›› Knapp's Country Market

At first glance, Knapp's Country Market, on Highway 124 just beyond Guelph's northern fringe, seems like an unlikely venture for Nerissa and Roger Knapp, who own two other unrelated companies. One makes asphalt emulsions, de-icing chemicals and airport equipment; the second is an asphalt repair and maintenance firm.

But on the 100-acre farm adjacent to the country market - located at 8044 Wellington County Road 124 - the husband and wife team has in recent years begun growing fruits and vegetables. The farm now has 5,000 trees.

The Knapps started the orchard with peaches and have sine added a variety of other fruit, including apples, apricots, nectarines and pears. They added strawberries this year to the growing roster of fruits the farm, produces including raspberries. They also grow a variety of vegetables, including corn, squash, tomatoes, peppers and sunflower seeds. Rounding out the features at the country estate are spring fed ponds and flower gardens, as well as a patio off the country market.

The country market, just beyond Guelph Lake, is in a newly built 2,600 square foot, log-cabin style building, complete with kitchen. In addition to fruits and vegetables, it offers home-baked pies, pastries, bread, jams, jellies, chutneys, preserves, herb oils and vinegars. It also sells gift items, like fall flowers, local crafts and gift baskets.

The Knapps try to source locally those store products that aren't from the farm. The country market has a staff of six, including two bakers. This doesn't include several farm hands working out in the fields. Nerissa Knapp said she doesn't use any chemicals on the farm: the fruits and vegetables are free of pesticides, herbicides and insecticides.

Growing, she said, is a labour of love for her and her husband.

"It's our passion," Knapp said, noting that it extends well beyond what is sold in the store. "On our property, we have lots and lots of floral gardens."

The two are nature-lovers, which is why the property includes both manicured and natural gardens and ponds that attract geese, ducks and herons.

By Vik Kirsch, Guelph Mercury