Farm Activities
Sustainable and Regenerative Agritourism
Our farm is certainly a must for agritourism enthusiasts who seek to be in contact with nature and the Quebec region. Every year, we welcome thousands of tourists from around the world who come to discover our place designed with the protection of culture and biodiversity in mind.
But why sustainable and regenerative agritourism? Our concept of agrotourism includes the protection, enhancement and regeneration of the natural and cultural heritage of the territory we inhabit. In addition to edible gardens, medicinal plants, flowers and the food forest project, Ferme Giroflée is known as the largest certified organic blueberry farm in Montérégie where the food harvested in the fields becomes a vector space of experience for our visitors. The farm has been moved in with friendliness in mind to accommodate individuals, families, groups and couples, to enable them to have a meaningful experience with nature as well as the rural community of the beautiful Hemmingford region .
Autocueillette
With us, pick-your-own is in the spotlight. From mid-July, the blueberry season begins and, later, raspberries, cucamelons, ground cherries and sweet peppers can also be self-picked. For seasonality of U-pick crops, see U-pick calendar.
It should be noted that at Giroflée, compared to the products sold at our kiosk or in store, in exchange for your labor, a discount will be applied to your cart. Come and stock up for the year!
Picnic Area and Stop for Cyclists
During your visit to the farm, take advantage of our enchanting site to drop you off. Rest areas have been moved and picnic tables are at your disposal to allow you to have your meal on the edge of our fields.
Cyclists are also welcome to stop by to recharge their batteries. Since Ferme Giroflée is not far from Hemmingford Bike Tour in the MRC des Jardins-de-Napierville, it is easy to go through here to take a dip in nature and you could also take the opportunity to stock up on supplies with some products for sale at the kiosk before continuing your journey.
Natural Space Protected
In addition to our 11 acres dedicated to agriculture, 30 acres are home to a forest, which represents 62% of the total area of Giroflée. A project for a food forest has begun and a small sugar shack has been built with recycled materials.
In our forest trails, you can see more than forty species of trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants, including three species at risk: Canada’s Bloodthirsty, Canada’s Asaret and the White Trillium (evaluation Ambioterra, 2022). The 2.5 acres reserved for wetlands, aquatic areas and shorelines serve as blue and green corridors that connect the different natural environments. Wetlands are also habitats for important species in the ecosystem.
Beekeeping
Bees are crucial to food security, the natural balance and the maintenance of biodiversity. It is said that a third of the world's food production depends on bees. In 2018, experts discovered the threat of certain pesticides to the life of bees: neonicotinoids. United Nations has since encouraged the adoption of practices aimed at protecting them.
At La Giroflée, we participate in the protection of foraging bees. In a pesticide-free environment, the hives are installed in the middle of our fields and gardens. By feeding on the pollen of blueberry flowers and wildflowers, bees improve the pollination of our crops and produce a delicious, distinctive honey that can be purchased at our farm kiosk and possibly on our online store. Don't hesitate to come and talk with our beekeeper, Nancy!
Ornithology
In natural and protected environments such as the Ferme Giroflée, biodiversity offers a wide variety of birds. About forty different species have also been observed here, such as Tree Swallows, Grasshopper Sparrows, Waxwings, Turkey Vulture and rarer species such as the Eastern Bluebird.
Ornithologists and other wildlife enthusiasts are welcome to come visit us to observe and hear these beauties of nature.
