As with most good all-American ingenuity, this project was born out of a brainstorm in the fall of 2000. As a result of that brainstorm, contacts were made and research completed with berry farmers in Kansas and surrounding states. Within months, Michael made the decision to make it all come to life, saying, “Folks need a place to take their families and get back to the real life”. Though it seemed on the surface the entire project could take shape without a hitch, reality began to set in and the “hitches” began to appear. Nevertheless, the dream turned into a reality.

Step two then was to choose a field. The area currently growing the bushes is simply a chunk of dirt a loved one once said, “That dirt isn’t fit to grow a radish or put a house on”. To make matters worse, on the south and east of the field, the creek floods with the slightest rain. Still, since blackberries are at times a noxious weed to farmers, putting it on a poor chunk of dirt, of which seemed appropriate. Besides, what if the idea didn’t work?

Next, Michael took on the grueling task of tilling the rows to make the ground “fit to grow” a blackberry. The rows are curved purposely to hold rain especially during spring rains. The locals would pass by and see only the curvy rows, and wonder “who drove in the field and left the big ruts?”. Needless to say, lots of water is essential for plump, sweet berry production.

So the field was chosen, the rows were tilled and the irrigation system installed for those dry, hot July days. Then he picked out the plants. The 350 plants originally chosen were of three varieties. Each plant was to be planted at least 10 feet apart and the rows were to be 6 feet apart. This would allow maximum growth over time and produce the highest yield and sweetest berries. The grass and clover between the rows was left for the convenience of the picker. Picking would be less enjoyable having to walk in the mud since the irrigation system is turned on nightly. Also, it turns out that folks who inquire, are more apt to ask about mosquitoes and chiggers than any other pest. Michael has made an easy fix for this. Although there are no guarantees you won’t be bothered by a mosquito, chiggers have been all but eliminated by simply keeping all the grass neatly mowed. That's not to say if you lay in the grass and rolled about you wouldn’t get a bite of two. It’s just not as likely as in times past. We do encourage bug spray before having fun picking berries.

The first plants were planted in the Spring of 2002. Few berries were produced that year. Each year the bushes produce more and more as they establish themselves and prepare for the next. In other words, this year’s berries are produced from last year’s growth. Subsequently, last years growth after all the berries have been removed will be pruned out of the growing area. This keeps the thicket, as it is known, to be at a minimum. If the old growth from previous years is not pruned and removed, new growth will become entangled. This creates an opportunity for disease and pests to invade, thus not allowing maximum berry production. However, we do have “guests” as opposed to “pests”. This brings us to another subject of nature.

Since these plants are not sprayed with chemicals to inhibit molds or bugs, you may eat as you pick. During the spring, prior to the flowering stage, weed killers are sprayed sparingly. Heavy layers of mulch are used as the primary weed controller. After the flowering starts no weed killers are used at all. Because mold inhibitors are not used on the berries, the shelf life is relatively short as compared to large companies and stores. The shelf life of these berries is about 3 to 5 days. To enjoy them at their best, they should be frozen, jellied or made into your favorite dessert within the 3 to 5 day time frame.

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