Born in Cobalt, Ontario, a silver mining town in Northern Ontario, I graduated as a Chemical Engineer in 1970, but was not INDUSTRY MATERIAL. I then taught sciences in a Community College in North Bay, Ontario for 25 years.

I was lucky to visit Salt Spring in 1979  during my annual summer migration to BC and knew I wanted to have a farm. In 1998, I was able to get my pension so I took up permanent orcharding. I grow over 200 connoisseur apple varieties Certified Organic by IOPA (#902).

• Organically grown – using only natural fertilizers such as seaweed, manures, oyster shell and hay mulch.

• Non-irrigated – use of M111 rootstock combined with a heavy dew every morning avoids the need to irrigate.

At the orchard, you can learn about the quality and care that goes into producing organic food, the benefits and challenges of organic farming, view our awards and publications, and order fresh fruit the day it comes off the trees.

I feel very lucky to be an avid apple grower. What a beautiful direction to channel your efforts! A further reward is available for those growers seeking new, old or unique varieties of apples. Then it becomes a passion.

What a beautiful life it has been.

 HB