Inspired Ideas
Supporting local businesses, farmers, and market gardeners contributes to a stronger economy and a more resilient food system. Most importantly, the relationship is mutual; the consumer and producer benefit, strengthening the community bond. In Morin-Heights, QC, Chez Giardino embodies the spirit of the local food movement. The family-owned catering company makes made-to-order meals for private events and local customers. Jennifer Turcotte is the head chef, pouring her heart and soul into her work. She prepares her dishes and platters with top-quality ingredients, and most importantly, homegrown produce lovingly tended to by her husband, Riccardo Frattolin.
Chez Giardino: Transplanting Tradition
Riccardo grew up in northern Italy, surrounded by orchards and vegetable gardens, and comes from a long line of restaurateurs. After moving to Canada and settling in the Laurentian Mountains with Jennifer and their three children, the couple decided to introduce healthy traditions from Riccardo’s childhood to their community and firmly link the garden to the kitchen. In Italian, giardino means ‘the garden’, so Chez Giardino was born.
Riccardo has holistically created a thriving garden space with a greenhouse, raised beds, container gardens, a pond, and a mini fruit orchard. He grows over 150 edible and medicinal perennials, mixing them with hundreds of annuals. Heavy producers or not, all plants have a place in Riccardo’s garden. He has a soft spot for fruits, and in addition to the classic apple, pear, plum, and cherry trees, he has some unique varieties, such as cactus pear, kiwi, and quince. He grows figs, apricots, grapes, and berries, constantly experimenting with different varieties and their placement.
Simple netting systems keep the groundhogs at bay, and vining plants climb several arches and trellises, adding a touch of whimsy to the space. A hedgerow of currants produces buckets of fruit and is surrounded by a wildflower mix for the pollinators.
The vegetable garden features a variety of crops, including tomatoes, carrots, corn, hot peppers, green beans, peas, sweet potatoes, green onions, and squash such as zucchini and pumpkins. In the herb garden, Riccardo grows everything Jennifer needs to season her culinary creations, like basil, parsley, oregano, thyme, and more. The small greenhouse allows Riccardo to extend his season and grow crops not typically found in the cooler Quebec climate, like peaches, nectarines, and melons.
At the peak of harvest, Jennifer has wheelbarrows full of seasonal produce to cook with. Talk about lowering a carbon footprint, something they take even further by sourcing many local products they can’t grow and using sustainable packaging. The garden space is also certified by the Canadian Wildlife Federation, meeting the needs of wildlife with food, water, and shelter. Chez Giardino sets the example that homegrown food is not only delicious and nutritious, but also meant to be shared with the community, truly making a positive impact.