Baldwin Farms
Morning comes early to Baldwin Farm. While the sun is peeking over the horizon and the dew is still on the barn roof, Margery has already finished morning devotions. She's ready to go over the to-do list with Pedro when he arrives for a country breakfast. They are greeted by the dogs, Red, Co-Co, Halla and Blue, as they make their way across the yard to the daily chores. Seasonal "Baldwin Farm" hats bob in and out among the Christmas trees or pumpkins, as they make sure everything is running smoothly. Margery is happiest out on the farm, a testament to her motto, "bloom where you are planted."
Whatever is on the to-do list, you can be sure Margery is in the middle of it. Whether she is trimming Christmas trees, planting pumpkins, measuring lumber, gathering eggs, mulching tomatoes, or taking a break to play with the kids, Margery wears a smile. She reaches up to scratch the belly of Little Hope, the cat, stretched out across the swing rail as she heads out to help Pedro build the hay maze for the Pumpkin Festival. Having Little Hope and the other cats, Brejz and Annie, roaming around under foot often turns work into play. Work is never so important that there isn't enough time to spend a moment giving a child a ride in a red wagon or introducing a new friend to the goats, Sam, Nellie Bell and Baby April.
But work is "the standard" at Baldwin Farms. Farmers live with the pressure of getting the work done on time: before rain, before frost, before spring buds open, before vegetables are overripe, before straw goes to seed, before weeds sprout, and on and on. Without Maria around to nudge her, Margery would sometimes forget to eat. There is always someone around, sharing bright smiles and willing hands when it's time to put out "Follow the Signs," make Christmas wreaths and swags, restock the Apple Butter and Salsa or greet the guests. Pedro's incredible energy and skill help him carry much of the work load. He sees that jobs are done well and on time. He's deep into new plantings of Christmas trees, landscape trees, apples, peaches and raspberries, building picnic tables or cutting lumber that he used to build the new picnic shelter. There are always a million things to do. It is hard work! But each day brings with it an excitement that something new and wonderful is about to happen.
Margery and Ty always knew the end of their rainbow would end on a farm. It was Ty's vision, confidence and perseverance that made Baldwin Farm a reality and it is Margery's attitude of "all things grow with love" that makes you feel welcome and keeps families coming back year after year. For the Baldwins, the glory of each sunrise, the awesome beauty of the sunset skies, the fertile soil supporting new growth each season, and the sound of rain on the metal roof meant home and contentment. Walking newly plowed fields to find arrowheads reminded them that they were not the first people who lived here and loved this land. Now many visitors to the farm tell how they track the growth of their own families by displaying the yearly pictures taken at Baldwin Farm. This legacy of family tradition is what Margery treasures most about sharing the farm with you.
Happy days are the "norm" at the farm, with the help of Millie, Monty, Melissa, Betty, Rose and other helpers. Adult smiles grow broader as they watch the kids being kids, running free with the wind blowing through their hair. They are fascinated by the sounds of woodpeckers' rapping rhythm in the treetops and young roosters learning to crow. Kids love watching flocks of butterflies frolicking among blooming flowers. Pretty soon, the adults are feeling like kids too. It's fun to see old friends, exchange a greeting, play some games, and relax a spell.
Taking home healthy, nature-fresh products from the farm, tasting the crunch of fresh sweet corn, or biting into a juicy red-ripe tomato are like re-capturing the rays of a new day's sunrise. The Pumpkin Festival celebrates the fall harvest, the culmination of the season's work and treasures. It's not long until Christmas traditions become more poignant with exuberant treks in the tree fields, with perhaps a glimpse of a deer or wild turkey. Frosty expeditions are followed by hot chocolate and the welcome warmth of an open fire for a grand memory of your trip to Baldwin Farm.
The farm is an outstanding educational opportunity. Kids can experience the bounty of nature as, season after season, new crops spring forth, become food, and then die away in winter. Animals on the farm help children connect with nature. Baby chickens peeping happily under a light bulb in a box, big fresh eggs from white hens or bluebirds raising families are all familiar sights. The cycle of life continues from the farm to the homes of customers through products like the trees; trees used in landscaping, trees used in celebration of Christmas, or trees used as firewood to warm their homes. Children learn through the senses: touch, smell, sight, hear, taste. Then we add the sense of emotion...the pleasant and peaceful times spent in reflection and the fun of discovery. Perhaps you'd like viewing the sunset from our memorial gazebo, taking in a clear blue sky for as far as you can see, or breathing in the fresh air on a crisp autumn day. We trust you will be blessed in some way just because you were here.
Baldwin Farm is more than just a Christmas Tree Farm. It's a laboratory for life. It's about making memories and building dreams for future generations. Margery approaches each day with a sense of reverence for the natural beauty and bounty of the farm, and for the gift of people who gather around to share the fun, work and products. You're invited to become a member of our family of friends. Hurry! We can't wait to meet you! We'll add your picture to our scrapbook. Maybe you'll be in time to help feed the chickens, Sam & Thelma, Romeo & Juliet and the gang.
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