Butt's Berry Farm

Rockwood, Ontario

Toronto - May 18th, 2021 - During Alex and I’s venture to the two predetermined farm’s we visited two weekends ago, we came across what looked like a roadside vegetable stand while driving south down 5th line. As I passed the stand (we drove in separate cars because #SocialDistancing), I peered into my rearview mirror to see if Alex spotted it as well. I could see his turn signals flickering as he proceeded to make a U-turn which pretty much answered my question. Not surprised, I excitedly followed.

We turned into the driveway of Pappy’s Roadside Stand, and were greeted by a lovely woman named Rose. The roadside stand was cute as can be, filled with farm grown vegetables and flowers. Written all over the stand was the name ‘Butt’s Berry Farm’. Curious, we asked the woman more about her stand and where her selection of products came from. We learned that the roadside stand is the makings of Butt’s Berry Farm; the farmhouse situated beyond the stand amongst the sprawling 94-acres of farmland that we stood on. The farm is owned by the Oldham family, and was named after Emily Butt, one of the two original creators.

In 1934, Len and Emily Butt started a business on their land in Brampton, Ontario selling gladiolus bulbs to the public. This quickly grew into a business selling bulbs, tubers, perennials, and dahlias. As years passed, things changed with changing demand for flowers. However, in the 1950s, Len and Emily’s daughter Marilyn joined the family business with her husband, Ross Oldham. Later in the 1970s, the group decided to open their entire farm to the public. Eventually, Marilyn and Ross sold the farm in Brampton and moved to the current location just east of Guelph known as Butt’s Berry Farm. Today, gladiolus and dahlias make up the bulk of the business at Butt’s Berry Farm, along with over 150 dahlia varieties and other flowering plants. They also grow and sell strawberries, corn, asparagus, apples, blueberries, and other fruits and vegetables.

During our visit, Alex and I both appeared to be absolutely in love with the little roadside stand, shoving our noses in the bouquets of flowers lining the wooden shelves, and taking our sweet time exploring each and every vegetable. Based on our conversations with Rose, we apparently have not seen anything yet. We cannot wait to go back in June for ‘pick your own’ strawberry season. If the strawberries are anything like the flowers, they are sure to be bright and full of life, and very hard to resist.

For more information about Butt's Berry Farm, visit their website!

#fresh #freshisbest #farm #ontario #plantingflowers #dahlias