Harrowsmith is still the reliable go-to for gardeners, weekend carpenters, homesteaders, hobby farmers and urban dwellers with romantic fantasies of country life. Harrowsmith publishes four issues a year in conjunction with the seasons.
I grew up in a small town in Northumberland County, Ont., about an hour and 15 minutes east of Toronto (depending on traffic, of course). Like many young people growing up in a village of less than 10,000 people in Canada in the 1980s, I couldn’t wait to move away, and I swore I would never look back. It didn’t occur to me that I would eventually long for the way I grew up — I didn’t have a key to my house because no one ever locked their doors, I recognized every single person in town by the car they drove, and I had many friends who lived and worked on their family’s farms. It was only after my husband — coincidentally, my high school boyfriend from the same…
I ’m so glad you’re joining us for this new issue of Harrowsmith. As always, we’ve packed it with everything you love — simple living, farm-to-table recipes, gardening expertise and stories that make you feel right at home. This issue is extra special, though, because we’re diving into a subject that’s dear to me — everything that makes small-town life in Canada so wonderful. My son, Jarrod, was 12 when we moved to a small, rural community just north of Toronto and that was our home for almost 25 years. It was on the townline between Uxbridge and Sunderland, but because Uxbridge was a little closer, it’s where we spent most of our time. It’s also where we came to appreciate the sense of connection you find in a smaller…
HARROWSMITH PETS Calling All Pet Chefs! Editor-in-chief Karine Ewart and Publisher Yolanda Thornton share more than a passion for all things Harrowsmith: During a recent team meeting, they discovered they both give their beloved pooches Hilary’s Blend, a 100-percent Canadian owned and operated company, with all products made in Canada. When Starlord, Karine’s French bulldog, and Midnight, Yolanda’s black lab, began experiencing serious health issues and struggled with allergies, both owners began making their own dog food and were recommended Hilary’s all-natural powder “fit for human consumption” by their vets. Learn more and find some free dog (and cat!) food recipes at completeandbalanced.com. Hilary’s Blend Supplement for Home-Made Meals (350g), $57.25, completeandbalanced.com. NATURE NUTS Do you know what kind of butterfly this is? Turn to page 12 to find out…
When we think of pest-control methods, pesticides, poisons or even traps come to mind. Today, chemical pesticides are the most common form of pest control, with more than 2.5 billion kilograms used annually worldwide. Sadly, this widespread use has caused both animals and humans to suffer adverse effects. In place of harmful chemicals, animals have been used as natural pest-control agents. Chief among these are birds, due to their appetite for insects, spiders and rodents. Some of the birds used include swifts, swallows, flycatchers, bluebirds, robins and jays. For the purpose of our discussion, however, I will focus on just three. YELLOW WARBLER First is the yellow warbler — a beautiful bright yellow bird with reddish streaks on its chest. The female does not have the distinctive streaks, but both…
Of course, it’s not always tidy; in fact, it never is. My rule when baking with kids is, “Say yes to the mess!” Because it’s so worth it. Cooking — knowing how to nourish yourself and your friends and family — is a critical life skill. More important than math, right? Imagine if your future 15-year-old could make five classic dishes with confidence. What a gift that would be for them, for you and for their future friends and partners. Here are a few tips, no matter what age your kids are: 1 Choose your timing. A frenzied weeknight when you’re trying to get dinner on the table isn’t a great time. But a rainy day with not much else on the agenda is ideal. 2 Start with dishes that…
Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge Bedwell River Valley, Alberni-Clayoquot C, BC clayoquotwildernesslodge.com Contact: 250-266-0397; reserve@clayoquotwildernesslodge.com Set in the heart of the rainforest, this resort offers 25 safari tents decorated with specially commissioned furnishings from local designers, as well as First Nations artwork. It might seem like a stretch to use “fine dining” when talking about camping of any kind, but it’s true in this case: The resort uses locally sourced, sustainable produce and wines, local craft beers and ciders. It’s also a great home base for all kinds of adventures, including eco-tours, whale watching and hiking. (NOTE: Children must be six years of age or older to stay at Clayoquot.) For more on Tofino, go to page 35. Glen Oro Farm Glamping Eco Retreat 2574 Line 10 N, Oro-Medonte, Ont. glenoro.com Contact:…
