Posts tagged with “agriculture”

Ontario Antique Tools

Written by Laura Brown

Hosts an event, "Tools of the Trades" show and sale. The oldest continually operating antique tool show and sale in Canada. Currently run by John Pirie.

"The emphasis is on, but not limited to, hand tools for wood and metal working. The increasing interest in traditional woodworking and premium quality hand tools, has led to the recent resurgence of the high end, small scale hand tool makers. Several of these makers are in attendance at the show to present and discuss their offerings".

Ontario Urban Forest Council

Written by Laura Brown

"A not-for-profit volunteer organization dedicated to the health of urban forests in the province of Ontario".

Related groups:

Forests Ontario "Supporting forest restoration, stewardship, awareness and education".

Take Root Part of Forests Ontario.

Grasslands Ontario

Ontario Heritage and Forgotten Apple Trees

Written by Laura Brown

I'm interested in Ontario history, including our rural heritage. (I volunteer with Ontario Barn Preservation).

Today I found several links about heritage apples, forgotten apple varieties and trees in Ontario, and information about pruning and growing trees from the seeds of the old apples you might find on a road trip here and there.

My Mother and Grandparents talk about the apples they used to have for making pies and wonder where they could still find those now. They don't see them sold in farmer's markets and certainly not in stores any more.

I found a few good links and then this book, by Sher Leetooze, "Identifying Heritage Apples Across Ontario". I bought a copy of the book. I'm hoping it will include greening apples. A variety my Mother mentions every year. She remembers them being the first, early apples available each year. They grow (grew) here in Ontario but we haven't found any yet.

Orchard People

The Kitchen Orchard

The Ontario Heritage and Feral Apple Project

Pick some wild apples this year. You could even try planting some of the old trees seldom seen any more. Give them a chance to get a new start and have apples close at hand when you get into pie making mode.