Explore farm life in Edmonton's countryside at Prairie Gardens and Adventure Farm One of the best times I had while I was in Edmonton last summer was my visit to Prairie Gardens and Adventure Farm, approximately 25 minutes north of Edmonton in Bon Accord, Alberta. Situated in the beautiful Edmonton countryside, the farm is owned and operated by Tam Andersen. Dubbed the director of fun, Tam is responsible for all of the fun out-buildings and the exciting adventures the whole family can experience on the vast acreage of the farm. From shopping for plants to watching a puppet show, and from mining for gems to navigating the farm's vast corn maze by flashlight, there's so much to do and to learn about at the farm. If you're looking for a fun day out with the kids this summer, why not plan a fun-filled day in farm country at Prairie Gardens and Adventure Farm. Find upcoming events here and don't miss the upcoming  Rge Rd gourmet  Farm to Fork dinner on July 14, 2013, where you'll enjoy a five-course dinner prepared by award-winning chef  Blair Lebsack and partner Caitlin Fulton, and paired with fine British Columbia wines. Welcome to Prairie Gardens and Adventure Farm! [caption id="attachment_2309" align="aligncenter" width="553"] Entrance to all of the fun and adventures at the Prairie Gardens and Adventure Farm. Photo by Karen Kirk.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_2305" align="aligncenter" width="553"] Potted field tiller. Photo by Karen Kirk.[/caption]   Above: You'll find Tam Andersen's creativity on display all around the farm. Retired old farm equipment never looked so good frozen in time at the entrance to the Prairie Gardens and Adventure Farm in Bon Accord, Alberta. [caption id="attachment_2306" align="aligncenter" width="553"] Locally grown potted plants. Photo by Karen Kirk.[/caption]   Above: Buy local plants, containers and garden accessories at Prairie Gardens. [caption id="attachment_2307" align="aligncenter" width="553"] Troughs brimming over with petunias. Photo by Karen Kirk.[/caption]   Above: Old troughs from the barn are brimming over with multicoloured trailing petunias. [caption id="attachment_2308" align="aligncenter" width="553"] A shady rest area in the gardens. Photo by Karen Kirk.[/caption]   Above: You'll have to pace yourself at the farm. There's so much to do, so take a breather and sit a while in a shady spot in the garden. [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="535"] The ladies of the Crown Jewels of Canada Society. Photo by Karen Kirk.[/caption]   Above: Groups can book meetings and events at the gardens. The gorgeous ladies of the Crown Jewels of Canada Society celebrate annually at Prairie Gardens for their Strawberry Jubilee brunch. I was honoured to be invited! Thanks gals! [caption id="attachment_2312" align="aligncenter" width="452"] Tam and her chefs serve up farm-fresh fare. Photo by Karen Kirk.[/caption]   Above: Tam Andersen (foreground) and her chefs served up a delectable brunch plucked from the gardens of Prairie Gardens and neighbouring farms. [caption id="attachment_2314" align="aligncenter" width="438"] Mini sweet pea arrangement. Photo by Karen Kirk.[/caption]   Above: Sweet pea flowerettes in a mini vase make pretty petite centrepieces for small tables. [caption id="attachment_2315" align="aligncenter" width="557"] Take a train trip around the farm. Photo by Karen Kirk.[/caption]   Above: Prairie Gardens is where you'll find Santa at his summer job! Really!!! Hop on for a free ride from adventure to adventure around the farm. [caption id="attachment_2316" align="aligncenter" width="530"] Stop for a bit of outdoor theatre. Photo by Karen Kirk.[/caption]   Above: The kids love to take a seat on a bale of hay and take in a funny little puppet show. [caption id="attachment_2317" align="aligncenter" width="542"] The haunted house is a must-see at Halloween. Photo by Karen Kirk.[/caption]   Above: Tam Andersen has created a haunted house that shouldn't be missed for Halloween. Very scary! Check out the farm's  events page for all of the fall events. [caption id="attachment_2319" align="aligncenter" width="540"] Fudgery Junction at Prairie Gardens and Adventure Farm. Photo by Karen Kirk.[/caption]   Above: The little prairie village includes various shops, including Fudgery Junction and the Outpost Store. Enter the Lost Lemon Gem Mine to mine for precious gems, bones and other lost treasures and trinkets. [caption id="attachment_2320" align="aligncenter" width="516"] Tam Andersen mines for gems at the Lost Lemon Gem Mine. Photo by Karen Kirk.[/caption]   Above: Tam Anderson and her staff help kids identify what they find, which the kids then get to take home with them. [caption id="attachment_2321" align="aligncenter" width="540"] Kids' tractor obstacle course. Photo by Karen Kirk.[/caption]   Above: Kids can ride around an obstacle course in their own mini powered tractor. If you're already in Calgary for the Stampede, why not plan a road trip to Edmonton to check out Prairie Gardens and Adventure Farm along with many more attractions. Visit edmonton.com/tourism for vacation packages and Edmonton Festival City listings. Follow me on Twitter: @KKMe123