Hidden Valley Garden, Sylvan Lake, Alberta

We purchased the property that we now call Hidden Valley Garden in 1992.

Three acres of Saskatoons and about 1000 Colorado Blue Spruce were planted in 1994 and 1995. The plan at the time was not completely thought out but perhaps because of our roots, we always believed we would enjoy participating more directly in agriculture.

In 2005, we decided to quit working full time and that year we put in an acre of Raspberries and about 2 acres of vegetables. We started to invite people out to pick their own fruit and vegetables and sold at the Sylvan Lake Farmers Market as well.

Each subsequent year we have increased our garden to accommodate more customers at our place and at the farmers market.

For 2010, we will have about 5 acres of garden, an acre of raspberries and 2.5 acres of saskatoons.

We also have established a bed and breakfast in our home, which will have 3 rooms available this year and are open year round.

We enjoy producing fresh produce for our customers as well as providing a hands-on opportunity for education in the “where does my food come from” discussion.

The earliest opportunity for visits to the garden/orchard are about mid May when the Saskatoon blossoms are out and we open up the u-pick in late June for harvesting of vegetables.

We are located 3.2 km north of the intersection of Highway 20 and 11A. Turn east on Twp Road 39-2, turn south into Kayton Estates and follow the signs to Hidden Valley Garden. Our phone numbers are 887-3778 or 392-5968.

We thoroughly enjoy our little Hidden Valley only 4 km from Sylvan and believe it is a pretty special corner of the world.