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A Family Farm – A family tradition for 50 years
Right after graduating from the University of Maryland in 1950, George and Shirley Butler of Silver Spring purchased a 37 acre farm with a log house. The original 25 acres of peaches provided their only crop at first, but now the Butlers grow more than 25 kinds of fruits, vegetables and flowers on over 300 acres. Following in their fathers footsteps, three of the four Butler children earned horticultural degrees from the University of Maryland and now live and work on the Butler farm. |
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The Farm Market –
The farm market started under an apple tree behind the log house, moved to a former chicken house which is now a garage and then to the red barn which was built in 1964. During 1993 there was a major expansion of the farm market facilities.
The First Field Of Strawberries –
The first field of strawberries was planted in 1953 on the site of the present market. Pick-Your-Own fruit was a new concept in the area, but soon became very popular. Thornless blackberries and black raspberries were planted in the early 70's. To extend the season, apples, cider, jams and jellies were offered in the farm market through November.
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Cut-Your-Own Christmas Trees –
Cut-Your-Own Christmas Trees became available a few years later, as well as holiday ornaments, fresh roping, greens and wreaths.
Butler's Orchard Is A Treat –
Butler's Orchard is a treat for city school children who visit by the thousands in the fall. They tour the farm, pick a pumpkin, romp in the hayloft and take home apples. Other groups schedule evening hayrides followed by a bonfire.
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Selling Pick-Your-Own Pumpkins –
Selling pick-your-own pumpkins started as a high school project for son Todd. Then the family created Pumpkinland, a display of fairy tale characters built out of pumpkins. Each year new figures are added. Since one good thing deserves another, Butler's now holds an annual Pumpkin Festival with plenty of delicious food, farm fresh fruits, vegetables, home baked goods, pony rides, a straw maze and a whole lot more... Don't miss this special event!
Butler's Orchard & Farm Market –
Butler's Orchard is a great family outing eight months of the year with the best fruits and vegetables for miles around. We're preserving a little bit of country right in the midst of suburbia.
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