhouse, and the degree of automation you desire. If you are growing plants that require very little water like cacti and some herbs and flowers, a daily visit to the greenhouse with a hose or watering can will suffice.

If you’re growing plants that require more extensive watering, a more sophisticated irrigation system should be considered. These systems are relatively simple and inexpensive to install with the investment often returned in full in one season.

Two types of systems are generally used in greenhouse applica-tions: overhead sprinkler/misting systems and drip systems. Hav-ing more than one system is a very viable alternative for many greenhouse operations. Overhead systems work best for plants that tolerate or prefer wet foliage. Drip irrigation systems work very well with vegetables and annual flowers because they supply water directly to the soil near the plants roots reducing the likeli-hood of mould and weed growth while reducing water loss.

Greenhouse Irrigation

v

PROFESSIONALLY TRAINEDLICENSED TECHNICIANS

250.753.3333

REVERSE OSMOSIS - STORAGE TANKS & CISTERNS PUMPS - WATER SOFTENERS - ULTRAVIOLET

IRON & SULFUR FILTERS - RAINWATER COLLECTION - CONDITIONING SALT

v

www.abcwatersystems.ca

FREE local delivery with the purchase of a water tank

when you mention this adService the Old-Fashioned Way

drinking water bulk hauling

250.754.4721Torrie Jones

Island H2O Services


Installed properly, drip systems also provide a very uniform application of moisture throughout the greenhouse. Here are basic instructions for installing a drip irrigation system for your greenhouse (or garden).

Materials Required• Filter• Pressure Reducing Valve• Low Density Poly Pipe• Hole Punch• Connectors• Drip Line• Hose Clamps• End Plugs

instructions1. Connect the filter and pres-

sure reducing valve to the water source. (Figure 1)

2. Run the low density poly pipe along the head of where the rows of plants will be located and connect the pipe to the filter/valve assembly. (Figure 3)

3. Puncture the low density poly pipe with the hole punch at the head of each row. (Figure 2) Lay out the drip line along the length of each plant row. (Figure 3) Place a hose clamp over each drip line then insert one end of a connector into each drip line and secure with hose clamp. Insert the other end of the connec-tor into the hole that you punched in the low density poly pipe. (Figure 2)

4. Flush the system and then place end caps at the ends of poly pipe and drip lines.

5. Test the system to deter-mine the volume of water over a given period of time and then determine your watering schedule accordingly. A digital timer can be added to the system to make it more automated. mark

Further information, supplies and more detailed instructions are available from Southern Drip Irrigation 1.800.663.2615 www.southerndrip.com

fiG 2

fiG 3

fiG 1

SOUTHERNIRRIGATION

PVC • POLY • DRIP IRRIGATION • PUMPS • SPRINKLERS • FARM EQUIPMENT • AND MUCH MORE

WE DO MORE THAN JUST DRIP!call us today for your complete irrigation system

www.southerndrip.com604-792-0041

CLEARWATERPOND AND AQUATIC SUPPLIES

With the largest selection of Fish available in the mid-island, our facilities are extensive and up-to-date. Our 3800 sq. � . store with 1200 gallons freshwater tropical � sh, 1800 gallons of marine creatures as well as aquarium and pond supplies is available for you to browse.

Koi & Goldfi sh Freshwater & Marine Tropical FishReptile SuppliesLarge & Small AquariumsPumps, Filters, Lighting, NetsTreatments, Medications

1580 Alberni Hwy, Parksville

250.248.6417


You’ve probably noticed the lineup of shiny new Kioti tractors and

products on the lot at Harold Road in Nanaimo — they catch your eye from the highway. You’re invited in to browse — even sit yourself down in a cab and turn one on. The staff will take the time to map out the activities that make up your farm operations, and go over the various applications possible with each piece of equipment, in order to find the best machine for your needs. They’ll guide you through possible “next stage” sce-narios — if you are a new farmer, or your business is expanding — they’ll help you to prepare and adjust your machinery ac-cordingly. They will bring you up to date on the latest equipment, what implements can work double-duty, and what new tools are available to farmers.

“When people walk into our business, the first thing we do is listen.” Says owner Chris Ball. “Everyone farms a little differ-ently, has their own method for getting a

job done. When we sell or lease a piece of machinery, we want to make sure it is the right fit for the customer.”

Established in 1999, this business has at its heart the same versatility and prac-ticality of island farmers, to adjust to changing conditions and come up with practical ways to get the most out of their land and resources.

“We know you’re looking for a piece of equipment that’s going to work as hard as you do — whether it’s putting in post holes for your fence, or baling 20 acres.” That’s why Harbour City Equipment offers some of the best warranties avail-able in the business such as the Yanmar 3year/3000hrs or 5year/5000hrs, the Kioti 4-year unlimited hours, and the Wallen-stein (Canadian made) 3 year warranty. That’s long-term commitment to ensure your product runs efficiently.”

They’re also ready to help with repairs and rentals of machinery — with years of

hands-on experience in large equipment, they are a factory-trained service and repair facility. There are used tractors and equipment in stock and many products for other sectors as well — from large equipment for contractors to smaller utility vehicles for homeowners.

For more information call 1.877.716.3376 or visit www.harbourequipment.com

B u s I n e s s P r o F I L e

Harbour City Equipment

AUTO MARINE HOME BUSINESS TRAVEL FARM

YOU’VE WORKED HARD TO GROW YOUR BUSINESSLET US WORK HARD TO PROTECT IT

15-370 Trans Canada HwyCoronation Mall - Beside the Dollar Store

Ladysmith 250.245.8022

15A–1400 Cowichan Bay Rd Valleyview Centre

Cobble Hill 250.743.8013


Farming and market gardening can be a wonderful lifestyle — sunshine, fresh

air, plenty of exercise, and the satisfaction that comes with being so connected to the earth. But this lifestyle can be a risky business as well. One sunny carefree day you are happily tending your fields and livestock getting ready for what would appear to be a bountiful harvest. The next day health concerns strike, you’re too sick to harvest the crop, care for your animals or make those repairs to your aging tractor. While you lie in bed a herd of deer find a flaw in your fence and decide to make dinner of your U-pick berry crop and to top it all off an infamous Vancouver Island wind storm blows in playing havoc on your property. It’s pretty unlikely that all of these things would happen all at once, but any one of these incidents can have a significant impact on your operation. Managing these risks can be the difference between a suc-cessful operation and failure. Risk manage-ment includes all of the activities that you do to identify and mitigate the things that can negatively affect your business.

Agricultural risk generally falls into four broad categories. Human Resources Risk is high in farm and nursery operations be-cause there is usually a significant reliance on a few key individuals (often the family) who make up the work force. Something happening to one or more of those indi-viduals can have a devastating impact on

the operation. Production Risk refers to all the things that can go wrong in the production process, like poor growing conditions (e.g. weather), pest or disease infestations, and equipment breakdown. Ask any long-time farmer if you would like a more extensive list of production risks! Market Risk refers to external factors that can affect your ability to market your product profitably. A drop in the market price for your product or losing the market you intended to sell to can result in reduced profits, cash flow issues and even devastating losses. Legal Risk refers to liability issues associat-ed with farming that can ultimately lead to being sued, fined or penalized. Legal risks include, but are not limited to, injury while visiting your premises or illness due to the consumption of your product(s), someone being adversely affected by your livestock, and negative impact to the environment as a result of your farming practises. Here are a few key things that make up the bare essentials a small farm operator should consider in the development of a risk man-agement strategy.

Safety: Minimizing safety hazards is probably one of the cheapest yet most effective items in your risk management toolbox. Activities like walking your

farm with an eye for identifying safety concerns, wearing proper protective gear and maintaining equipment in good, safe working order can protect you from harm. Remember what Crosby, Stills and Nash said about farm safety — “Teach your children well”.

Good Farming Practises: This can in-crease efficiency in the use of inputs like feed, fertilizer, pesticides and other appli-cations and protect you from inadvertent-ly causing harm to neighbours, wildlife or the environment.

Get to Know Your Neighbours: A good relationship with neighbours has been at the heart of the rural lifestyle for centu-ries and so it should be. Support from neighbours can be invaluable in times of hardship and can make all the difference in whether you make it or break it.

Managing Risk on the FarmInsurance Coverage: “Property insurance should be tailored to protect you from losses due to events like fire, water escape, damage to fences, and equipment breakdown. Liability insurance is designed to reflect your farm exposures and protect against a lawsuit that alleges negligence. Disability or Critical Illness Insurance can provide much needed resources to stabilize your operation when illness or injury occurs. Key person insurance can assist financially with the untimely death of a key employee, manager or owner who is integral to the operations of the farm.”

~ millie stirling, Vancouver Island Insurance Centres


With the aging baby boom-ers “Succession Planning” has

become a common topic of conversation with many business advisors including bankers, insurance and investment advi-sors, accountants and lawyers. When they hear succession planning, many people tend to think of selling a business. Selling the farm is definitely an option; however, often the farm is being transferred within the family to the next generation.

Your farm is more than a business to you — it’s your identity, it’s your lifestyle, it’s your home and it’s your land. You have been in the driver’s seat for many years and handing the keys over to someone else can be one of the most difficult things you will ever do.

Certainly, the tax and legal issues need to be resolved in a manner most suitable to the family. But from a family and farm perspective, the single most important element of your succession plan is the transfer of ownership and management. This transfer is not an event and does not happen overnight. It’s a process. It’s a process that should be started years in advance, and it never actually ends. When a farm is

transitioned to the next generation, the process begins again.

Rather than working on a ‘succession’ plan, the family needs to work on a plan that will ultimately result in the farm being ‘transitioned’ to the next genera-tion. Here are some of the key steps that a farm family needs to work through in planning for the transition to the next generation.

the farm today and in the futureDiscuss where the farm is today and what it might look like in five or ten years. Look at the financial health of the busi-ness and set some goals and expectations for the future.

the Retirement PlanWhat role do mom and dad want to play in ongoing farm operations? What cash flow is required to be able support mom and dad in their retirement? Is the farm expected to provide all their retirement

cash flow needs, or are there other assets that will generate retirement income?

training and development Plan for the successorConsider what training the next gen-eration needs to be able to successfully take over day to day management of the family farm. What time frame is required for that training to be completed?

farm business and Operating PlanBased on the information gathered devel-op a business plan for the next five years.

Ownership transfer PlanWho is the farm being transferred to, how much will be paid and what is the timing of payment and change of control?

implementation timetable and communication PlanSet a timetable for key milestones and set up a plan for communication. One of the most common pitfalls is allowing everyone to be caught up in the day to day operations and failing to communi-cate once the plan is set. Your transition plan is a “living” document that needs to be reviewed annually and revised for changes in objectives, business funda-mentals, tax and estate laws and your personal situation.

the Road MapTransition planning is really just part of a longer-term or strategic farm plan that includes a transition of ownership and management to the next generation. It should not be treated as an event or ‘one-off’ plan. A well thought out, properly de-veloped and implemented transition plan will simplify your affairs, provide clarity to everyone involved, reduce overall stress, and maximize the chance of you and your family successfully transition-ing the family farm to the next generation.

Your Road Map to Farm Succession

“From a family and farm perspective, the single most important element of your succession plan is the transfer of ownership and management.”

marsha stanley, Ca•CBV, CGa

Marsha Stanley, CA•CBV, CGA is the Regional Agriculture Leader for MNP LLP, Chartered Accountants & Business Advisors. For more information, contact Marsha at 250.748.3761 or [email protected].


upcycling is a wonderful way to make use of items that have finished their first purpose and are poised and ready to have new life breathed into

them. They make perfect Mother’s & Father’s Day gifts too!

Projects to tryTin Cans: Hammer holes in these to make pretty patterns, then fill with can-dles. These also make cute little bird feeders, attached to a post.

Mason Jars: Fill with candles for hurri-cane lamps, or add wires and hang them in the trees for a twilight meal outdoors. Use them to layer pretty ingredients for cookies, muffins or soups. Add the recipe and tie up with a gingham bow.

Ceramic Pie Plate or platter: Use a wire plant hanger, twist the ends together under the platter and hang in a tree. Fill with water for a bird bath or with seed for a feeder.

The Frugal Farmer

Wine Bottles: Drip candles down the sides of a wine bot-tle for an Italian look to your table.

Silverware: Old silverware has so much character, and is pliable with a pair of needle nose pliers. Make hangers or wind chimes. (Photo thanks to www.etsy.com)

1451 E. Island Hwy,Nanoose Bay

beside Big Boys Toys

Repairs • Parts • ServiceALL YEARS, MAKES MODELS

IslandvolksAutomotive Ltd.

250-468-2004


NORthMay 11ANTICIPATING wILD EDIBLES yEAR RoUNDThis 2-hour walk will explore the locally available, edible native plants, with tips on sustainable harvesting. $26

North Island College

800.715.0912www.nic.bc.ca

May 12moThERS DAy wINE STEAm TRAIN3:00 pm – 5:00 pm. Steam train ride, appies and wine tasting. $35. E & N Train Station, 3100 Kingsway, Port Alberni

250.723.9463www.chaseandwarren.ca/yearly-events

May 25Organic Pest Management and TourIdentify and discuss control of common garden pests without the use of chemical pesticides on tour through Nature’s Way farm. $36



May 28mILE oF FLowERS PLANT IN5:00 pm. Join hundreds of other volunteers for Courtenay’s annual Mile of Flowers Plant-In. Meet and plant anywhere along Cliffe Avenue between 8th and 21st street. Bring gloves and a trowel or spoon for digging.

Downtown Courtenay

250.334.4441

June 1hEALThy hENS: ThE BACkyARD S-CooPMore than just fresh, delicious eggs. All you need to choose your breeds, build your coop, and get started. $26



June 8PLANT mANAGEmENT (PFLANzENVERwALTUNG)On a tour through Hans Rhenish’s innovative operations, learn about plant management which encourages farmers, growers and gardeners to work with the natural laws of the universe.North Island College800.715.0914www.nic.bc.caJune 14–15BC ShELLFISh FESTIVALA two-day event that brings people from near and far to meet farmers, sample a delectable array of food from the sea, learn the tips of pros during our day-long cooking demos, listen to some local live music and enjoy the view of the Comox Glacier.Comox Marina Park, Comox250.890.7561www.bcshellfishfestival.caJune 15FAThERS DAy wINE STEAm TRAIN1:00 pm – 3:35 pm. Steam train ride, appies and wine tasting. $35. E & N Train Station, 3100 Kingsway, Port Alberni250.723.9463www.chaseandwarren.ca/yearly-eventsJune 16hoRTICULTURE ThERAPy woRkShoP9:00 am – 4:00 pm. This interactive and hands-on workshop will introduce you to the practice and profession of horticultural therapy. $94.OUR Ecovillage, 1565 Baldy Mountain, Shawnigan Lake250.743.3067www.ourecovillage.org/events/

MidMay 4CowIChAN VALLEy GARDEN FAIR10:00 am – 2:00 pm. The Garden Fair provides the public and growers from Vancouver Island and the mainland an opportunity to connect and an outlet for purchasing rare and unique plants with a focus on rhododendrons and other quality products to support beautiful gardens.Cowichan Exhibition Park, Duncan250-597-4470www.cowichanvalleygardenfair.com

May 4CILAIRE ELEmENTARy SChooL PLANT SALE9:00 am – 1:00 pm. Rain or shine! Lots of perennials, shrubs, hanging baskets and other plants to choose from at very reasonable prices. It’s a fun event please join us and help support our schools. Cilaire Elementary School, 25 Cilaire Dr, Nanaimo250.758.7941 May 7SEPTIC SmART woRkShoP6:30 pm – 8:00 pm. The Regional District of Nanaimo offers free workshops to residents on how to properly care for your residential septic system. Nanoose Library Hall, 2489 Nanoose Rd, Nanoose250.248.3252www.rdn.bc.caMay 11LADySmITh — SALTAIR PLANT SALE9:00 am. The Ladysmith Saltair Garden Club will hold their ever popular Annual Plant Sale featuring member grown and raised annuals, perennials, shrubs, herbs, vegetable starts, houseplants and more. United Church Hall, 232 High Street, Ladysmithwww.ladysmithsaltairgardenclub.wordpress.com/May 11SoUTh CowIChAN TREASURE hUNT10:00 am – 4:00 pm. Sponsored by the South Cowichan Chamber of Commerce, shop and visit over 15 Cowichan farms, wineries, restaurants and shops. Various locations, South Cowichan250.743.3566www.southcowichanchamber.orgMay 12moThERS DAy BRUNChTreat Mom to a special brunch at Merridale Cidery featuring soup, salad, brick oven bread, pates, crepes, french toast, bennies & more. Merridale Ciderworks, 1230 Merridale Rd, Cobble Hill250.743.4293www.merridalecider.comMay 19LADySmITh SEAFooD FESTIVALFamily friendly event featuring oysters, clams, mussels, prawns and scallops. We will combine a friendly competition

between local culinary experts and the exceptionally talented community groups.

Ladysmith Maritime Society Marina, Ladysmith

250.245.1146www.ladysmithmaritimesociety.ca/festival.html

May 26LADySmITh RoTARy GARDEN ToUR8:45 am – 4:00 pm. The self-guided tour of eight gardens features the art and industriousness of local gardeners as well as the opportunity to learn pearls of wisdom from these outdoor enthusiasts. $15.

Ladysmith Aggie Hall, 1110 1st Avenue, Ladysmith

250.245.4384www.ladysmithrotary.org

May 26SEPTIC SmART woRkShoP1:00 pm – 3:00 pm. The Regional District of Nanaimo offers free workshops to residents on how to properly care for your residential septic system.

Lantzville Legion, 7227 Lantzville Road

250.248.3253www.rdn.bc.ca

June 9CowIChAN FAmILy LIFE GARDEN ToUR10:00 am – 5:00 pm. Join us for a self-guided tour of 6 beautiful garden in the Cowichan Valley. Light refreshments served at one garden. $20.

Various locations, Cowichan Valley

250.597.1117www.cowichanvalleylife.org

June 16FAThERS DAy GRAND oPENINGGrand opening of Merridale Ciders Outdoor Kitchen and the start of their Pizza and Live Music Nights that will run Sundays from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm until Sept 29.

Merridale Ciderworks, 1230 Merridale Rd, Cobble Hill

250.743.4293www.merridalecider.com

C a L e n D a r o F e V e n T s

Farm MarketFarm MarkeettttttttPineRidge

www.pineridgefarm.ca

SPIDER LAKE, HORNE LAKE AREA

10 minutes north ofQUALICUM BEACH

2715 Turnbull Rd.

OPENING MAY 11PLANT SALE

MAY 18, 10am to 3pm

OPEN10 - 6pm

7 DAYS A WEEK250.722.2737

1694 Cedar Road CEDAR, BCRENTALS . HARDWARE . GRAVEL

Gravel Mart - We LoadBobcat & Trucking Services


June 23ChEmAINUS GARDEN ToUR10:00 am – 4:00 pm. Fantastic gardens between Chemainus and Saltair with some featuring stunning views of the straits and coastal mountains, acreages, small space gardens, vegetable gardens and some truly whimsical gardens. $12.Various locations, Chemainus to Saltair250.246.5351 [email protected]

sOUthMay 4GRow ThE BEST TomAToES2:00 pm – 4:00 pm. Everything you need to know to make to grow tomatoes including planting, fertilizing, pest management, seed saving an more. $15.Victoria Compost Education Centre, 1216 North Park St, Victoria250.386.9677www.compost.bc.caMay 18SUCCULENT hANGING BASkET1:00 pm – 3:00 pm. Can anything be easier than succulent gardening? Come and create a long lasting hanging basket with echeverias, sedums and sempervivums. $70.Horticulture Centre of the Pacific, 505 Quayle Road, Victoria250.479.6162www.hcp.ca/courses/May 25TomATo DAy9:00 am – 12:00 pm. Come and join the fun for our first ever day devoted to the glorious tomato. We will have experts on hand to answer all your questions on growing and preserving tomatoes. Horticulture Centre of the Pacific, 505 Quayle Road, Victoria250.479.6163www.hcp.ca/courses/May 25INTENSIVE URBAN wILD FooD1:00 pm – 4:00 pm. Harvesting urban wild foods is good for your health, good for the environment and even make you excited to weed your garden. This workshop will focus on several common species, how to identify them and their uses as food or medicine. $30.Victoria Compost Education Centre, 1216 North Park St, Victoria250.386.9678www.compost.bc.caMay 26BEE DAy12:00 pm – 3:00 pm (drop in). Bee songs, bee crafts and some bee spit to taste. Join us and you’ll bee amazed, bee enchanted and bee happy. Bee there or bee square. By donation.Swan Hill Nature Sanctuary, 3873 Swan Lake Rd, Victoria250.479.0211www.swanlake.bc.ca/all-age-programs

May 26SUSTAINABLE SEAFooD FESTIVAL11:00 am – 5:00 pm. Join Vancouver Island chefs, seafood suppliers, industry leaders and food lovers for the first annual Victoria Spot Prawn Festival, a free celebration of seasonal, sustainable seafood. The Roundhouse at Bayview Palace, 80 Saghalie Rd, [email protected] June 1PRoPoGATIoN FRom CUTTINGS1:00 pm – 4:00 pm. Greenhouse expert Linda Petite will teach this comprehensive course on propagation from cuttings. She will cover: set-up including materials required, how & when to take cuttings and aftercare. $60Horticulture Centre of the Pacific, 505 Quayle Road, Victoria250.479.6163www.hcp.ca/courses/June 1ComPoSTING BASIC10:00 am – 12:00 pm. Learn all the basics of composting and discover which system is right for you. FreeVictoria Compost Education Centre, 1216 North Park St, Victoria250.386.9679www.compost.bc.caJune 1wINTER VEGGIE GARDENING2:00 pm – 4:00 pm. Come and learn tricks and techniques for planning and maintaining your winter veggies. Grow abundance all year long. $15.Victoria Compost Education Centre, 1216 North Park St, Victoria250.386.9680www.compost.bc.caJune 15woRm ComPoSTING10:00 am – 12:00 pm. Everything you need to know to know about vermicomposting, starting up and maintaining a worm bin composting system. Free.Victoria Compost Education Centre, 1216 North Park St, Victoria250.386.9681www.compost.bc.caJune 15oRGANIC PEST AND DISEASE mANAGEmENT2:00 pm – 4:00 pm. Learn various ways to control pests and diseases with your plants using age-old organic methods. $15.Victoria Compost Education Centre, 1216 North Park St, Victoria250.386.9682www.compost.bc.caJune 15CANNING JAmS1:00 pm – 4:00 pm. Make the most of the summer growing season by filling jars with delicious homemade jams to enjoy the whole year through! Join home food preserver and award-winning food blogger, Amy Bronee, in this class for

beginners and experienced preservers alike. $90.

The London Chef, 953 Fort St, Victoria

250.590.1865www.thelondonchef.com/

June 22–23JANE AUSTEN TEA PARTy1:00 pm – 4:00 pm. Event includes elegant sandwiches, sweets and tea plus onging entertainment, Jane Austen vignettes performed by Kim Hicks, trivia contest, door prizes, tea leaf readings, and more. Proceeds to theh Prospect Lake Community Assn. $20.

Starling Lane Winery, 5271 Old West Saanich Rd, Victoria

250.479.4769www.starlinglanewinery.com/

June 22–23INTRo To PERmACULTURE8:30 am – 4:30 pm. This 2-day workshop will introduce the basic principles and practices of permaculture — an approach to designing human environments that mimics the interconnections and relationships found in nature. $110.

Victoria Compost Education Centre, 1216 North Park St, Victoria

250.386.9683www.compost.bc.ca

June 30GoING BATTy12:00 pm – 3:00 pm (drop in). Join us as we celebrate our best source of natural mosquito control — Bats! Explore their weird and wonderful world and find out how to encourage bats to visit your neighbourhood. By donation.Swan Hill Nature Sanctuary, 3873 Swan Lake Rd, Victoria250.479.0211www.swanlake.bc.ca/all-age-programs

eQUiNe eveNtsSee Page 25 for More Equestrian Events

August 19–23, 26–30SUmmER hoRSE CAmPSThe Cowichan Therapeutic Riding Assn (CTRA) is pleased to announce that they will once again be hosting summer horse camps for children aged 7–16. Riding lessons taught by certified instructors plus horsemanship skills like grooming, tacking equipment use, and basic horse health. $250 ($225 before July 1)1843 Tzouhalem Road, Duncan250.746.1028www.ctra.ca/program

C a L e n D a r o F e V e n T s

the star child center in Mill bay is accepting donations

and volunteers to create a community garden to support

public events and educate families.

contact chantal 250-218-8049 starchildcenter.com


Vancouver Island 4-H clubs have 420 members spread out over 32 clubs. Kids have a great time with all

kinds of activities, and you don’t have to live on a farm! 20% of club members live in an urban area. The club is set up for 6 to 21 year-olds, with most members between the ages of 9 to 14. When

you join 4-H, you find your closest club and then sign up for a project, like Machinery, Rabbits, or Photography, which a leader helps guide you through. Here’s just a few of the project choices:

Dog: Members learn basic dog care and management practices including feeding, care, handling, grooming, and fitting. Train the dog to obey and heel, establish basic obedience commands and thus become a more enjoyable member of the family. When a member has learned to train a dog in basic obedience, they may take such projects as “Retriever and Hunter” or “Stock Dog.”

Horse: Horse Members must personally feed and care for a sad-dle horse or pony of a type suited to their capability. The horse units are progressive, with members learning new riding skills as they successfully complete units. Members are encouraged to plan trail rides as a group and to learn safety when working with their horse. The first unit is geared to members who do not yet own their own horse.

Outdoor Living: Members learn such things as preparing a meal on a tin can stove, basic principles of First Aid, and use of edible wild plants and fruits. How to use a compass, make charts of animal tracks, and wilderness survival are also covered.

4-h… 4-FUN!

b.c. 4-h lottery!Win a GranD PrIZe of a John Deere XuV 550 4X4 GaTor generously donated by PrairieCoast equipment! This province wide fundraiser supports 4-h clubs as well as B.C. 4-h Provincial Council and Foundation!

Ticket order forms can be found at www.bc4h.bc.ca

• Building Products• Bedding & Hay• Lumber & Roofing• Fencing & Farm Supplies• Animal Feed & Supplies

• Live Poultry• Fertilizers & Seed• Pest Control Products• ...and so much more

www.BlackCreekFarmAndFeed.com 250-337-8922 • 1-800-771-6771

2184 Lalum Road (off 19A) Black Creek Proudly Serving Our Island Communities For 30 Years!

Ask About Delivery

Black Creek Farm & Feed Has What You Need!

BERKS INTERTRUCK

DUNCAN

� is 4H page is brought to you by...


BUSINESS DIRECTORYFARM

SERVICESAGRITOURISM

GARDEN

NEXT ISSUE IS JULY/AUGUSTDEADLINE FOR ADS JUNE 10

HORSEWoodmont Farms

Island bred registered Canadians and Canadian-Hanovarian horses for sale.

[email protected] Doole Road


Island Farm & GardenLesley’s Hanging Baskets

Beautiful, full lasting blooms from May to September. Order your basket now!

13411 Doole Rd.


Alderlea Farm & CafeBiodynamic farm, organic cafe and com-

munity supported agriculture.www.alderleafarm.com

3390 Glenora Drive

Duncan 250.743-3935

Arrowvale Riverside Campground & Cottages

Collins Farm, Arrowvale Canadian Horses & Stone Pillow Press. www.arrowvale.ca

5955 Hector Road

Port Alberni 250.723.7948

Crockett’s Tractor Service Quality horse & livestock fencing (25 years). Deer, dog & privacy fencing. Post pounding.

Shaun & Robert Crockettfi [email protected]

Courtenay 250.338.9046

Island H2O ServicesDrinking water and bulk water hauling.

Call us today!Service the old-fashioned way.

Nanaimo 250.754.4721

Cedar Valley PoultryLaying hens, meat birds,turkeys, free range eggs.

2409 Yellow Point Rd.

Nanaimo 250.722.3526

Friesen’s HardwareRentals, service and top-of-the-line

construction products.www.friesenrentalsandhardware.ca

1694 Cedar Road

Cedar 250.722.2737

Fredrich’s HoneyPure honey, candles, soaps and pollen.

www.fredrichshoney.com2798 Cedar Rd Nanaimo

Open 10-5, Wed-Sun

Nanaimo 250.245.4214

Saskatoon Berry FarmSaskatoon berries (fresh in season and

frozen), home-made award winning pies, small-batch, award winning jams.

1245 Fisher Road

Cobble Hill 250.743.1189

Riverbend HayTimothy, alfalfa and orchard grass hay for sale. Test results available. Will deliver.

www.riverbendhay.com 1670 Vowels Road

Cassidy 250.245.3763

Farmer Bill’s Country MarketCentury old family farm. Fresh organic

produce & plants. Open May to October. www.farmerbills.com 7666 Pacifi c Rim Hwy

Port Alberni 250.724.3775

WANTEDPASTURE/ACREAGE TO LEASE

We have several people looking to lease acreage in the Mid-Island region. Please

contact us to fi nd out more. 250.924.1439

[email protected]

Happy Willow Bottom Farm

Registered Dorper sheep, pure bred St. Croix sheep, pasture raised pork, poultry, free range eggs. Local. Ethical. Delectible!

Nanaimo 250.753.8511

Shamrock FarmLavendar & lavendar products,

goat milk soap. apples, garlic, honeypreserves and pumpkins.

Comox 250.339.1671

Farm HandManual labour - strong student.(Gr. 9)

Experienced with post hole augers, rototill-ers and broom pulling (have own puller).

Max Cummings

Central Island 250.714.2106

List in our business directory for just $45 per issue!Price includes hyperlink in our online magazine.

250.924.1439 [email protected]

Broody RoosterSummer Guesthouse/Winter Workshops

The perfect place to relax, imagine & create.

2980 Giovando Rd.

Nanaimo 250.245.4405

Long Road FarmsPasture raised and fi nished

chicken, beef & heritage pork.www.nelliescountrycrate.com

Nanaimo 250.245.7740


Top 10 Reasons Why Old Farm Trucks Aren’t Stolen Even ‘tho the keys are in ’m:#10 They have about 20 miles before they overheat,

breakdown or run out of gas.#9 Only the owner knows how to operate the door to

get in or out.#8 Itisdifficulttodrivefastwithallthefencetools,

greaserags,ropes,chains,syringes,buckets,bootsandloosepapersinthecab.

#7 Ittakestoolongtostart,andthesmokecomingupthroughtherusted-outfloorboardcloudsyourvision.

#6 The Border Collie on the toolbox looks mean.#5 They’retooeasytospot.Thedescriptionmightgo

somethinglikethis:Thedriver’ssidedoorisred,thepassenger side door is green, the right front fender isyellow,etc.

#4 Thelargeroundbaleinthebackmakesithardtoseeifyou’rebeingchased.Youcouldusethemirrorsiftheyweren’tcrackedandcoveredwithducttape.

#3 Top speed is approximately 45 mph.#2 Whowantstostealatruckthatneedsayear’sworth

ofmaintenance,u-joints,$3,000inbodywork,tail-lights and windshield?

#1 Itishardtocommitacrimewith everyone waving at you!

Christie wanted to take her Chihuahua into a government office with her, so she put on dark glasses and “tapped” her way into the establishment. Stephen, a government employee, said “Hey!, you can’t bring a dog in here.” Christie indignantly claimed

“I’m blind!… this is my Seeing Eye dog!”

“You’re trying to tell me” said Stephen, “that this Chihuahua is a Seeing Eye dog?” “What???!!”, cried Christie, “they gave me a Chihuahua?”

The Last Laugh

No Dogs Allowed!

A pair of chickens walk up to the circu-lation desk at a public library and say, ‘Buk Buk BUK.’ The librarian decides that the chickens desire three books, and gives it to them… and the chickens leave shortly thereafter.

Around midday, the two chickens return to the circulation desk quite vexed and say,’ Buk Buk BuKKOOK!’ The librarian decides that the chickens desire another three books and gives it to them. The chickens leave as before.

The two chickens return to the library in the early afternoon, approach the librar-ian, looking very annoyed and say, ‘Buk Buk Buk Buk Bukkooook!’ The librarian is now a little suspicious of these chickens. She gives them what they request, and decides to follow them.

She followed them out of the library, out of the town, and to a park. At this point, she hid behind a tree, not wanting to be seen. She saw the two chickens throwing the books at a frog in a pond, to which the frog was saying, “Rrredit Rrredit Rrredit…”

Q: What kind of milk comes from a forgetful cow? A: Milk of Amnesia.Q: How did the farmer find his lost cow? A: He tractor down.

Have a dog? Upload their photo to blankartist.com for a funky, custom dog portrait.

Join the DOGMA art collection today!


BUILT FARM TOUGH

visit us on facebook www.westviewford.ca

4901 NORTH ISLAND HWY1.877.334.3161 7 1 5 9 D U N C A N S T R E E T

C O U R T E N A Y P OW E L L R I V E R SALES LEASING PARTS SERVICE

“We Specialize in Happy Customers”


Gentle touch. Impressive results.The Earth Safe™ brand lets you explore the possibilities of effective, easy-to-use organic gardening solutions. Thoughtful blending of the �nest organic ingredients provides you �ith a positive, healthy solution for your soils, your plants, your family and the environment. Ask for the Earth Safe™ family of products at your local garden centre and discover the richness and biodiversity only organics can provide.

Island Farm & Garden Late Spring 2012

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Transcript of Island Farm & Garden Late Spring 2012