Heather McFarlane was born October 30, 1942, and raised on a farm near Tessier, Saskatchewan. When Heather was five, she informed her mother she was going to marry a farmer and be a teacher when she grew up.

Heather completed her basic teacher training in 1961 and in 1963 moved to Cold Lake, AB with her husband Carle who was a farmer. Four daughters were born in the 60’s and along with farming, teaching and gardening it was a busy time, Heather also took night classes and got her Bachelor of Education degree in 1981.

In 1978 the family moved to a different farm and discovered the world of market gardening. Throughout the 80’s the garden grew to almost 10 acres; however, as the girls left home the garden decreased in size and production. In 1994 Heather and Carle moved to their 3rd farm in the Cold Lake area and started an orchard and many flower gardens.

Over the years, other products such as baking, canning and quilts were added to the table at the local Farmer’s Markets. Heather also began entering in the local Agricultural Fair and had about 200 entries in 2004, including baking, canning, vegetables, fruits, flowers and sewing.

In 1996, Heather retired from teaching and began her third career – writing. She first wrote 3 story books about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder for her daughter, Audrey, who is the Director of the FASD Clinic in Cold Lake. Next Heather wrote 2 cookbooks with more to come in the future.

“The Northern Gardener’s Cookbook” - Published in 2003, the book lists all the fruits and vegetables grown in the McFarlane’s zone garden. It gives information on how and when to plant, best varieties, storing and lots of recipes.

“Secrets of the Farmer’s Market and Fair” – Published in 2004, this book is mostly baking, with one chapter on preserves. It is a compilation of recipes that have consistently won prizes at the fair or been popular at the market and at home.

Phone: 780.594.2070     Email: podell@telusplanet.net