Community mas trees by eating the shoots. “That is unusual,” says Leo, “but with the severe winters, the deer were desperate for food.” Locals, urbanites and outdoor lovers visit the farm and generally spend at least an hour there. Relatives of one family come from Chatham, London and St. Thomas and meet at the farm to visit and enjoy time together. Many families with university students show up in the latter half of December after school breaks for vacation. The “kids” insist that the family wait till they get home to get the tree so that they can be included in the traditional trip to Leo’s. Leo believes that until the last few decades, many urban dwellers had reason to visit a farm as they weren’t too far removed from family or friends who lived on one. But those ties and opportunities are rapidly disappearing and, with them, the feeling of connection between rural and urban people. A visit
to his Elgin County farm provides a perfect way to get in the Christmas spirit, create memories, share traditions and reconnect to the local rural area. (Oh yes, and you might just find your perfect tree). The de Wit family farm includes Leo, his wife Anneke and daughters Sarah & Emma. The operation includes cash crop (corn and soy beans) along with chestnut trees, Christmas trees and three solar systems. The Tree Farm is open December 1st to 24th, 9am-9pm, located at 24483 Silverclay Line, West Lorne. To find out more call 519-768-2741 or visit www.leostreefarm.com. Photos courtesy of Leo's Tree Farm
This year, give the gift that gives twice!
Shop at Connections between Nov 1st and Dec 24th and receive a
25% off coupon
*
valid from Jan 12th to Mar 11th 2016. Connections features fair trade and project based products from around the world. It is owned and operated by the YWCA St. Thomas—Elgin. All profits support local programs!
OPEN ALL YEAR
302 Bridge St., Port Stanley (theatre building)
519-782-7247
www.ywcaconnections.com
RELISH ELGIN HOLIDAY 2015
* discount does not apply to consignment items
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