About me
My name is Linda Crago.
The Tree and Twig name represents my tie to agriculture. My father, a farmer and teacher, used to quote the bible (how accurately I am not sure), "As the tree is bent, the twig inclineth," meaning, like father, like child.
What I do here is an expression of the love for the land and farming that I learned from both my parents while growing up on a wonderful farm north of Hamilton. What I would give to have that beautiful loam soil!
Tree and Twig is situated on a rolling nine-acre property, which sits on the Welland River outside the tiny village of Wellandport in Niagara Region, Ontario, Canada.
Seventeen years ago, I quit my career as a social worker and began delivering baskets of organic vegetables to my former collegues who were interested in fresh produce. Without ever having heard of the "Community Supported Agriculture" concept, it was in fact what I was doing and my CSA was born. So many years later, there are many new facets to my business. I now have two large hoophouses and a small one, all unheated, to extend my growing season into a year-round one and to get my thousands of seedlings off to a roaring and robust start. I also sell seed...fabulous organic and heirloom seed, full of magic and possibility!
More land has been ploughed under and the gardens are quite large. I grow more and more transplants as the interest in heirlooms grows and I have been honoured to speak about heirloom veggies during the winter months for various gardening clubs, schools and interested groups.
My interest in heirlooms increases every year. My seed comes from many sources around the world, I save more and more seed myself and also share my seed with others. My most treasured business relationships are with those businesses, organizations and individuals who are selfless in their devotion to the cause of ensuring diversity by growing heirloom varieties and reoffering them. I am a lifetime member of Decoarah, Iowa based Seed Savers Exchange and have visited several times. I am also a proud member of the rebel Kokopelli in France and Garden Organic. in England. Locally I am a proud member of Niagara Action For Animals, Master Gardeners and proud supporter of Niagara Vegfest. I have organized the local Niagara Seedy Saturday for years, believing firmly that seed and gardening knowledge are to be shared.
I am also so happy to be entering into my eighth year as a test gardener for Rodale's Organic Gardening magazine. Check out my blog for some incredible garden info from very knowledgeable gardeners.
In March 2009, I was awarded the Agriculture Enterprise Award at the Niagara Entrepreneur of the Year Awards.
In 2007, I was humbled to receive a regional Premier's Award for Agri-Food Innovation Excellence from the Province of Ontario.
I am a long time vegetarian, tending towards vegan and hippie as my two amazing daughters Emily and Mollie might say. I love dogs, cats and all animals and winged and webbed life. We must be kind.
I feel blessed to be able to live this way and am grateful for all the support over the years. It has been incredible to meet so many like-minded people and new friends. Thank you!
We do have an interesting place here, with a variety of two and four-legged creatures. If you can stop by and visit my farmstand please do. If you see me in the garden, I'll be sure to come out and chat!