See where these apple growers pack fresh Ontario apples – 8,000 boxes each day in the 14,865-square-metre (160,000-square-foot) packing and storage facility (set to expand by 7,432 square metres/80,000 square feet in the next few years). During Doors Open, learn how Algoma Orchards presses and bottles up to 9 million litres of fresh cider annually.

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Algoma Orchards uses state-of-the-art planting systems to grow over 445 hectares (1,100 acres) of apples at their Clarington facility. Currently growing 750,000 bushels of apples annually to ship across Canada (mainly Gala, Honeycrisp, Ambrosia and McIntosh), they will be expanding operations over the next five years to grow over 1 million bushels! Guided tours throughout the day.

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For over 70 years, the Benschop family have owned and operated this third-generation dairy farm. Approximately 250 registered Holsteins are housed here – 100-plus are milked twice daily in a double-eight parlour. Learn what loose housing, free-stall, parlour and calf hutches are and more. During Doors Open, the Durham East 4-H Club will also provide displays and information.

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John and Maria Rickard emigrated from England in 1847. Their son purchased the home farm here in 1866 – named Ceresmore for the Greek goddess Ceres (also the root of “cereals”). Jim and Don, fifth-generation Rickard farmers, currently farm 1,200 acres for seed. During Doors Open, visitors will be able to explore the seed cleaning plant, the historical home and barn.

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The Gibson family built this house in 1834 and furnished it with pieces brought from northern England (some originals are still in use today). The back half of the house was replaced in 1953 and a wraparound veranda in 2014. The family – in its seventh generation of farming – has been growing apples here since the late 1890s.

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While the farm itself was established in the early 1900s, the house was built in 1906 by George and Gertrude Lane. Recently renovated, the house retains original wood trim and pocket doors into the living room. Some furnishings from the era also still remain – including 1860s chairs manufactured by G.P. Walter and Company. While you’re here, explore the lovely gardens.

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It’s the little greenhouse that grew. Link Greenhouses, a family-run operation, was established in 1992 by Lisa and Henk Mulders. (“Link” is the “Li” from Lisa and the “nk” from Henk.) Originally growing 5,000 tomatoes plants, it now grows over 20,000 tomato and 5,000 English cucumber plants. You can enjoy their produce from the end of March until late November.

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Mostert Greenhouses is a family-run business that started growing roses in 1979. Now onto the second generation, the family continues to strive to give customers the quality product that only a local market can give. A long growing season (April to December) enables them to remain open weekdays and Saturdays. Come and enjoy their beautiful greenhouses and fragrant roses!

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Come and see how this farm grows an assortment of vegetables and fruit without the use of any chemicals, pesticides or fungicides – and absolutely no genetically modified organisms! Tour the operations, speak with the farmers and learn what it takes to grow organic. They also sell pastured chicken and eggs, and products made with organic ingredients – soups, preserves and more.

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This quiet, rural four-corners area is rich with local history. Providence Cemetery is a Bible Christian cemetery with only 88 burials – the first being Elizabeth Ann Bragg (1846) and the last Rebecca (Werry) Peardon (1919). Rev. Paul Robins – a pioneer of the Bible Christian movement in North America – and his wife Ann are also buried here.

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This gardening family has been known for its quality and variety of products for over 50 years. The Rekker Greenhouses are worth a visit. The new greenhouse development serving their wholesale customers is an example of modern technology at its best. Come and enjoy this rare chance to see how it’s all done.

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The Selby family run two successful farm operations – Newcastle Grain Elevator and Selby Farms. Handling everything from seed management to growing and producing corn, soybeans and wheat, they operate a drying, elevator and storage facility (with a 12,000-ton capacity), as well as being involved in transporting these commodities. Come and learn about what’s involved in helping to “feed the world.”

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Tour the main floor and gardens of this 1840s home. Stone Hollow’s original main house was built with 63-centimetre (25-inch) thick stone walls. Some internal walls in the dining and living room areas have been uncovered, showing the original stonework with embedded wood blocks (as well as original timbers framing the doorways).

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This family-owned and -operated business takes pride in producing premium-quality sod and providing excellent service for customers who enjoy working directly with the producer. Located on over 283 hectares (700 acres), Vissers has been growing, delivering and installing sod throughout Ontario since 1988. During Doors Open, come and see some of their equipment, and learn how they do it!

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