Godfrey Couple Start Up Shared Garden

Kelli McRobert | Feb 13, 2025

The morning chill nipped at my cheeks as I arrived at Sybil and Milutin's farm, tucked away in the scenic winter landscape of Godfrey, Ontario. I was immediately greeted by the gentle lowing of the Hereford cows, their breaths creating little puffs of mist in the cold air. The sound of sheep bells tinkled in the background, and a rooster crowed, announcing our arrival.

Sybil came to this farm for fresh food and clean water, seeking better health and a life immersed in nature. Moving from the suburbs of Pickering in December 2021, she embarked on a journey towards producing her food and living among the animals. It all began when she started visiting a farm in Tweed, which was part of the Earth Haven, Food Sovereignty project. This project brought people together, regardless of their experience and skill levels, to plant, weed, and harvest beans, corn, and squash for communal sharing.

Sybil explained how the community in Tweed shared a portion of land to cultivate together. They taught each other how to plant and maintain the crops, and they worked together to harvest the abundance of locally grown produce. With extra hands, the labour was lightened, and waste was minimized, resulting in a surplus of fresh, quality food. Sybil found purpose in these monthly Sunday gatherings, meeting new people and contributing to a shared goal.

After a weekend drenched in tariff news, many people are worried about how this will affect their everyday costs like food and transportation. Concerns about where products come from are jumping to the forefront, as online communities explode in support of Canadian-made goods. But there are ways to combat this. By keeping it local and joining a farm food share program, we can support our communities, reduce costs, and ensure access to fresh, nutritious food. Imagine carpooling with friends and neighbours to a local farm, reaping the rewards of your harvest. Initiatives like these can help dismantle the stigma around seeking food assistance and offer tangible support for those in need.

Now, Sybil and Milutin are bringing this concept to their 82-acre farm in Godfrey. When they read my recent article about Food Poverty, the word ‘shame’ jumped out at them. It’s disheartening that many individuals feel ashamed to seek help from food banks, but by “fostering community initiatives like food sharing and providing accessible travel solutions to our farm, we can work to dismantle this stigma and offer tangible support for harvesting fresh, nutritious food together”. They believe there should be no shame when it comes to the basic necessity of eating and gathering food from the land, as it can produce an abundance with a little community effort. The nutritious produce is better for their health, and the personal reward of doing the work to nourish their bodies is very fulfilling.

Twice a month, from spring to fall, they hope to open their farm to people of all ages for a family-friendly gathering. Located on a paved road, the farm is very accessible, and carpooling is encouraged. The farm is home to eight free-range Hereford cows, Katahdin lambs (Huey, Dewey, and Mary [Louie had an injury and was returned from whence he came]), chickens, and Muscovy ducks. Joseph, the guard dog, keeps the barn animals safe, while Patches, the cat, greets visitors and keeps the grounds rodent-free.

As we walked through the farm, Sybil pointed out how they use cow and chicken manure to enrich the soil, and ducks provide eggs and act as natural pesticides. Their vision is to create a sustainable farm where the community can come together to produce their food and learn from each other.

Sybil and Milutin's second career on the farm is a full-time gig. They are dedicated to setting up the foundation of the land, discovering what grows well, and continually expanding their offerings each year. As we strolled through the fields, the sense of adventure and excitement was palpable. The farm was more than just a place to grow food; it was a haven of learning, community, and connection with nature.

For Sybil and Milutin, this farm represents a dream realized—a place where people can come together to share the fruits of their labour and enjoy the simple pleasures of life. As I bid them farewell, I felt a profound appreciation for their vision and the vibrant life they had cultivated on their farm. If you are interested in finding out more about this project in Godfrey, I highly recommend reaching out to Sybil and Milutin at 416-294-3795 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to experience the magic of their farm firsthand.