by Jo Barnes | photos by Kathryn Alvarez Photography –
Planting season. Growing season. Harvest season. Festive season!
The festive season is alive and well at Creekbottom Farm where owners, Kelsey Fletcher and Jess Bossert, look forward to a holiday dinner this year which will feature their own farm-raised turkey along with a variety of produce from their garden. “We raised turkeys this year. They are a rare heritage breed called Spanish Blacks,” shares Kelsey. “I’m really looking forward to hosting a turkey dinner and discovering for the first time how the meat of the Spanish Black tastes, as it is reputed to be much more flavourful than the standard commercial turkey meat. My plan is to breed the Spanish Blacks, which originated in Europe and are now listed as endangered.”
For quite some time, Jess and Kelsey have shared the dream of having land and growing their own food. “We just loved the idea of having a little hobby farm and growing crops,” says Kelsey. Adds Jess: “Kelsey and I both grew up in small towns and had parents that were committed to food gardening. I was always looking around for that little spot to raise a few vegetables.”
Situated in Brentwood Bay, Creekbottom Farm is named for the creek running along the border of the two-acre property. Here, a variety of delicious produce is grown including garlic, onions, squash, tomatoes, grapes, blueberries and raspberries. In addition to turkeys, geese, chickens and sheep are raised. “We have a diversity of crops, and this attracts beneficial insects,” relates Kelsey. “I really like caring for animals and making sure they have a good life. Plus, the turkeys and geese are great for pest control.”
Since the couple first purchased the property in 2013, they have made significant changes to both the land and the outbuildings on it. Details and photographs are beautifully captured on Kelsey’s farm blog http://www.creekbottomfarm.ca.
While the one original outbuilding on the property was retained, a brand-new barn was built for the chicken coop and hayloft. “When we arrived, it was barren and featureless,” comments Kelsey. “The previous owners had horses, and so the soil here was compacted. We put in a cover crop of vetch in the first year. It roots deeply, which helps to break up the soil. We then put in a 100-foot-long vegetable garden and enjoyed it for two years.”
Work was done to the original riding ring, transforming the space into a viable growing area. “The goats and pigs had access to the riding ring area. This fertilized the land somewhat and created the opportunity for that section of the property to once again support plant life. Now, we have some raised garden beds there, along with some perennial fruit crops,” says Kelsey.
While the initial focus was on a large vegetable garden, the landscape layout has evolved. Jess created an attractive pond encircled by a lush garden, winding paths throughout the property, and an outdoor pergola setting. He shares about the rich diversity of plant life on the property: “I’ve moved more towards perennials and have woven just about every kind of fruit you can grow here into a decade-long landscaping project that includes many ornamentals.”
Creating and maintaining the farm as well as handling day jobs and careers is a balancing act. Jess is a director with the Ministry of Health, and Kelsey is a court reporter. The couple have found ways to divide up the labour. “Kelsey is the best home cook I’ve ever met, does most of the day-to-day animal care and is our on-site poultry breeder. I’m in charge of weeding, fencing, building, equipment maintenance, and any task that needs a shovel,” relates Jess. “Over time, Kelsey and I have found a way to combine our various gifts and strengths to create something we love”.
Creekbottom represents a place where they can both escape from the demands of careers and find ways to connect with the land. “Farming feels creative and provides me with a way to connect really closely with this place where we live. I’m constantly learning about it and can feel that it’s shaped me just as I’ve shaped it,” says Jess. “I love coming home to the farm,” adds Kelsey. “We are deeply rooted here. It’s the most comfortable place to be, and we have a deep sense of gratitude that we have it.”
As well as providing a quiet refuge from the world, their farm provides practical rewards. As an enthusiastic cook, Kelsey talks about the joy of creating new recipes and dishes. “We grow so much of our own food. Often, there will be different varieties of a particular produce that I can experiment with in my cooking.”
This year’s seasons of planting and harvest have passed, and in the spring, the cycle of seasons will begin again. But now it is time for Jess and Kelsey to celebrate the rewards of their efforts in the feast on their holiday table.
