Photo: Karen Graham
Rebecca and Donna Minnema
in a field of potential Christmas trees at their farm on Zion Line.
Most of the trees were well established when Donna and her husband Steve purchased the 56 acre farm at 243 Zion Line in 2017.
For the first few years, they couple stayed at the farm in an RV on weekends, enjoying the property and selling a few trees during the Christmas season. After building a new home in 2020, the family, including daughter Rebecca and her husband Will, moved in and are working to build a sustainable business that supports other local operators and service organizations in the community.
Currently they have approximately 5,000 Douglas, Balsam and Fraser fir trees that are mature enough to grace a family home for the holidays. New fields are being planted each year to ensure there is a stable supply in years to come. The saplings are purchased locally through Richardson Farms in Pontypool, which is not only convenient but also eases the transition for the transplants which are accustomed to the local environment.
Trees are cut down using hand tools: no power equipment is allowed. Hand saws are available for those who arrive without equipment.
The farm is open on weekends from 9 am to 4pm, snow or shine, and by appointment during the week while quantities last. Visitors will be greeted by a roaring campfire, and can visit a tent offering hot chocolate, Christmas ribbons and wreaths for purchasel. Proceeds from the ribbon and wreath sales will be donated to the Millbrook Foodshare and the Millbrook Legion. The family is also collecting non-perishable food donations for Millbrook Foodshare at the farm.
Customers are advised to come early in the season, as there is a limited supply and those who wait until the last week are usually disappointed. Trees brought home from this farm are ultra-fresh and will last for weeks with the proper care, adding another reason to shop locally this season.
Visit the farm’s Facebook page, call or text 905-243-5136 to confirm trees are still available if your visit is planned for later in the month. KG