4 minute read
Wild Country Gardens
By McKenze Martin & Caitlin Banks
Wild Country Gardens is a family farm that has grown into an abundant supplier of homemade and chemical free goods. This beautiful farm is owned and cultivated by Rennie and Paulette Sparks located in Wildwood, Alberta. The Sparks started this farm for something to keep them busy after retirement and continue to stay active. They were married in 2007, (the year they moved out to the farm) and they thought...
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I can tell you that in fact yes it absolutely is possible, as that is what this wonderful couple has accomplished!
All their products are made with only home grown locally sourced fruits and vegetables. These products include jams, jellies, syrups, salsas, relishes, sauerkraut, and pickles that are all produced and commercially inspected at the Wild Country Garden’s kitchen. They also sell a variety of herbal teas that are not only chemical and herbicide free, but are also hand picked, air dried and packaged right on the farm.
Just when you think this couple cannot possibly do anymore, I find out they also make homemade soaps! All their soaps are made with beeswax, herbs, and flowers. The Sparks are even working with a local brewery to use the distilleries facilities\equipment but using their very own recipes to produce moonshine products. These two are always introducing new products and have recently developed a fruit smoothie mix with Alberta open farm base called “The Incubation Project”.
Although Rennie and Paulette love creating all these products their favorite part is sharing the farm with the community. They open the farm every year to give tours to families, friends and have even become a learning facility for schools and classes.
They would love to see some new Easter traditions, where there is less waste and more usable and enjoyable products. Instead of all the cardboard and junk food, they would rather see the addition of wholesome healthier options like jams and teas! Shopping locally is not only convenient but also helps the community thrive.
All of their products are government approved and regulated. Paulette assured me they are very adamant about precautions and regulations.
Wild Country Gardens also prioritize teaming up with only local farmers and are hoping to plan tours that involve the other local farms! They also use their commercial kitchen to bring everyone in touch with local foods. The inside of the kitchen is decorated with family heirlooms, pictures of their ancestors, and information about their bees. It is important for the Sparks to share their heritage which makes this almost like a museum to all who visit.
Fun Fact: Did you know Wild Country Gardens has an orchard blooming in the spring with over 800 assorted fruit trees and berry bushes!? Rennie and Paulette also plant 1500 heads of garlic in the fall to harvest in July!
When you visit Wild Country Gardens, you will see a beautiful house and driveway lined with fruit trees, specifically hawthorn berries that flower in the spring. Every direction you turn your sight will be filled with beautiful fruit trees and life. You might even catch a glimpse of their three chocolate labs who are a big part of the family and keep wild animals off the farm.
Their dogs are Jessie, Sydney and Miley and they all love people especially when given tummy rubs, puppy kisses and they can even shake a paw!
Meet the whole family down at Wild Country Gardens. Experience nature, learn about their heritage, and have a picnic almost anywhere you’d like. It’s like a little paradise, a true hidden gem!
Just an hour and 35 minutes west of the city at 10118TWP550 Yellowhead County, Wildwood Alberta
You could make an adventure of it, stop in at some of the Hidden Gems from last month to get all your Easter Shopping done. (here is a map to find your way) https://issuu.com/createtheripplemagazine/docs/create_the_ripple_magazine_march_2021/46
You can find out more about Wild Country Gardens on their Website and Facebook Page. Or contact them directly by phone: 780-325-2207 or email pmsparks@xplornet.com
