Photo Credit: Valeria Terekhina
Picking your own fruit and pumpkins is an annual tradition in British Columbia and despite the past few months, it’s still on for September 2020 at Willow View Farms. This year, they will be celebrating their 27th anniversary of selling produce directly from the farm itself. U-pick apples, plums, pears and pumpkins have become a part of the Willow View Farms identity and their goal is to promote quality produce while providing opportunities to slow down and enjoy nature’s bounty.
Willow View Farms grows 20 different varieties of apples which you can either pick in the fields or purchase at their produce store. A few different types include Gala, Honeycrisp, Ambrosia and McIntosh. They also have different kinds of heritage apples including Graventein, Northern Spy and Cox’s Orange Pippin to name a few. Alternatively, if you’re on the hunt for the perfect pumpkin, then Willow View Farms is the spot. They grow 50 varieties of pumpkins including giants ranging from 50-100 pounds. Take your family to the pumpkin patch, bring your own wagon and enjoy these fall activities on the farm. If you don’t have time to hand-pick your own pumpkin, you can purchase one directly from their market onsite.
Willow View Farms has been family owned and operated since 1960 and is located in Fraser Valley. Selling fresh BC produce has been a long-term passion for the Siemens family. Herman and Martha Siemen originally started as dairy farmers and moved onto hogs about 15 years later. In the 1980’s, berries and apples were added in the mix and eventually, the property turned into a fresh produce farm. In 2018, both Herman and Martha passed and since then, Murray and Cheryl have taken over. They dedicated the store in Herman and Martha’s memory and their journey in farm-direct sales and agritourism began. Two generations later, their two daughters, Kelsey and Jordyn, are now involved with the farm. Kelsey works a managerial role while Jordyn helps out when her schedule allows. Their legacy continues and has flourished into a popular fruit company.
In previous years, there’s been hayrides through the orchards during the last two weeks of September, as well as through the pumpkin patch every weekend in October. Due to COVID-19, the hayrides, petting barn and picnic and playground areas will be unavailable. During the last two weekends of September, the concession stand will be open and you can enjoy homemade snacks including popcorn, apple cider slushies and hot and cold coffee beverages.
Enjoy some of BC’s finest produce and your local farmers market at Willow View Farms. Turn your regular Saturday into a fun day trip with your friends and family. There’s no better place to find fresh BC produce and organic food than at a local farm. You’ll find an abundance of apples perfect for fall baking and pumpkins for carving.
