Pumpkins are just about ripe for the pickin’ on Newman Farm in Central Saanich.
So, the Farmlands Trust (FLT) is welcoming the public to the historic Saanich Peninsula homestead and farm for two educational events. Ed Johnson, chair of the FLT, says the Newman Farm will be open to visitors on Oct. 12 and 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. both days.
Volunteers with the FLT will be there to show people around the farm and the buildings under restoration by the District of Central Saanich. Folks will be able to pick pumpkins (for carving and for pies) planted by the volunteers back in June. Johnson said it’s the first crop on the property in years — and includes zucchinis they will be donating to Our Place.
FLT took over the Newman Farm two years ago after negotiations with the district, which obtained the land from the family in the 1990s. Plans are to turn the 100-year-old farm into an interpretive area, highlighting the history of farming on the Peninsula.
The public entrance to the Newman Farm is located on Central Saanich Road, a quarter-kilometer north of Mt. Newton X Road (look for the Farmlands Trust signs). Johnson encourages visitors to bring sensible shoes or boots, gloves and something to cut the pumpkins free of their plants. To learn more, visit www.farmlandstrust.ca.