Ripley Horticultural Society learns about small-scale intensive organic farming

As spring slowly (very slowly) arrives in Bruce County, the Ripley and District Horticultural Society looks forward to busy times, planning, planting, weeding and learning.

The group was grateful that Kevin Voisin of Starseed Acres was able to take time from his busy schedule to present an overview of his operation, at the horticultural society meeting, April 16.

Starseed Acres, located near Walkerton, is a community-supported agriculture business, providing organic produce to 100-150 customers by subscription, as well as selling on-site at the farm store. The business has been in operation for about four growing seasons.



An aerial view of Starseed Acres, near Walkerton; photo courtesy of Kevin Voisin

On the 1.25-acre farm, the Voisins employ various regenerative farming methods on permanent beds which yield three to four crops each year. Working with, instead of against, nature, they provide flowers for pollinators to promote beneficial pests and nest boxes for birds.

Kevin and his wife, Lauren, are passionate about building relationships with people in their community. In the future, they hope to provide farm tours and dinners.



 Kevin Voisin (left) of Starseed Acres is thanked by Kimberlee Feick Lowry for his very interesting presentation on small-scale intensive organic farming, during the April 16 meeting of the Ripley and District Horticultural Society; photo by Christine Roberts

The horticultural society’s “For Our Youth” club was expected to be busy, planting its own vegetable garden at the Bruce Botanical Food Gardens during its meeting April 26.

Reports were received on finances and the District 8 Annual General Meeting. The decision was taken to provide financial support to the Ripley Reunion.

Volunteer help was solicited for the plant sale, May 17 in Lewis Park; as well as to work on the village planters at Smeltzer’s Garden Centre, and assembly of planters for the reunion planter fund-raiser.

The next meeting will be held Wednesday, May 21, at 7 p.m., at the Ripley-Huron Legion Hall. Christine Roberts will talk about the BIMBY (Butterflies in My Back Yard) Project, highlighting butterflies found in our area and the plants that attract them. Visitors and guests are always welcome.