Today, Over the Hills is known for its specialty fruit spreads, preserves, toppings, and chocolates, and yes - tourists can even buy fruit trees from their orchards. While the province is known for fruits such as saskatoons and cranberries, what the Kreutzers are growing - plums, peaches, figs, nectarines, grapes, pears, apricots and almonds - is usually unheard of here. The Kreutzers soon found that the challenge was to incorporate and adapt this knowledge to the challenges of Saskatchewan’s climate in many cases, they were breaking new ground. ![]() They also made many connections through the internet with growers and fruit breeders around the world. The couple travelled to many regions in North America to learn from growers who had accumulated years of knowledge. Moreover, while Sylvia grew up on the farm, growing fruit was different than slopping pigs and herding cattle.ĭean took horticulture classes via correspondence through the University of Saskatchewan to acquire the basics of plant anatomy and fruit production, while he learned the art of fruit breeding in hopes of creating hardier varieties that could grow in this climate. Meanwhile, 30 years of city life never prepared him for rural life - the learning curve was vertical. Many people questioned his decision, but never his enthusiasm. ![]() It was quite the transformation for Dean: from computer programmer to certified organic fruit grower. ![]() Husband and wife team Dean and Sylvia Kreutzer left behind their careers in Regina in 2000 and purchased 16 hectares (40 acres) in hopes of breeding exotic fruits in Saskatchewan’s cooler climate and short growing season. Nestled in the Qu’Appelle Valley is Lumsden’s Over the Hills Orchards and Winery, which grows various organic fruits and offers picnics, suppers, tours and wine-tasting activities.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |