Farm Activities
Our farm is certainly a must for agrotourism 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 of experience for our visitors. Our space has been moved in with conviviality in mind to accommodate individuals, families, groups and couples and allow them to have a meaningful experience with nature as well as the rural community of the beautiful Hemmingford region.
U-Pick
With us, self-picking is in the spotlight. From July, the raspberry season begins, then blueberries, cucamelons, mini eggplants and peppers join this activity. To find out about the seasonality of crops, please consult our u-pick calendar. At La Giroflée, please note that, compared to the products sold at our kiosk or in store, in exchange for your work, a discount will be applied to your basket of self-picked fruits or vegetables. A perfect opportunity to stock up on your winter supplies.
Rest areas and stop for cyclists
During your visit to the farm, take advantage of our enchanting site to drop you off. Rest areas have been set up and a few picnic tables are available for you to enjoy a meal on the edge of our fields. Cyclists are also welcome to stop at our place and do full of energy. Since Ferme Giroflée is located not far from the Hemmingford bike circuit in the MRC des Jardins-de-Napierville, it is easy to pass by here to take a dip in the nature, and you could also take the opportunity to stock up on provisions with some products on sale at the kiosk before continuing the adventure.
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 food forest project has also started there and a small sugar shack has been built with recycled materials. In our forest trails, it is possible to contemplate more than forty species of trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants, including 3 endangered plant species: the Canadian bloodroot, the Canadian Asaret and the white trillium (assessment Ambioterra, 2022). The 2.5 acres reserved for wetlands, aquatic and riparian environments serve as blue and green corridors that connect the different natural environments. Wetlands are also habitats for important species in the ecosystem, such as amphibians.
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 like Giroflée, the biodiversity offers an impressive variety of birds. Around forty different species have also been observed here, Tree Swallows, Grasshopper Sparrows, American Waxwings, Turkey Vultures and other 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.
