Hi everyone!
Happy September! On our side, August wasn't all plain sailing, because harvest season means gathering and preserving. Well, some fruits are a little unknown and a little research and development is needed to make the most of them. That's what Antoine has done with the fruit from our black cherry trees (explanations follow). But it wasn't all about harvesting, we also did a lot of preparation for the autumn sale, which starts this month. In the midst of all this, Victor gave a workshop on growing nut trees at the nursery, in collaboration with Villages nourriciers (a project of Alliance Alimentaire Papineau). A quick note to remind you that we have pastured chickens for sale (link to a form at the end of the newsletter). Finally, we're getting a little ahead of ourselves, but we've got a SUPER BIG ANNOUNCEMENT for you. We can't wait!
Remember the "pimbina" (or three-lobed viburnum) beer discussed in last March's newsletter? No? You were not yet subscribed to the newsletter? Would you like to read them? Well, you can read and reread previous newsletters on our website! For those of you who read the March newsletter and were waiting for some beer news, well, it was an interesting and unique concept, but there was room for improvement. Expect V2! In any case, La Réfriche's next alcoholic beverage is the following: Black cherry wine. Antoine and his collaborator concocted this drink. It's currently in fermentation, but don't worry, we'll keep you posted on developments.
At the nursery, we love the fall! There are many reasons for this, such as the apple and hazelnut season, but also for autumn coloring. Fall coloring isn't at the door just yet, but it's just around the corner. This thought was enough to motivate us to get ready for the nursery's fall sale. A tree inventory, a bit of tidying up here and there, and voilà! If you have woody planting projects in mind, don't hesitate to visit our website to reserve your future trees now! Maybe one day you too will be able to harvest beautiful hazelnuts like this one!
Speaking of hazelnuts, let's end August on a high note with a look back at Victor's workshop on growing Quebec nut trees. During this generous training session, given in collaboration with Villages nourriciers, participants were able to taste freshly harvested American hazelnuts in Ripon. These lucky participants were even able to take a few home with them to sow new hazelnut trees in our region. The topics discussed were diverse. While we talked about climate, topography, tree genetics and soil types suitable for growing walnuts, we also planted the nursery's first grafted Korean pine. Thanks to all who attended!
Now, the moment you've all been waiting for has finally arrived. On SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21, La Réfriche nursery invites you to its very first open house! Invite your friends, tell your neighbors, but above all, save the date in your calendar! On the menu: guided tours of the farm, a planting workshop, make-up in the back field, a BBQ ($10), a farm stand and maybe even more! Follow our networks for developments. We can't wait to see you!
This concludes the September newsletter. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact us! Until October, be well!
La Réfriche Nursery team