Anjo’s Visit to Judy’s Tropical Garden: A Taste of Home in Markham

There’s something special about picking your own food — especially when it’s the same vegetables you grew up eating back home. In his latest vlog, Anjo takes us on a visit to Judy’s Tropical Garden, a Filipino-owned farm in Markham that lets you pick your own gulay straight from the soil.

Located near the border of Durham and Markham, Judy’s Garden is a hidden gem for Filipinos craving the flavors of home — ampalaya, talong, okra, sitaw, and kalabasa fresh from the vine. For Anjo, it was a first-time experience. “Hindi ako marunong eh,” he laughs, trying to figure out which vegetables were ready for picking. “First time ko lang nagluto nung pandemic!”

As he walked through the fields under the warm Ontario sun, Anjo realized this was more than just a grocery run — it was a connection to his roots. From learning that okra plants grow tall and spiky, to discovering that you need scissors for easy picking, every moment was a fun reminder of the simple joys of farm life.

At the end of the day, with his basket full of vegetables worth around $15, he admitted to a rookie mistake — picking okra that wasn’t edible yet. Still, it was all part of the learning. “Next time, dadalhin ko mga magulang ko rito,” he says. “Ang ganda ng experience — farm to table talaga. Mas fresh, mas organic, mas Pinoy.”

For anyone missing the markets of home, Judy’s Tropical Garden isn’t just a farm — it’s a small piece of the Philippines growing right here in Ontario.