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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1997-03-19, Page 38PAGE A-18. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19, 1997. Agriculture '97 Wide selection of herb varieties hardy, marketable FEED & ANIMAL HEALTH SUPPLIES New beginnings Birgit Hillier of Highgables Farm tends to some of the seedlings in the sunny front room of her Holmesville-area business, which are awaiting spring planting. Hillier offers a wide variety of herbs, and provides information on each one’s multiple uses. * BRUSSELS AGRI-SERVICES ffiosterfeeds at Brussels Livestock BRUSSELS 887-9391By Bonnie Gropp Citizen staff They can heal, soothe, scent and flavour. The varied uses for herbs are as many as the varieties which exist. And for people with an interest in their properties and with the knowl­ edge to utilize them, they are a hardy, marketable commodity in the ever-growing world of agricul­ ture. Birgit Hillier is the owner of Highgables Farm outside Holmesville on County Road 18. An artist and teacher, Hillier decid­ ed on the idea of an herb farm after enrolling in courses for an Ontario Diploma in Horticulture through the University of Guelph. One of the classes was on managing a small rural enterprise for which she needed to devise a business plan. The question Hillier asked herself was what was unique that interest­ ed her, the answer — an herb farm. Through the distribution of a sur­ vey she discovered that few people realized the potential of these plants. "A lot didn't even know that they were already growing herbs in their gardens and flower beds, like lavender and yarrow," says Hillier. So what exactly is an herb? According to Webster it's "a soft- stemmed plant that usually withers and dies each year. An often pleas­ ant-smelling plant used in medicine and cooking." Hillier’s definition is "a plant considered useful by a par­ ticular culture, and which usually has multiple uses." For example, while lavender is a pretty border plant, commonly thought of as a fragrance for sachets, it also has medicinal and culinary uses, says Hillier. Making a tea from lavender treats anxiety and headaches, while the flower water can be used as a skin toner against acne. Hillier has even used it in making shortbread. With many people searching out natural alternatives for everything from recipes to health, herbs are becoming an increasingly popular commodity. Hillier's plan for High­ gables is to help people uncover their many mysteries. In readiness for the growing season her sun room addition brims with pots, greenery and heat lamps. She has started with some standard perenni­ als such as honey eucalyptus and tea tree plants, known as a medicine chest in a bottle. Its essential oil, she says, has antisep­ tic agents that are allegedly stronger than carbolic acid. For this reason it can be used in soap or as a salve for wounds. It too, however, can be brewed as tea. "Education is the main thing about this business," says Hillier. To this end, visitors to Highgables will be able to take herb walks through the gardens to learn about specifics plants which may be. of particular interest to them and their needs. The main thing that Hillier wants to avoid is to have people over­ whelmed by the scope of her prod­ uct. "I get very excited when discussing herbs and I have to be careful I don't give people too much, too soon. Basically people want something attractive when they start their garden and will like- Continued on A-19 FAllM-CO STEEL & PLASTIC P.O. Box 1, Goderich, ON N7A 3Y5 (519)524-2082 Fax (519) 524-1091 THRU-LOW SIL VfRLINE stiffen auto supply Box 861, 100 Pine St., Wingham, Ont NOG 2W0 CROUP Agricultural, Residential, Industrial & Marine INTERLOCKING TABS FOR EASY INSTALLATION I Uses include residential decks, patios & stairs, industrial flooring and catwalks, as well as agricultural applications • Hydraulic Hose from 1/4 to 2 inches • Roller Chain & Links • Batteries • Bolts • Tools Farm & Auto Whatever you need give us a call (519) 357-1550 or fax (519) 357-2549 FEATURES: • Strong, durable design • 12" x 48" Panels • Predrilled on 16" centers • Knurled non-slip surface • Good flow-through and cleanup • Totally recyclable • Will not rot • Cost Effective • Available in a variety of colours NEW PRODUCTS 1. Plastic Coated Plywood One Side. Sheet size if 4 feet x 8 feet. 2. Polyboard. Sheet size # 4 feet wide x 8 feet to 10 feet long. Thickness # 1/2 inch and 5/8 inch. 3. Plastic Rolls 1/8 inch for barn lining. Sizes 2 feet x 100 feet, 3 feet x 100 feet, 4 feet x 100 feet 4. Galvanized Flat Bar - Supports for plastic flooring, custom cut. 5. Pre-Galvanized Flat Top Woven Wire Flooring Weaner Flooring - Opening 3/8 x 2 inches long 1/4 inch material weight 4.3 lbs. per square foot Farrowing, Finishing, Dry Sow Flooring. Opening 3/8 x 2 inches long, 5/16 material weight 5.8 lbs. per square foot. 6. White Extruded Plastic Sheeting. — Std. sizes # 4 feet wide, 8 feet, 10 feet, 12 feet long. Thickness. 3/32, 1/8, 3/16, 7/32, 1/4, 3/8, 1/2 inch.