Welcome to Cheshire Garden, a small family farm nestled in the rolling hills of western New Hampshire. We've been farming organically for nearly 35 years, specializing in heirloom berries, fruits and herbs. We began selling preserves at farmers' markets when we realized it was a way to turn our perishable berries into something that could be enjoyed year round. Cheshire Garden was born in 1986 when our friend Rich DiMatteo gave us a drawing of our cat, Rita, bringing strawberries in from the garden.

We grow the raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, elderberries, red and black currants, Damson plums, peaches, pears, peppers, tomatoes, herbs and garlic for our specialty foods here on the farm.  We have never used agricultural chemicals and never will - instead we richen the soil with compost and natural inputs, and battle the bugs with our hands and our wits rather than with pesticides.

In 1987 Cheshire Garden was one of the first farms in New Hampshire to be certified organic.  We were certified organic from 1987 through 2005, but have now decided to no longer participate in the federal program because of voluminous paperwork and escalating fees.

Nothing has changed in the way we farm or choose the ingredients we have to source (mustard seed, for example). The only change is that we are no longer participating in the government's certification program.

We are very happy to answer any questions about our farm or how we grow our fruits and vegetables organically. After all, we've been doing it for nearly 35 years and have lots of tips to share. (The Patti's Garden page includes seasonal tips.)

We try to offer something very special - food grown carefully and prepared lovingly - each jar and bottle is homegrown and handmade.

To your health, with love,

Patti Powers and Ralph Legrande

P.S. Check out the News from Patti's Garden! (Updated June 26, 2009)