Something happens when you cross the Confederation Bridge and your tires roll onto the Gentle Island. I had the pleasure of spending a few days there last week and while it was a whirlwind, it was good for the soul.
Spring is my favourite time to visit Prince Edward Island. The fertile, red soil has been massaged and transformed into a welcoming red carpet. Of course, the soil is red year-round, but in the spring, before the potatoes and vegetables start to form visible rows, the contrast between the red fields and the lush green pastures is stunning. Red and green are opposite each other on the colour wheel and are complimentary so they really pop! Add a green John Deere tractor and…
My first stop would be at a vegetable farm, Compton’s, just outside Summerside. Matt was in the field, but graciously agreed to have a chat about the farm, the season and the weather.
We talked for a while, then Matt said something that jumped out at me: “People find false information on social media about how farmers and farming is destroying our planet, but they don’t take time to look into how farming has changed.”
He pointed to a field where strips of what looked like plastic were stretched across the rows. He explained how these create a mini-greenhouse effect for the young plants. With time, sun and rain, the covering breaks down and is returned to the soil.
I could have chatted with Matt all day, but he had work to do; the season was late and time was of the essence.
Off I went, driving around somewhat aimlessly when I came to the lovely town of Hunter River. From a distance, the bright orange of a large barn on a hill came into view. As I got closer I was able to read the name boldly scribed in white on the roof: “Just Another Farm.” Just by looking, it appeared to be more than that. I would have to look that one up!
The day was winding down, so I checked into my room at the Rodd Hotel in Charlottetown. That’s when I realized this little island was going green…
To be continued…
Watch Cindy's P.E.I. videos:
- ON THE ROAD WITH CINDY DAY: Compton's Farm
- ON THE ROAD WITH CINDY DAY: Confederation Bridge
- ON THE ROAD WITH CINDY DAY: SaltWire Network meteorologist is heading to P.E.I. May 29-30
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Cindy Day is the chief meteorologist for SaltWire Network.
