Hidden Haven Farm

Thought everyone might appreciate a little bit of alpaca time...here’s Reggie

Because everyone could use a smile on a Saturday. Today’s setting up to be a beautiful day - hope you all find a way to enjoy it!

It’s a put on some music, open the windows and make salsa verde kinda day. Our Green Tomato Salsa Verde features tomatoes, garlic and peppers grown right here on the farm...the other ingredients are organically sourced. It’s got a little bite to it - you guys are gonna love it! If you’re interested in snagging a jar, message me! Pint jars (250ml) are $6.

It is SO satisfying to harvest from our farm and then pop the goodness right into the lunchboxes of the kids. Our Reliance grapes offered up a little taster of what they’re all about and we can’t wait for a bigger bounty to share in the future

The colours of these tomatoes all together is just too gorgeous! The cooler temperatures we’re having mean fall is almost here (woot woot!) and it means the tomatoes have completely stalled out their ripening. Just because they won’t reach ripeness doesn’t mean they can’t still fulfill their tomato destiny...the plants were picked clean today and salsa verde and green tomato chutney will be coming soon! The last few boxes of ripe cherry tomatoes are out at the stand...details for the salsa and chutney will be released when it’s available.

Okay...bee tongues could be one of the cutest things ever.

What in the world is a ground cherry??? Ground cherries are cousins of tomatoes and are also sometimes referred to as strawberry tomatoes or husk cherries. The plant produces small, yellow berries surrounded by a papery husk. When the fruit is ripe, the husk falls to the ground and the fruit is collected. The flavour is rather unique; it is often described as being like a tomato that is infused with pineapple and mango juice and a hint of vanilla.... The fruits keep longest when left in the paper husk...just be sure to take the husk off before eating the berries Pint boxes are starting to be available at the stand (approx 170g) for $3. We’re also planning to produce a small batch of ground cherry jam in the future...stay tuned. See more

When we moved here we felt like we’d found best of both worlds: we have the space to bring our farm dream to life and there is natural space where we get to witness more of nature’s miracles than many people ever get to experience. We get to pause daily to watch the comings and goings of many species of animals and birds here and sometimes, on special days like this; we get to help baby snapping turtles make their way to the pond. These are moments that make us feel so humbled to live where we do.

The bean plants are feeling exhausted and yet they keep on producing...love these workhorses of the garden This year’s varieties are (from left to right): Rattlesnake, Golden Pencil, Anne’s Tasty, Tendergreen, Provider, Dragon’s Tongue and Purple Peacock.

We now have an audience any time we try to work on their house...it’s hilariously distracting.

Today we became alpaca farmers. This was not something we planned on doing for a few more years but the universe had other plans for us. The stars aligned and these four boys were placed on our life path...they needed a new home and we needed them. So, today was moving day. All the work leading up to getting them here has already paid for itself in the laughter and love they’ve already brought to the farm in just a few hours. Welcome to the farm Shilo, Spartacus, Santos and Reggie...we love that we are able to be your new home.

Most people don’t realize that there are actually ten recognized groups of garlic in the world...this year we tried four groups and two varieties of each group. Here’s a quick rundown: Purple Stripe garlics are the group from which all other domesticated garlics are descended and they have been cultivated for thousands of years. Purple Stripe garlics are a favourite for baking. This year’s varieties: Persian Star and Chesnook Red Marbled Purple Stripe garlics have exce...llent flavour and taste sweet when sautéed or grilled. This year’s varieties: Wenger’s Red Russian and Linda Olesky Porcelain garlics tend to be hot and have lasting flavour. This year’s varieties: Leningrad and Great Northern Rocambole garlics are prized for their outstanding flavour which is best enjoyed soon after harvest. This year’s varieties: Newfoundland Heritage and Mountain Top Our garlic will be offered this year in a variety pack...so that you can jump into the world of new garlic types with us. Let’s treat our tastebuds!! Half pound boxes (approx. 230g) available for $6. If you’d like some set aside, message me! See more

This year’s garlic trials are all cured and cleaned! They’ll be ready for sale soon...details to follow. If you want to get your name in to reserve yours, message me