Another year, another IncrEDIBLE Picnic by Select Nova Scotia. On Sunday, August 21, at the newly launched Sands at Salter—a sandy waterfront area that bumps up against the boardwalk around the corner from Bishop’s Landing—I spent the afternoon eating some incredible treats from local vendors, enjoying music by some fantastic local artists, and giving a few cuddles to some adorable animals at the petting zoo.
Sometimes, it seems like you were meant to be somewhere.
Martin McGurk and Gordon Tingley were meant to live in Nova Scotia. After having lived in Vancouver, the couple moved to Bear River, Nova Scotia and started Sledding Hill Farms. The duo have become known for growing and selling lavender, especially lavender products, such as lavender sugar and jellies. Passable sat down with Martin a little while back.
Image courtesy of Sledding Hill Farms
First, tell me how you ended up living in Bear River?
We both enjoy gardening and being close to nature. We wanted a sizeable portion of land that we could farm. We found the lifestyle we wanted was financially out of reach in BC’s lower mainland. We started looking in the Maritimes because Gord has roots in Saint John, NB and is an Acadia University alumnus. He was familiar with the favourable growing conditions for a wide variety of crops here in NS. We started with a wide property search, but in the end, the property we found in Bear River ticked all the boxes.
What was it about the place that made you want to be there?
We looked at a number of places that were for sale up and down the Annapolis Valley. In the end, the property we bought in Bear River met all our requirements and had that extra something… the village just felt right. It struck us right away like a lively and welcoming community that didn’t take itself too seriously. Our first impression has proven to be true.
Where does the name of the farm come from?
