Hi Everyone,
It’s been a while to say the least. The Green Barn has had a very busy and exciting season. There are many things to discuss so here we go…
Another season is in full swing. Ken and I traveled around quite a bit this winter giving seminars all over eastern Canada (PEI, Nova Scotia, Ontario and Quebec). It’s been a very enlightening as well as inspiring experience. Click here to download the PowerPoint presentation called “Money Does Grow on Trees” that was presented in PEI. This presentation will give you an idea of what we do and how we do it.
We would like to thank all of our loyal customers for sticking with us through this busy and fast paced year. We hope everyone is happy and we hope that you continue to plant and make a positive impact, whatever your project or interest is. On the topic of projects there are so many I barely know where to start. Let’s start with the city of Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue who lined their newly built bike path with over 100 fruit trees and shrubs for cyclist and wildlife alike to enjoy. Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue with the help of their newly elected mayor Francis Deroo and councilman Ryan Young supported the bike path project as well as a project that will see their old water tower covered in kiwi vines.
Many people started small orchards this year and we applaud all of your efforts and your courage. Starting a new venture is always scary. We have had people start or continue building small orchards all over Canada. I’d like to mention a few and wish them the best of luck Richard and Karen Cook, Reino and Karen Matta, Zach Loeks, Kirk and Stacey Muller, Andrew and Desiree Hammermeister, Eco Echo, Gerald Khuene and last but not least the gang over at Cherryvale Organic Farm whom are committed to pushing the envelope and doing it right.
Some other projects of interest are Chris Carty’s wildlife project on Longborough Lake. Chris and his family had us plant over 1000 trees and shrubs on their 800 plus acre property which can be described as nothing short of awesome. It was hard work but what a fantastic experience. Here are a few pictures from some of the afore mentioned projects.
Swamp used as storage at Chris Carty’s project
Dwarf Cherry in plastic, mulched with sand and stone
Adrian & Steve making sure orchard lines are straight (near Mont Tremblant)
Line of “just planted” blueberries in plastic at the Muller farm
If anyone is interested in an orchard or wants a small set up done you should start by preparing your field this summer for next spring’s planting. This is what you should do:
- Mow field/remove hay/plow field (remove rocks)
- Disc field
- Rotor till field
- Lay plastic
- Let plastic sit for winter and then plant next spring. We suggest plastic for all shrubs and small or newly grafted fruit trees.
Now onto plants…
What a ridiculously early season we have had. This spring the climate is challenging our plants once again. The mid May frost killed many fruit blossoms but the earlier heat wave accelerated the ripening of fruit that escaped the frost. Some cherries and blueberries were ready to eat in June this year, crazy! Cherries are ready but so are our blueberries, crazy! Our trees are producing some apricots and peaches this year as well. We have an almond tree make that made it through the winter (-24C windchill not included). Our dwarf cherries and haskaps started producing steadily. The currants especially Ben Sarek are thriving, what a great crop. Absinthe is a plant of interest to us. It is great for hedges and is a really good soil stabilizer and is said to be a natural insect repellant. For planting this fall we would suggest anything that can be covered (protected) by snow. Plants such as dwarf cherries, blueberries, raspberries, cherry olives, Saskatoon berries, currants and grapes to name a few are all great for fall planting. We have some really nice stock especially cherries, blueberries, Saskatoons and haskaps. Our newest product this season is the blue night raspberry, that’s right a dark blue raspberry.
We have just begun planting for our new organic 10 acre pick your own. This will be followed by the construction of a new storage and retail facility in our lower field. If anyone would like to propagate for us feel free to contact us. As demand increases we are trying to stick with our business model which is low overhead (staff, costs, etc.). That being said we will be looking into satellite Green Barn locations in the next few years. If you have any interest in getting involved email us.
We are changing some things up for the upcoming season. All mail order trees will now be under 4 feet and prices will be adjusted accordingly. We have expanded (a little) to increase our edible landscaping and small farm and orchard set up services.
We're having a contest...
We are continually updating our website and catalogue and are in need of two things, pictures and testimonials. So we have decided to run a contest. It’s as easy as “win two trees”. Send us a picture of your favorite plant or tree bought from us or a testimonial as well as permission to use either on our website and you will get a chance to win two trees of your choice (bare root). There will be one winner for each category and possibly some honorable mentions.
We are trying to make a difference from the ground up...
Over the last few years the Green Barn has been trying to establish many small profitable farms and we take each one to heart and provide the best information, service and trees we can and hope you all succeed. We want people to enjoy themselves make money and raise their families in the healthiest environment possible. If you are one of those people going out on a limb trying to change your life and that of your family by either starting a farm based business or changing your current business model. I applaud your courage and want you to know that we are there to help. We want to make sure that people link together to be able “to do what they want to do and not what they have to do”.
Keep it up and have a great summer.
Steve and the Green Barn team.
For additional pictures click here.
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