My friend Caitlin and I were working on a garden design project, and during a break we chatted about our plans for the summer. I was farming with Fresh City Farms, and had some free land with an undecided future; Caitlin mentioned an interest in herbs and a desire to own an herb farm one day. It was an opportunity we couldn’t ignore and Sage Rising Herbs was born.
We started our herbs in a plot that was roughly 1,500 square feet. Though it was late in the season, we let the garden design develop organically. We transplanted donations from other gardens, sowed seeds where there was space and made cuttings to expand our crop. The garden was beautiful, even without a formal design. We spent mornings harvesting lavender, basil, oregano, sage, fennel and dill, while red-wing blackbirds darted overhead.
We were learning a lot as we worked - like how to plan ahead for the following weeks and how to spot pests and disease. The response to our little herb plot was very positive. Our herb subscription in the Fresh City Food box took off and our herbal vinegars, oils, lotions, and lip balms were a hit at local markets. As the season came to a close, we had to decide what to do for 2013.
Expecting a baby in March (Finn was born March 27, 2013!), I was hesitant about making the long trip to our plot at Downsview each day, and Caitlin was looking for a part-time gig in addition to farming. Given our situation, we decided to try a new business model: we planned to shift from our farm at Downsview to the backyards in the Annex and Parkdale.
Our search for backyard space was very successful. After meeting many willing homeowners, we found three yards that were a good match. In exchange for the land we use to grow our commercial herbs, we take care of a vegetable patch that the homeowners can take from whenever as they please. With the land taken care of, our next step was to find locations to sell our herbs!
We found agreements with community supported agriculture boxes, food co-ops and other urban farmers with whom to share market stalls.
The urban food community has been very supportive. Volunteer gardeners, friends and other farmers have made this journey such a special one. Now as I move through the gardens, with a baby farmer in tow, I look forward to celebrating another successful season with old friends and new ones - basking in the beauty of the herbs and the summer sun.
Jessica Lemieux is the co-owner and co-founder of Sage Rising Herbs. She lives in Toronto with her partner and her son Finn.You can find Sage Rising Herbs at the Junction Farmers market in Toronto, or at their blog. Follow them on Facebook and Twitter.