An incidental result of offering a home for unusual food plants and herbs was the realization that the seed would now be available not only for replenishing the nursery, but for other growers to try in their own gardens. Robin Wheeler, who is still hand hewing gardens on this property, has no intention of growing out the many great vegetable plants that other seed producers are growing so well, so this is not a good site to look for annual vegetable seeds. However, for those wanting slightly unusual perennials and some well naturalized Chinese medicinals, take a look through the listings. This will be growing in the next year as certain plants prove their worth in this moody marine climate. Others may want to look through the plant listings for rooted plants that have been propogated here in the last few years.

This land has been kept as pristine as possible. Most "fertilizing" is done with wood chips, straw, seaweed or alfalfa, depending on the appetite of the particular plant. Water is from an untreated shallow well. No soil is brought in, though mulch materials are brought in from other farms. Some local aged manure is used.

Robin Wheeler, as founder of the One Straw Society (www.onestraw.ca) has been working with her community to increase food production and use of sustainable methods for almost 15 years. She is author of Gardening for the Faint of Heart (Raincoast/New Catalyst) and Food Security for the Faint of Heart (New Society Publishers). She is now doing workshops and forums around the lower mainland and is still developing her gardens.