Directory

Kaiholan Puutarha in Orivesi is run by Pia Kärki and Glenn Eloranta on land that once belonged to Glenn’s grandfather. They grow a wide range of herbs, edible flowers, berries, and vegetables, and also manage gardens for others. The couple likes to experiment with unusual varieties, from Thai cucumbers to Huacatay and golden garlic flowers. All production is done without tractors, single-use plastics, or chemicals, using natural methods and ecosystem services to support healthy soil.

Mäkelän luomutila is an organic farm in Oitti, run by Satu and Simo Heikkinen, the second generation working the land organically. Their fields grow wheat, oat, rye, barley, spelt, peas, and fava beans. Satu and Simo mill and sell their own flours, alongside products from around 20 other organic farmers and EU-certified organic wholesale goods, supplying schools, co-ops, and customers online. The farm also manages its forests and sells wood. Since 2019, Mäkelän luomutila has run a monthly van delivery service, letting customers pick up orders along various routes without extra freight costs — making organic produce more accessible to the local community.

Vakka-Taimi is a specialist seedling grower run by Vesa Muurinen. What began as a small hobby nursery has grown into a wide-ranging collection of trees, shrubs, vines, and perennials. Alongside their core nursery work, Vakka-Taimi is actively trialling nut-producing species to see how they perform in the Finnish climate. Testing and observation are a central part of their work. The Muurila gardens, first planted in the early 1990s, now host more than 80 species and are open to visitors. Throughout the year, the garden holds seasonal events such as magnolia, rose and peony days, sharing knowledge and encouraging curiosity around plants that might shape future growing in Finland.