I moved to Fernie from Nelson in February 2012 and fell so completely in love with this valley, that even though its growing season is so short, I couldn't help but to choose to call it home. While growing a garden has been challenging in this cold climate, it has also been richly rewarding and I have learned so much about extending the growing season, plants that grow well here, and harvesting from nature.
The small farm has the beginnings of an orchard and a very large veggie garden. Putting up the large greenhouse was time consuming and expensive so to have had it collapse in just it's second year was a devasting blow. At the same time a massive injury including a traumatic brain injury brought my garden centre dreams to a grinding halt as I battled my way through a concussion clinic on the coast and a long slow recovery.But recovery is happening and all my gardening knowledge from before the accident is intact, so it is time to start moving forward once more!
I was one of three sisters growing up; and my sisters mean the world to me. So do the mountains, I'm not sure I would be nearly as happy without them framing my world. The iconic trinity of peaks dominating one of the views from our town also inspired the name of the farm and business. Additionally, companion planting, like the three sisters style of gardening - corn, beans and squash being the sisters - is an inspiration to me. I am so grateful to be able to live on and care for this beautiful piece of land in the unceded ancestral lands of the Ktunaxa Peoples. So close to our beloved community, where I can pursue my dreams of farming and gardening and raising my children in an abundance of life.
Madi has been my garden mentor for 10 years, and she has helped me immensely in establishing and expanding my garden year after year. Madi's wealth of knowledge in all things gardening is amazing, and is always expanding through her own experiences, her education, and her involvement in the local gardening community. If you are just starting starting out, or are an experienced gardener you will definitely find value in working with Madi!