jenn, Author at Look Local - Celebrating Community

In Articles

Bronte Village – Enjoy all it has to offer this summer

June 30, 2017 No Comments

by Becky Dumais

Whether you approach on land, by car, bus, bike or foot – or on the water under power or sail – you’ll find the Village of Bronte a great spot to visit this summer. Founded in 1834 and established as a small fishing village, today its bloom-filled streets and lakeside location make it an idyllic place to spend the day.

The culinary scene in Bronte is especially notable, with many well-known, long-established restaurants, and a few that have just recently opened. You can have a lavish meal at Cucci, or enjoy more casual, local food creations at the many pubs and grills. Bronte is also a patio destination, with many restaurants allowing diners to eat al fresco. The Firehall, Cucci, Thai Senses, Plank Restobar, Zara’s by the Lake, El Spero, Denningers, Taste Marketeria or the newly opened Harbourside Artisan Kitchen & Bar all have great patios. Perhaps the most impressive, Yolanda’s Spuntino Casa recently completed renovations to their spectacular terrace overlooking the harbour, complete with a retractable roof!

For salty snacks, Sammy’s Old Fashion Chip Wagon continues to offer the best hand cut fries, hot dogs, fish and chips, burgers and milkshakes, and has become a local institution in Bronte. If it’s more of an ice cream fix that you crave, treat yourself to a gelato, dessert and coffee at the newly opened Flavour Fox (formerly Cool Licks D-Lite).

Of course, there’s more to Bronte Village than food. You can explore a wide variety of unique and mostly owner operated boutiques and stores. Stop in at Trias Gallery, Bronte’s only art gallery, and browse the current exhibit by a local artist, or pamper yourself with a massage or facial at one of Bronte’s spas. Dogs love exploring Bronte, too! Make sure you drop in to Tail Blazers, a new raw and holistic pet food store. For those seeking unique fashion finds, Bronte boasts several clothing stores worth visiting, including Lana’s, Good Night Good Morning, Born 2 Shop, My Girlfriend’s Closet for one of a kind consignment finds and Nina Duong Haute Couture for custom wedding gowns.

Park benches are fine, but a Muskoka chair really says ‘summer’. The At Home in Bronte, Perspectives & Reflections public art exhibit is part of Canada’s 150 celebrations. More than 65 Muskoka chairs are placed throughout Bronte Heritage Park and on the pier. Each chair was painted by a local family, artist, business or charity to collectively create a vibrant display of personal stories, shared history, cultural milestones, and national pride. The exhibit runs from now until September 5.

For those who’d like to embrace a bit of the area’s early angling heritage, why not take a trophy fishing charter or simply enjoy a pleasure cruise? Climb aboard Boomer’s Sporting Adventures and depart for a day on the lake, fishing for a trophy salmon or trout. All charter boats are professionally crewed, well appointed and fully equipped with everything you’ll need for a day of sport fishing. For an excursion sans rod and reel, you can book a private crewed yacht for any occasion and cruise to a variety of destinations between Hamilton and Toronto. 1D Sailing also rents Hydrobikes, SUP boards and itBikes, which are a great way to explore Bronte Harbour and the natural beauty of Bronte Creek.

The Bronte Heritage Trail walking tour is a new feature launching this summer. By downloading the Bronte BIA app, you’ll be able to access historical information from e-beacons located throughout the area. The map will show the locations of the beacons where you’ll be able to read or listen to unique stories and discover facts about this treasured village.

The project was funded by the Government of Canada and the Bronte BIA with support from the Town of Oakville and Boomers Sporting Adventures as part of Canada’s 150th celebrations. As you traverse the trail, or once you’ve completed your outdoor escapade, share your experience using #BronteHeritageTrail.

Art in the Park, August 7, 2017
The Oakville Art Society’s 52nd annual event will feature more than 175 artists and artisans and a licensed food court, hosted by Yolanda’s Spuntino Casa. This event is one of the most popular and best-run art shows in southern Ontario!
10am – 5pm
artintheparkoakville.com

Local Links

Bronte Village
brontevillage.net

Bronte Village
boomerssportingadventures.com

1D Sailing
1dsailing.com

In Arts & Events

Odysseo’s Magical Show Comes to Mississauga

June 30, 2017 No Comments

Odysseo captures everything in a live show, delivering a spectacle seemingly taken from the mind’s eye and delivered on a grand scale. The equine elegance of 65 horses and 50 performers deliver the audience on a great journey in yet another world – a world of dreams where together they discover some of the planet’s most unforgettable landscapes.

Odysseo marries the equestrian arts, stage arts and high-tech theatrical effects and a captivating musical performance for the world’s largest touring production and traveling big top, the biggest stage, the most beautiful visual effects, and the largest number of horses all working together.

To give life to this extraordinary equestrian adventure, the performance takes place on 1,626 square meters of stage that was created with a hill and rises three stories high, adding illusion and mystique. Audiences are taken to a live Hollywood-style movie set, where the moving interactions between human and horse are at the heart of the action.

Odysseo opening night Mississauga — **Odysseo by Cavalia opening night – Member of Provincial Parliament, The Honourable Dipika Damerla and Cavalia Founder Normand Latourelle.**

On an enormous stage, layers of mesmerizing decor are combined with live vocals and instrumentals alongside the acrobatics and aerial stunts. To make this experience even more astounding, the production transports spectators across the world’s most beautiful landscapes with powerful high-definition backdrops projected onto an immense cyclorama, which is three times the size of the largest movie screens.

The dream begins in a misty, enchanted forest where horses graze and frolic under a sky of rolling clouds and a setting sun. Horses, riders, acrobats and musicians embark on a soulful journey that leads them from the Mongolian steppes to Monument Valley, from the African Savannah to Nordic glaciers, from the Sahara to Easter Island. Through this grand voyage, spectators discover aerial stunts, stilt “walkers” and a troupe of African acrobats.

The scenes follow the seasons and at times there is such a caravan of performers (human and horse) all unified as one. An additional element comes into play when Odysseo wraps up with a fantastic crescendo as the stage is deluged with 150,000 litres of recycled water in just a few minutes, in which the players dash through and dance in.

The show is a must-see experience that all ages and all cultures will appreciate – and it’s simply good for the soul, seeing how a grand adventure takes place in a world where human and horse live in harmony.

For just a few hours, it offers the opportunity to discover new horizons, the limits of one’s imagination, experience a waking dream in a world where beauty, serenity and hope reign.

Cavalia.com

In Articles

Lights, Camera, Action! Local Kids Theatre Programs

June 5, 2017 No Comments

… building confidence for budding thespians
by Allison Dempsey

“All the world’s a stage” ~Shakespeare

The next time you find yourself telling your child to “stop being so dramatic,” maybe consider enrolling them in a theatre program instead, where they can emote to their heart’s content all while developing critical thinking skills, self-assurance and a sense of empowerment.

Theatre programs offer a variety of performance options, including, to name a few, musical theatre, acting for the camera, drama, Glee and show choir. Not only do they provide an incredible creative outlet, but musical theatre and acting classes can help foster confidence, empathy and courage. For someone who is shy or has anxiety about public speaking, acting and singing onstage can be truly terrifying. And that’s exactly why these programs can be hugely inspiring and beneficial in a number of ways.

There are numerous schools and programs available in the area including the Burlington-based Centre Stage Theatre School, that caters to both excited beginners and seasoned performers, focusing on strong acting skills, expression and individual style. Innovative Arts in Oakville for ages eight to 18 teaches singing, acting and dancing while casting students in challenging musical roles.

“It’s all about confidence,” says Producer and Managing Director, Nathan Mcleod of Innovative Arts. “Even first time students are given a leading role here. There’s no sitting around and watching. We challenge them and encourage them to take a risk.”

Mcleod acknowledges that students are often in a vulnerable position when they first come into the program, especially if they’ve never participated in the performing arts before, but it’s all about building confidence while ensuring they get to experience the numerous aspects of being on the stage firsthand. “Theatre promotes selflessness,” he says. “Students make lifelong friends as they support and encourage one another to try and do their very best.”

Along with making friends and having a wonderful time, students learn the vital lessons of empathy and self-discipline says Burlington Arts Theatre Program Director, Rainer Naock. “Encouraging your kids to be a part of something bigger in life is vital,” he says. “Kids need to know that they’re making a difference, big or small, and that the arts are everywhere in the community. Walking in another person’s shoes inspires empathy and confidence.”

Burlington Student Theatre, bringing Broadway to Burlington since 1978, helps children and youth to participate in a wide range of performing arts opportunities, building opportunities and tools that can be used in daily life. “The arts is a hidden gem,” says Naock. “It’s not instant gratification, but the benefits pay off down the road, when you realize how much you’ve learned and what you can give back to the community and to yourself.”

Other positive qualities associated with participating in theatre programs include presentation and speaking and communication skills, imagination, concentration and focus, physical fitness, self-discipline, and a sense of commitment. All this while being creative and having fun. “They may accomplish something they never thought possible,” says Mcleod. Really, what is more amazing than that?

SUMMER THEATRE CAMPS

Burlington Performing Arts Camp,
Burlington Performing Arts Centre:
July 4 to 7
July 17 to 21
July 24 to 28

Centre Stage Theatre School,
Mainway, Burlington:
July 10 to August 18

Innovative Arts Summer Day Camp,
Oakville:
July 17 to 21 (Junior)
July 24 to 28 (Senior)

The Creative Theatre Acting Camp,
Harry Howell Arena, Flamborough:
July 24 to 28

Local Links

Centre Stage Theatre School, Burlington
centrestagetheatreschool.com

Burlington Student Theatre
burlington.ca

Innovative Arts, Oakville
innovativearts.com

The Oakville Academy for the Arts
oakvilleacademy.com

In Articles

O’ Canada! Celebrating 150 Years

June 4, 2017 No Comments

by Becky Dumais

Summer itself gets Canada into celebratory mode, and each year when we have a chance to throw a party for our nation, we’re all for it. You’d be hard-pressed to find a backyard on July 1st where there wasn’t some type of party going on – and it’s no different for the city or town in which we live.

Both Oakville and Burlington are hosts to fabulous fireworks displays, live entertainment and activities for the community. Gather together with friends and family to celebrate Canada’s sesquicentennial!

Oakville

11 am – 11 pm Bronte Heritage Waterfront Park, Oakville

Join the Bronte BIA for an all-day family festival celebrating Canada’s 150th birthday! This event is presented by Lexus of Oakville with strong support from the Town of Oakville.

Things to do at Oakville’s Canada Day Event:

Browse the Farmer’s Market on Ontario Street from 10am – 4pm
Shop the Vendor Village featuring local crafts and artisans
Try different tastes from the many food vendors
Music and performances all day long on three stages
Kids can hop into the bouncy castles
Finally, take a break & watch the spectacular fireworks show over
Lake Ontario

Celebrate by tagging your posts to Facebook, Twitter and Instagram with #OakvillesCanadaDay!

Burlington

Noon – 10pm Spencer Smith Park, Burlington

Bring your national pride to celebrate Canada Day and enjoy free Canadian-inspired activities and entertainment all day at Spencer Smith Park.

Live entertainment on the main stage includes acts by the Burlington Teen Tour Band, Prime Live Band, Mystic Drums, the Symphony on the Bay and more. In the Children’s Zone there will be face painting, bouncy castles, a photo booth, yoga, the Scholars in Collars Dog Show and also taking place is the Canada Day 5km run and 1km kid’s run.

Top off the evening with a chair or a blanket and watch the brilliant fireworks display, brought to you by Bunzl Canada.

In Articles

Dragon Boating – Burloak Canoe Club

June 4, 2017 No Comments

Ready for a New Summer Sport?
by Denise Davy

Ask Mark Klevinas, dragon boat co-ordinator for Burloak Canoe Club, how one paddles a dragon boat and he launches into a full-out description. “It’s a simple stroke,” he says. “You lead with the core, big rotation and open up the body for a great set up position and from there, you initiate your pull phase using your biggest muscles, your legs, back and core.” And… he’s not finished. “Keeping your arms straight, you then simply lift the paddler forward and up on the recovery using your body.”

None of that sounds very simple but Klevinas, who is an expert paddler, insists the art of dragon boat paddling is easy to learn. That’s one of the reasons why it exploded in popularity within the paddling community. It was 15 years ago that the Burloak Canoe Club, based in Oakville on Sixteen Mile Creek, decided to get on board the dragon boat craze. Although Burloak Canoe is still first and foremost a sprint-paddling club dedicated to training athletes for canoe and kayak, they added the dragon boat program because it was in so much demand.

The paddle stroke is actually the same for both sports, says Klevinas, except dragon boating is a more stable and safer form of paddling. Dragon boating dates back more than 2,000 years when it was a common water sport throughout southern China. Back then the boats were much larger and included 50 paddlers. Today’s boats fit 20 paddlers plus a drummer and steer person. As evidence of how popular the sport is, since starting the program, their membership has grown to 500. “Dragon boat is a fantastic team sport,” said Klevinas, who is a sprint paddler at the club. “People like it because it’s a social sport and it’s a team environment for all levels of paddling. Anyone can do it, we take all ages and all abilities.”

The dragon boat programs at Burloak are ideal for all fitness levels, from beginner to high performance paddlers. The programs are run by certified coaching staff who have several years of paddling experience, including racing at the provincial, national and international levels. Klevinas notes that the coaches at Burloak are made up of current and former Provincial and National team paddlers, many of whom have raced for Canada on several occasions and some have competed at the Olympics. “There is not likely another dragon boat program around with such experienced coaches. I definitely think this adds to the experience because they make all the difference,” he states.

Those coaches include Brady Reardon, Jamie Andison, Christian Sprang, Sam Pennyfather (current junior National team and development team) as well as Tessa Oldershaw, Lizzie Bates (former provincial) and Klevinas who was with team Canada. “It requires all 20 individuals to work together with their coach at the helm. If they don’t, they won’t be going very fast,” says Klevinas.

The original dragon boats from many centuries ago were made out of teak wood in the Pearl River Delta region of China’s southern Guangdong Province. The boats they use for sprint paddling at the Burloak club are very tippy and much harder for adults or the general public to jump into.

Practices run Monday through Thursday from 6 to 9pm and the program runs from the beginning of May until the end of October. While there is no specific person who is drawn to the sport, Mark said their members are mostly women from 40 to 65 years of age. What keeps them coming back? It’s a great way for people of all ages to get out on the water safely and learn the fundamental principles of paddling. “People enjoy being on the water, plus they’re exercising and they’re part of a team. It’s a really good way to unwind after a long day of work. Being out on the water is a calming experience.”

Local Link

Burloak Canoe Club
burloakcanoe.com

In Articles

Suppose a Rose – Halton Roses Ideal for Oakville and Burlington

June 3, 2017 No Comments

“By any other name would still smell as sweet”
By Becky Dumias

Is there a flower that’s been romanticized and revered as much as the rose? Not likely; this particular bloom has been the subject of many stories and poems, and is a staple of many avid gardeners.

There are thousands of varieties of roses but they can be divided into three main categories: species, old garden, and modern shrub. Marie Decker, President of the Hamilton & Burlington Rose Society and Past President of the Oakville Horticultural Society, directs growers to research by Jessica Bond, Curator of the Rose Garden at Niagara Parks, for the best roses to plant here in our climate. She found that those most resistant to black spot (our most difficult rose problem) are: Hybrid Tea “Traviata”, Floribunda “Brother’s Grimm”, Hybrid Tea “Midas Touch”, Kordes Floribunda “Out of Rosenhelm”, Kordes Floribunda “Poseidon”, Hybrid Tea “McCartney Rose” and of course, the new “Canadian Shield” shrub rose that marks Canada’s 150th anniversary. This new rose will be available
in July.

Finding the perfect bloom isn’t as simple as visiting a garden centre. Decker suggests you ask a lot of questions first, such as how big it will grow and where the root stalk came from, whether Canada or the deep south. “Preferably ask for hardy Canadian roses such as the Explorer series, Parkland series, Artist series and 49th Parallel series. The “Canadian Shield” rose comes from the 49th parallel series,” she explains. “Canadian Shield was part of the rose stock transferred from Morden, Manitoba to the Vineland Research Station in 2011.” As its name suggests, Canadian Shield is a hardy rose that’s resistant to black spot and is winter hardy from coast to coast. Plus, it’s a repeat bloomer of reds with glossy green foliage, so it’s meant to stay stunning throughout garden season.

Caring for roses can be tricky, even for the experts, but at minimum Decker notes roses should be cut back and mulched deeply before winter. “Clean up all the debris on the ground and prune them in the spring,” she explains. You can always contact the rose society for detailed pruning instructions.

PLANNING & POTTING

If you’re just in the planning stages, the most important aspect of creating a rose garden, says Decker, is preparation and research. Ask yourself how much time you want to invest in care and maintenance (when she answered the phone for this interview she had to remove her gardening gloves first). “Make a plan on paper first of the garden area and consider what colour and type of roses you want to grow. Have a wish list – then prepare to refine it.”

CARE & FEEDING

Your roses will need about six hours or more of sunlight and very good drainage. “Amend the soil if needed with triple mix, compost,” she says. Using MYKE (a 100% all natural growth enhancer) can aid in good root formation. Your roses should be spaced well apart for proper air circulation (again proper research comes into play). You should also dig a large enough hole to accommodate the root system. Grafted roses should be at least two inches below the soil level to prevent winterkill.
If you want to make sure that your rose garden doesn’t become a real thorn in your side, you can learn more by visiting local society and horticultural group shows. Experts will be on hand to educate and enlighten you about their passion for roses. The Hamilton-Burlington Rose Society’s show is happening June 24 – 25 at the
Royal Botanical Gardens.

Joyce Fleming was our most known rose hybridizer. Google her for a list of her roses.

Local Links

Burlington Horticultural Society
burlingtonhs.com

Oakville Horticultural Society
oakvillehort.org

Royal Botanical Gardens
rbg.ca

Hamilton – Burlington Rose Society
hbrosesociety@sympatico.ca

In Community

Trias Gallery Raising Sponsorship Funds for Syrian Brothers

May 26, 2017 No Comments

Trias Gallery is pleased to be supporting Oakville resident, Vania Davidovic in her efforts to raise sponsorship funds for 2 Syrian brothers from Aleppo.

Stop by the gallery Saturday, May 27 from 7 – 9pm to view all the raffle items.
Purchase 1 ticket for $10, or 3 tickets for $20 as your admission to the event to enjoy light refreshments and enjoy music by a Syrian guitarist.
*cash only for the raffle tickets.

Some of the raffle items include:
artwork, jewellery, an Indian Teavana Gift Box and a French Art Book.
In addition, any purchases made this evening, the gallery will donate 10% of the value in sales.

Can’t make it on Saturday evening?
You can also stop by the gallery during gallery hours to purchase raffle tickets prior to the evening.

Regular Gallery Hours:
Thursday, Friday & Saturday 11am – 5pm

Visit them on Facebook, for more info: Spring by the Lake. Art in Oakville

Hussam and Wasim, are two brothers of Meslmani family in Jordan. The Meslmani are Syrians from the old part of Aleppo, an ancient city that has been destroyed. Their family home was bombed and their neighbourhood is still the site of a raging civil war. There is no place for them and the family was split apart by this war.

“We run out from Syria leaving behind us our dream,… education family and future. We didn’t know that the civil war will last till now more than five years so that we didn’t complete our education, we are still undergraduate. We are now Refugees in Jordan Amman under UNHCR without any financial resources and we are suffering a lot. Living a refugee life is hard. It’s dark, with no future, no hope, no dreams and no destiny.

– Hussam 32 years old, Business Administrator under graduate: “I hope to go to Canada to find the peace and freedom we have lost forever here and complete my study with new life along with my brother Wasim”

-Wasim 28 years old, “Nutrition food undergraduate my hope is to complete my bachelor’s and find work and resettlement in Canada. Our parents, sister and small brother all fled to USA; because sister was born in USA before 1990. When the war started my sister could petition for my parents for immigration and my parents petitioned for my small brother because he is less than 18 years old. For us they can’t petition because we are over age of 21. We didn’t see our family for five years…”

In Blog

Maro’s Bistro Marvels with Middle Eastern Twists & Tastes

May 10, 2017 No Comments

When you travel down Kerr Street in Oakville, there is a humble restaurant named Maro’s Bistro. If you haven’t been yet, put it on your must-visit list for a meal. Apparently foodies will drive from up to an hour away just to eat here.

***Sit at the bar facing the large picture window and enjoy a the view of Kerr Street.***

In fact when I came here dinner and saw owner, Maro Al Chamaa busy working the floor and behind the counter, I recalled being here many years ago when his business was focused on take-out pitas and burritos. Don’t worry, there are still burritos on the menu, but the selection is much greater.

It’s a modern, welcoming environment that reflects Maro’s heritage at the same time. On one wall there are pictures of famous Lebanese signers with lines from songs that have special meaning to him.

Everything on the menu is a generous portion (colourfully and cleverly plated) and extremely reasonable. One of his signature/popular dishes is Bella and the Beast; it’s a cauliflower meal in itself. Maro’s Bistro is also known for the creamy hummus, lightly spiced fish Mediterranean Pearl dish, and mouthwatering blends of flavours of Lunch in Beirut and Memories of Persia.

While waiting for a table I asked one diner what one of their table mates had just finished eating; he said it was a rice bowl (and pretty big, too).

It comes in a child-sized potion, which was perfect so I ordered that for my two companions.

I had the Marhaba: fried Croquette stuffed with minced beef, onion and sauteed pine nuts, which was served with Persian salad. It was fun putting the meal together myself on the plate from each individual jar the food was served in.

Maro's Bistro Marhaba — ***Artfully presented Marhaba dish.***

Maro was born in Lebanon, but proudly became a Canadian citizen in 2016. Above the back counter on the wall there’s a quote from him: “The food is soon gone, but the memories last forever. Don’t just go out to eat, come home for dinner.”

His passion for creating a welcoming community and serving “plates that create memories” seems to be working, judging by the multitudes of people that frequent the establishment.

Be sure to finish your meal with, at minimum, the Turkish coffee. If I wasn’t so full I would have definitely wanted Baklava. Next time.

Maro’s Bistro

135 Kerr St, Oakville, ON

marosbistro.com

#MarosBistro #MarosVillage

by Becky Dumais

In Blog

Garden Kit in a Box: Plant One at Home to Help Pollinators

May 10, 2017 No Comments

Garden kits will help pollinators – bees & butterflies – in your yard. Looking to get your garden started or refresh it with some perfect blooms? Conservation Halton’s Garden In-A-Box kit of perennial native wildflowers which will bloom year after year.

There are three different kits to encourage residents to plant native plants in their gardens to help protect pollinators like the Monarch butterfly. The shade kits are sold out; however there are still some sun and rain kits available.

Kits are $45 plus tax each. For more information and to purchase your kit, visit the Garden In-A-Box webpage. The kits will be available for pick up this Saturday (just in time for Mother’s Day) at the Conservation Halton Administration Office, 2596 Britannia Road West, near Guelph Line in Lowville.

Each kit is ideal for an area about 4 feet x 8 feet. Each plant is wrapped in coco fiber pots so it’s easy to just plant them directly into the ground. In their second or third year of growth they should fill the area nicely. If you prefer a very full garden, you may want to consider doubling the number of plants for your space.

Free Homeowner Gardening Workshops in Burlington and Oakville in May

Conservation Halton’s free Homeowner Gardening Workshops continue this week in Burlington and Oakville. Our staff experts will lead you through all the steps to creating a gardening plan which is low cost, environmentally friendly and enhances the beauty of your garden and curb appeal. The remaining sessions are:

Burlington, held on Tuesday, May 16 from 6:30 – 8 p.m. at the L.G Branch Auditorium at Mainway Community Centre (4015 Mainway, L7M 2L7)
Oakville, held on Thursday, May 25 from 6:30 – 8 p.m. at the Queen Elizabeth Park Community Center Rehearsal Hall (2302 Bridge Road, L6L 2G6)

Register in advance for the Burlington Homeowner Gardening Workshops or click here to register for the Oakville Homeowner Gardening Workshops.

In Articles

Gardening for Flavour – It’s All About the Heirlooms

May 8, 2017 No Comments

They taste so good, tangy, sweet, and oh so luscious. The right tomato makes me swoon with my eyes closed, in contrast to others which I can easily refuse. So what’s the difference? It’s heirloom varieties over traditional hybrids.

Heirloom, sometimes referred to as heritage, varieties of any vegetable just taste better. Up until recently, breeding programs for modern hybrid vegetables all but ignored taste and nutrition, and instead focused on solving the revenue generating challenges of extended shelf life and transportability. This has resulted in the glut of bland produce we have today.

That should be reason enough to plant your own garden with heirloom varieties. Not only are these your best flavour options, but they’re also the best performers in home and market gardens. Inspired yet?

Farmer Karen Whitty of Whitty Farms in St. Catharines plants more than a dozen varieties of heirloom tomatoes, with names like Orange Russian, Turkey Purple, Northern Lights, or Black Zebra and a few of the sweeter Brandy Wine varieties. She strives for the best flavours she can grow, and because she’s not carting her produce cross-town much less cross-country, she can take the time to ripen her produce for full flavour and nutrition.

Yes, that’s right. Science is now supporting what gourmet gardeners have known all along – that food allowed to ripen in the garden is higher in nutrition because most of the nutrients (and flavour) develop in the final stages of ripening.

You really can taste the difference. Heirloom carrots are disproportionately flavourful, heirloom squash is richer, and garlic is ultimately more pungent and powerful; even rhubarb has a welcome tang and crisp bite.

Generally speaking, heirloom veggies are old-time varieties that are open-pollinated (not cross pollinated in a greenhouse). Over time these vegetable varieties become more adapted to the location they’re grown in, and show this by eventually producing more volume and becoming more resistant to insects. Many of the heirloom variety of seeds are saved each growing season and handed down through multiple generations of families. I know my family is still growing the same variety of garlic my grandmother brought with her from Italy in the early 1900s.

If you don’t have heritage seeds in your family, there are organizations like Seeds of Diversity and USC Canada (Unitarian Service Committee) that collect and save seeds from extinction. They offer all varieties of seeds from carrots to potatoes and tomatoes to beets. Start these seeds in a sunny window right about now and when they’re strong enough, transplant them in your own backyard garden.

Remember that heirloom varieties will behave slightly differently in your garden. I remember when my grandmother would harvest tomatoes from July to the onset of frost. That’s because heirloom varieties are less uniform than hybrids, and one plant will ripen continually until the weather halts it from growing.

“Heirloom tomatoes are so sweet and delicious; my favourite way to eat them is straight from the garden when they’re still warm from the sun”, says Karen. “These are things to look forward to, and have good memories of.”

If you don’t have a backyard garden, look for heirloom varieties at your farmers’ market. You can identify them easily because they probably will not have the picture perfect image vegetable marketers have come to expect. Instead, you’re more likely to find lopsided beets, tiny melons with stripes, cucumbers with little spikes, twisted squash and ugly tomatoes. It’s all good!

When I’m starting my tiny heirloom seeds, I feel connected to generations of gardeners like me who cared enough to seek out the best flavours. Throughout the summer, when I’m enjoying the spoils from my garden, those vibrant flavours take me back to feel the love of generations of my own family.

by Lynn Ogryzlo

Lynn Ogryzlo is a food, wine and travel writer, international award winning author and regular contributor to Look Local Magazine. She can be reached for questions or comments at www.lynnogryzlo.ca

Local Links

Burlington Public Library Seed Library
bpl.on.ca

Seeds of Diversity
seeds.ca

Hamilton Community Garden Network
hcgn.ca/seedy

jenn

by Becky Dumais

Local Links

… building confidence for budding thespians by Allison Dempsey

SUMMER THEATRE CAMPS

Local Links

by Becky Dumais

Oakville

11 am – 11 pm Bronte Heritage Waterfront Park, Oakville

Burlington

Noon – 10pm Spencer Smith Park, Burlington

Ready for a New Summer Sport? by Denise Davy

Local Link

“By any other name would still smell as sweet” By Becky Dumias

PLANNING & POTTING

CARE & FEEDING

Local Links

Maro’s Bistro

by Lynn Ogryzlo

Local Links

… building confidence for budding thespians
by Allison Dempsey

Ready for a New Summer Sport?
by Denise Davy

“By any other name would still smell as sweet”
By Becky Dumias