By Ewa Chwojko-Srawley
Georgina’s Field to Table tour was with us again on 16 August, celebrating more than 200 years of local farming.
The highlight was meeting the farmers—passionate about their work and eager to share their knowledge.
At Pollard Farm, known for its sunflowers, Sarah Campitelli shares her passion for the plant. “We usually think of sunflowers as just pretty decorations or snackable seeds, but the leaves can go in salads, and the petals can be brewed into tea,” she explains.
Her enthusiasm turns a quick visit into a mini lesson in farming, leaving guests like Tracy Wright inspired.
“On my way to work, I often see people stopping to admire the fields,” she says. “Now I got to explore the farm myself. I’ve learned so much, and I can share it with my family and colleagues.”
At Breezy Ridge Farm the learning continues.Established in 1983 by Philip and Elizabeth Smith, the sheep farm joined the tour for the first time this year.
Their son Nicholas knows just about everything about the farm’s woolly residents. Fun fact: sheep don’t just give us wool for sweaters, they help make beauty products! Many lotions contain lanolin from sheep’s wool. Who knew?!
Richard and Dana, enthusiastic beekeepers from R & D Bees & Trees, set up beehives on this sheep farm nine years ago. Richard led visitors—decked out in special bee suits—on a close-up tour of their 45 buzzing hives! Listening to him felt like sneaking into a secret bee society!
Bee City Canada recognizes Georgina as the 85th Bee City!
Sandra Verrall of Dragonfly Farm, says, “Farmers who participate are friends and collaborators; we do this for the community. Here, we sell organic products, and we also teach people how to grow their own.”
Farming and art go hand in hand. At Dragonfly Farm, artistAndrea Macleod was busy painting…a dragonfly! “I love being here,” she says. “Sandra invited me, and I’m thrilled to paint a dragonfly for her farm. She’s got such a wonderful spirit.”
For a donation to the Georgina Food Pantry guests could take home garlic and potatoes. Sandra says, “It’s all about support, community spirit, and enjoying time together.”
April Hayes wholeheartedly agrees. “Every year I take the day off work just for the tour,” she says. “I pick up at least one thing at every stop. Fresh food, new discoveries, and great chats with the farmers. I always go home with something delicious and something I’ve learned.”
Field to Table will be back—mark your calendar and see what’s fresh next year!
- 20-storey condo tower on Cook’s Bay gets green light - September 10, 2025
- Our Stories, Our Art: Voices of the Unhoused - September 9, 2025
- The torch passes at the Georgina Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic - September 8, 2025
