There’s nothing like a visit to Hutchinson Farm in north Burlington to get you in the springtime spirit.
With nine greenhouses filled with colourful flowers, herbs and vegetables, it’s sure to lift anyone's spirits. It also offers scenic views, since it’s nestled between Conservation Halton’s Mount Nemo and Rattlesnake Point, just a short drive from the city.
The popular farm has been around for decades and while many come for the geraniums ― there’s more than 100 varieties ― the staff are equally entertaining and enthusiastic and ready to answer any gardening questions.
The 50-acre site, of which 30 acres is actively farmed, was purchased by John Hutchinson (1928-2015). He and his second wife Barbara MacTavish initially sold zucchini and other vegetables such as cabbage. Barbara, who turns 85 on May 12 (“Florence Nightingale’s birthday,” she adds) and remains an active member of the farm, said she told John Hutchinson that he needed to change his ways back in the 1980s, and start selling flowers instead. The rest is history.
Of course, the farm sells seasonal crops from May to October: annuals and perennials in May, Asparagus, strawberries, peas and more in June, Raspberries, beans and zucchini in July and tomatoes, melons, egglant, garlic and onions in August and September before finishing the season in October with pumpkins, squash and gourds. This is just a sampling of their crops and everything that's sold on the farm was grown on the farm.
“I think I’ll be turning 24,” she joked, and she still rides her bike. She’s also one of the fastest planters at the farm, according to Barbara and John's son, David MacTavish. She’s active in the greenhouses and there’s rarely a customer who passes by without hearing her ask, “Do you need anything?”
The family began planting this year on Jan. 11, and with the help of Rafael Gonzalez there are more than 50,000 plants on site. David said Rafael does most of the work on the farm, as he has since 1988. Along with his son, Marco, there are a total of four Mexican workers who live on the farm in the summer and spend the winter in Mexico with their families.
“We couldn't farm without them,” adds David, who is hard-pressed to choose a favourite plant variety.
He said SunPatiens have become particularly popular over the last two years since they grow well in sun or shade, and five minutes after a thunderstorm, they’re still thriving.
He’s impressed by the Scaevola plants as they are lovely in hanging baskets, streaming over the side in blooms.
Tomatoes and heirloom tomatoes are another favourite at the farm, and many repeat customers have been enjoying the farm’s fresh produce for decades.
David said their philosophy is simple: “Simply awesome produce, fresh picked daily, all grown at our farm in North Burlington: this is what it truly means to be local.”
One customer enjoyed the farm so much that upon his retirement as an urban planner with the City of St. Catharines several years ago, the Burlington resident began working full-time at the farm.
Kevin Blozowski ― known by many as the pumpkin guy, since fall is his favourite season at the farm and he loves pumpkins ― has been at the farm for five years. He doesn’t even look at it as work (most days).
“I used to sit in a little office for work, now this is it,” he said. “I’d give up working for hundreds of dollars per hour to work here any day. You see eagles pass over, hear all the birds singing all day long…it’s very therapeutic.”
Hutchinson Farm is located at 6202 Walker’s Line. Learn more on the Facebook page that David updates regularly https://www.facebook.com/HutchinsonFarm and even includes photos of some of the wildlife guests might spot while on site.
