Wishing You a Pleasant Memorial Day Weekend!
This holiday weekend, along with all of you, we’d like to extend our appreciation to our veterans and active service members for all that they have given and sacrificed. We’d like to treat any veteran or active service member who comes to the market over the weekend and on Memorial Day to a free cake donut. (Yes, we will be open our normal hours of 8 until 6 on Memorial Day.)
Here’s what we have on the market right now:
Asparagus: We have plenty of asparagus now. Asparagus pricing this year is $2.50 a pound; 3 pounds for $7; or 5 pounds for $11.50. If you get 10 pounds or more, it goes to $2.20 a pound. If you want large quantities (like 20 pounds or more) it helps us if you can call ahead and order it and we can get it ready for you. 269-244-5690.
Rhubarb: Available now for $2.50 a pound. If you need 10 pounds or more, it’s $2.00 a pound., please call us to order in large quantities.
Bedding plants: Yes, it is time to get your gardens finished….or for some of you, started! Memorial Day has always served as a marker for when gardens and flower beds should be planted and finished. With the wet soil this year, we are all struggling to get things planted! We think it’s okay if you’re a little behind, but it’s a good weekend to get it done just the same.
We were determined to get tomato plants in so we planted right thru the lake!
We still have a good selection available of:
- Cool-weather crops: Cabbage, kale, Brussels sprouts, various lettuce varieties, broccoli, chard, and spinach
- Flower annuals: We have a huge selection of flower annuals….too many to list
- Tomato plants: We have a large selection of tomatoes (all the ones that we grow here in our own fields) plus mini tomatoes like grape and cherry
- Herbs
- Other “heat loving” vegetable plants like peppers, cucumbers, melons, squash, and eggplant
- Hanging flower baskets: We have lots of hanging baskets, including some of the favorites we carry every year
- Specialty pots made up with flower and herb arrangements
- Large tomato and pepper plants for your patio, porch or yard
Check out these “fun” fall squash varieties
Straw: We have extra bales of straw available for your mulching needs. They are $6/bale or 4 bales for $20.
We are currently harvesting lots of lettuce from our certified organic hoophouse so we will have it on special again for $5 a pound this weekend while it lasts. We also have lots of kale and the last of the spinach available!
Becca using a weed burner for prepping the ground for organic planting
The bakery’s offerings for the weekend will be:
- Cookies: Flower Cut Outs, M&M “Monster” Cookies, Ginger Molasses, S’mores, and Lemon
- Pies: Apple, Blueberry, Cherry, Peach, Rhubarb and Strawberry Rhubarb and Blueberry Rhubarb
- Breads: Whole Wheat, Whole Grain, Cinnamon, Hamburger and Hotdog Buns
- Cinnamon Rolls, Sticky Buns, Yeast Donuts
- Cake Donuts: Buttermilk, Blueberry, and Cherry (made on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Memorial Day Monday)
- Slushies
Cookies coming out of the oven today!
In the bakery freezer case you can find:
- Local gluten free items from Gluten Free Sensations in Three Rivers: brownies, cookies, cinnamon rolls, cherry and apple pies, and granola.
- Pork products from Jake’s Country Meats: brats, pork sausage links, bacon, and snacking sticks.
Some of our U-Pick Herbs are ready. Find bags, scissors for cutting around the neck of the bird overlooking the herb garden. A list of what is ready is posted at the market.
Hard Ciders, Wine and Brandies: We’ve got lots of ciders available! Plentiful Brunch (maple vanilla), Hopped, Sweet, Semi-Sweet, and Dry. Also, our Prince Tribute Cider is back! We’re nearly to the end of Ginger, Hometown Hero, and Currant/Cacao, so pick those up ASAP since they might not last the weekend. We also have our full line of Hubbard’s Brandy, Double Cherry Wine, and Kaiser Cyser.
If you’re looking for our cider outside of our farm, you can visit Rooster’s Wing Shack in Three Rivers, The Riviera Theatre in Three Rivers, Dussel’s in Cassopolis, Craft Beer Cellar in Grand Rapids, and as always, The Local in Centreville, Michigan.
Brandy tasting and tours return this Saturday with Bruce from 1 – 3 in the brandy room. We will also be starting up our cider tastings like we offered last year. From 4-6 on Fridays and 3-6 on Saturdays, join Becca at the market for hard cider happy hour. We’ll be doing bottle pours and have many of our ciders on tap for flights and growler fills as well. We were really pleased with how these worked out last year, so we are readying the same space at the side of the market where you can sit, enjoy a drink and pleasant conversation, with a view of the lake and our gardens. We look forward to seeing you rain or shine!
How fitting that the Prince Tribute hard cider returned during this rainy May
Local Products: We try to offer as many local and Michigan made products as we can. Our market is beginning to fill out with some of these and you’ll find them in the cooler, to the bakery to around on various shelves and the wall. You should be able to get just about everything you need for your weekend activities right here….from bread, to cheese or meat to accompany your fresh produce.
Happenings on the farm:
Check out the antique blacksmith’s table in the center of the market for lots of information about what is going on here locally and in Michigan. We encourage you to discover some of the many treasures we have here in St. Joseph County. The 2018 Michigan Farm Fun directories came. These are a “must have” for your vehicle glove box in order to visit the many wonderful farms in your travels around the state. We are proud to be a member of the Michigan Agritourism Association.
We were able to plant additional apple trees along with sweet and tart cherry trees before the next rain came.
New heirloom trees next to our future U-pick apple orchard
We added about 50 semi dwarf cherry trees to the future U-Pick cherry orchard
We getting a lot of questions on strawberries. So here’s what we know. They will be later than normal due to the cold spring. Please check back with us the week of June 5th for more information. They are blooming and forming strawberries and it looks like it will be a good crop this year! Next week we will finalize pricing and start taking orders for flats. Nothing like a Michigan strawberry!
Thanks as always for buying local, from everyone at Corey Lake Orchards. We hope everyone has a pleasant and safe weekend.
Our family is committed to this area and are working to support the community in every way that we can to have it be the vibrant town of yesteryear. Here is an update from Dave Vago, Executive Director of DDA, Three Rivers.
Happy May!
Happy May! Hard to believe how fast this month is going by, isn’t it? The most frequently asked question of late has been: When will greenhouse tomatoes be ready? Answer: Soon! We might be picking some this weekend, but it will take about a week for us to be able to pick in quantities to keep up with demand.
Yes, I shared the first ripe tomato with Tom who manages our greenhouse–it was delicious!
Here’s what we have on the market right now:
Asparagus: We have plenty of asparagus now with the warm weather of this week. Asparagus pricing this year is $2.50 a pound; 3 pounds for $7; or 5 pounds for $11.50. If you get 10 pounds or more, it goes to $2.20 a pound. If you want large quantities (like 20 pounds or more) it helps us if you can call ahead and order it and we can get it ready for you. 269-244-5690.
Rhubarb is ready! Available now for $2.50 a pound. f you need 10 pounds or more, ($2.00 lb) please call us to order in large quantities.
It’s time to plant! The 5 plus inches of rain we have had over the weekend and into Monday have put all of us behind in being able to do spring planting. We are going to work hard to get everything in before it rains again on Saturday! Lots of plants left here this week for home gardens…..we still have a good selection of everything but don’t wait too long in order to get what you want.
Bedding plants:
- Cole crops: Cabbage, kale, Brussel sprouts, various lettuce varieties, broccoli, chard, and spinach
- Flower annuals: We have a huge selection of flower annuals….too many to list
- Tomato plants: We have a large selection of tomatoes (all the ones that we grow here in our own fields) plus mini tomatoes like grape and cherry
- Herbs
- Other “heat loving” vegetable plants like peppers, cucumbers, melons, squash, and eggplant
- Hanging flower baskets: We have lots of hanging baskets, including some of the favorites we carry every year
- Lettuce bowls, for your “pick your own salad”
- Specialty pots made up with flower and herb arrangements
- Large tomato and pepper plants for your patio, porch or yard
Straw: We have extra bales of straw available for your mulching needs. They are $6/bale or 4 bales for $20.
We are currently harvesting lots of lettuce from our certified organic hoophouse as we make room for more plantings. So we will have it on special for $5 a pound this weekend while it lasts. We also have some kale and limited spinach – call if you want it for sure and we’ll put some on hold for you.
Mixed lettuce greens–so tender
The bakery’s offerings for the weekend will be:
- Cookies: Flower Cut Outs, M&M “Monster” Cookies, Ginger Molasses, S’mores, and Lemon
- Pies: Apple, Blueberry, Cherry, Peach, Rhubarb and Strawberry Rhubarb
- Breads: Whole Wheat, Whole Grain, Cinnamon, Hamburger and Hotdog Buns
- Cinnamon Rolls, Sticky Buns, Yeast Donuts
- Cake Donuts: Buttermilk, Blueberry, and Cherry (made on Friday, Saturday and Sunday only)
- Slushies
In the bakery freezer case you can find:
- Local gluten free items from Gluten Free Sensations in Three Rivers: brownies, cookies, cinnamon rolls, cherry and apple pies, and granola.
- Pork products from Jake’s Country Meats: brats, pork sausage links, bacon, and snacking sticks.
New gift items on the market.
Hard Ciders, Wine and Brandies: We have lots of ciders, including Brunch, Ginger, Hometown Hero, Hopped, Currant/Cacao, Sweet, Semi-Sweet, and Dry ciders. We also have our full line of Hubbard’s Brandy, Double Cherry Wine, and Kaiser Cyser. We plan to start our tastings and tours for the year on Memorial Day weekend. Stay tuned.
Our cider is also available at The Local in Centreville, The Riviera in Three Rivers, Dussel’s Farm Market in Cassopolis, and Craft Beer Cellar in Grand Rapids. We will re-open our cider and brandy tastings on Memorial Day Weekend.
Happenings on the Farm:
We emptied the rain gage frequently and sighed each time we went by the “lakes” in our fields. But we took advantage of the “waiting to dry out time” by continuing our spring spruce up around the farm, putting paint brushes and rollers to work, even on the famous herb garden bird!
This week apples are in full bloom, it is one of the most picturesque spring scenes. We are delighted to see the bees out doing their job and even more delighted that there haven’t been any frost or freeze events so far this spring.
You might have noticed an entire grape vineyard gone on the hill side just east of our market. These were white Niagara grapes that we sold to Welch’s for juice. However, the demand for white grape juice is down and thus so is the market for these. So you will continue to see us taking out grapes as the year goes on. We think white grape juice is delicious, so if you know of anyone looking for a lot of white grapes for a commercial product, please let us know. We’d love to find some new customers and markets for these.
Grape rows coming out
The first vineyard that is gone is going to be planted in sunflowers. We will be having our first sunflower festival in August and are in the planning stages now. We have lots of great ideas for this and are teaming up with ten other farms across the United States who are also in the planning stage to share best practices. More to come! Meanwhile, we have a great sunflower book for sale here at the market and sunflower seeds for little ones wanting to plant sunflowers. It even comes with a pull out measuring tape to keep track of how tall the sunflowers grow!
Everyone at Corey Lake Orchards thanks you for buying local!
Asparagus, Blossoms & Bees, Caring Mothers: ABC!!
We’re wishing a Happy Mother’s Day to all those whom we call mothers. If you are out this weekend, please stop into our bakery where every mom (or those fulfilling the role) gets a free cake donut of their choice, as our acknowledgement and appreciation of how special you are.
Here’s what we have on the market right now:
Asparagus: We are picking asparagus and should have it through the weekend. The return of cool weather will slow it up a bit. As always, it is best to call before you come out to make sure we have some. 269-244-5690 – we can definitely put back an order for you too. As soon as it gets warm again, we should have plenty! Asparagus pricing this year is $2.50 a pound; 3 pounds for $7; or 5 pounds for $11.50. If you get 10 pounds or more, it goes to $2.20 a pound.
Rhubarb is ready! Available now for $2.50 a pound. f you need 10 pounds or more, ($2.00 lb) please call us to order.
Bedding plants: They are here!!
- Cole crops: Cabbage, kale, brussels sprouts, various lettuce varieties, broccoli, chard, and spinach
- Flower annuals: We have a huge selection of flower annuals….too many to list
- Tomato plants: We have a large selection of tomatoes (all the ones that we grow here in our own fields) plus mini tomatoes like grape and cherry
- Herbs
- Other “heat loving” vegetable plants like peppers, cucumbers, melons, squash, and eggplant
- Hanging flower basets: We have lots of hanging baskets, including some of the favorites we carry every year
- Lettuce bowls, for your “pick your own salad”
- Specialty pots made up with flower and herb arrangements
- Large tomato and pepper plants for your patio, porch or yard
Large patio plants are back this year
Straw: We have extra bales of straw available for your mulching needs. They are $6/bale or 4 bales for $20.
We are currently harvesting lettuce from our certified organic hoophouse. We also have some kale and some spinach – call if you want it for sure and we’ll put some on hold for you.
The bakery seemed to be a popular place on opening weekend and the bakers have worked hard this week to have everything ready for this weekend, including making their special chocolate cream pies. This weekend’s offerings will be:
- Cookies: Flower Cut Outs, M&M “Monster” Cookies, Ginger Molasses, S’mores, and Lemon
- Pies: Apple, Blueberry, Cherry, Peach, Rhubarb and Strawberry Rhubarb and Chocolate Cream
- Breads: Whole Wheat, Whole Grain, Cinnamon, Hamburger and Hotdog Buns
- Cinnamon Rolls, Sticky Buns, Yeast Donuts
- Summer Flavors cake donuts: Buttermilk, Blueberry, and Cherry
- Slushies
Local Gluten free items are now available. We are partnering with Gluten Free Sensations in Three Rivers and will offer many of their gluten free products, made in their gluten free bakery, frozen and delivered to our bakery freezer. Today we stocked brownies, cookies, cinnamon rolls, cherry and apple pies, and granola. Learn more about them here: Gluten Free Sensations
Owner Loretta made their first delivery today
We also are partnering with Jake’s Country Meats in Cassopolis to supply us with pork products. Now available in the bakery freezer are brats, pork sausage links, bacon and snacking sticks. Pick up a flyer about them next to our freezer or learn more about them here: Jake’s Country Meats
Hard Ciders, Wine and Brandies: We have lots of ciders, including Brunch, Ginger, Hometown Hero, Hopped, Currant/Cacao, Sweet, Semi-Sweet, and Dry ciders. We also have our full line of Hubbard’s Brandy, Double Cherry Wine, and Kaiser Cyser.
Our cider is also available at The Local in Centreville, The Riviera in Three Rivers, Dussel’s Farm Market in Cassopolis, and Craft Beer Cellar in Grand Rapids. We will re-open our cider and brandy tastings on Memorial Day Weekend.
Mother’s Day ideas
- We can do gift certificates to allow them to pick out their own goodies. We can do these over the phone with a credit card and mail out for you, or have it waiting for the gift recipient to pick up here.
- We have lots of gift items, gift basket ideas, flower baskets or get her favorite pie or hard cider!
- Making Mom breakfast? You can get the sausage or bacon, local made pancake mix and maple syrup here from Maple Row SugarHouse: Maple Row SugarHouse
Christy Olson, owner of Maple Row Sugar House with their maple syrup offerings
Happenings on the Farm:
Our wonderful team here has worked tirelessly to get the market area ready for another season. This week weeds came out, flowers and herbs went in, grass got cut, trees got trimmed, the large backyard we share with our customers became full of comfortable chairs, tables, and play things. New items we are carrying came in and we’ll begin to feature those as the weeks go on. And we haven’t finished….but we’re getting there.
The triplets and their sister enjoying the new small picnic tables and donuts
Cherry trees are now losing their blossoms and the petals in this cold has us remembering snow storms!Plums and peaches are just finishing bloom stage, and it is exciting to see blueberries, strawberries and apples beginning to bloom. Even more exciting was seeing the blossoms full of bees–busy doing their job of pollinating. We’re keeping our fingers crossed for a good fruit set this year.
strawberries blooming!
plum blossoms
Plant, plant, plant. The beautiful weather early in the week allowed us to continue on with planting. The summer-like weather lured Beth into planting tomatoes, peppers and squash, which usually wait until later in May. In your own gardens, follow at your own risk! Three plantings of sweet corn are now in and coming up along with two plantings of green beans. Who’s ready for fresh green beans?
pepper plants going in
The enormous oak log that has been sitting in front of the market which has intrigued many of you has now taken its final shape in the process of becoming a bench with foot rests. The inspiration for this came from my winter trip to California. As soon as I saw this, I wanted one for our farm. My son Jay (who is in the tree business) found this log, brought it here (no small task!) and carved it yesterday for my Mother’s Day gift. We’re still finishing it up, but I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. I’m thinking he’s off the hook for Mother’s Day gifts for many years to come. (See pictures below of this endeavor.)
Our first family to try out the new bench!
Everyone at Corey Lake Orchards thanks you for buying local and sends our best Mother’s Day wishes!
Beth’s husband Joe, and son Chad, sitting on the log bench in California earlier this year
Son Jay shows up to begin the cutting
The first seat finished
Austin getting the foot rests in place
Thanks Jay! One happy mother!
Ready or Not….Opening Day is Here!
We’re opening for the 2018 season on Friday, May 4th with our normal daily hours of 8 am to 6 pm, 7 days a week, including holidays! Are we ready? We are in spirit, as we can’t wait to have our customers back. But…..you may find we don’t have everything quite together as the 3.5 inches of rain combined with a drain problem flooded our market and bakery building last night. We are all cleaned up and drying out. So….if there is something you’re looking for that you don’t see–ask us, it may still be in the back!
Wow….3.5 inches plus!
The winter to summer weather has pushed everything along quickly. So if you are out this weekend, you will be able to enjoy cherry and peach blossoms! Simply breathtaking!
Sweet cherries blooming
We have asparagus up, but due to the rain, we cannot get in to pick it. As soon as the field can dry out and we can get in, we will have it available. So please call before you drive out to see it we were able to pick. We are happy to take your order, just call us at 269-244-5690 and we will call you when we can fill it.
Fresh local rhubarb: $2.50 lb
Bedding plants: They are here!!
- Cold Crop: Cabbage, kale, brussels sprouts, various lettuce varieties, broccoli, chard, and spinach
- Flower annuals: We have a huge selection of flower annuals….too many to list
- Tomato plants: We have a large selection of tomatoes (all the ones that we grow here in our own fields) plus mini tomatoes like grape and cherry
- Herbs
- Other “heat loving” vegetable plants like peppers, cucumbers, melons, squash, and eggplant
- Hanging Flower Baskets: We have lots of hanging baskets, including some of the favorites we carry every year
- Lettuce bowls, for your “pick your own salad”
- Specialty pots made up with flower and herb arrangements
Amber organizing all of the vegetable plants
Straw: We have extra bales of straw available for your mulching needs. They are $6/bale or 4 bales for $20.
We are currently harvesting lettuce from our certified organic hoophouse and more greens will be here shortly.
The bakery will also open for the year on Friday, May 4th, and yes, they will be making donuts that day. Amy and Michaela had to test the donut machine today—so everyone working did their part to eat the donuts–we proclaim the donut machine is good to go! It was so great to have a donut after being deprived since fall! (Reminder: we make our cake donuts on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.) For Mother’s Day Weekend, feel free to place your order in advance.
These disappeared fast!
This weekend’s offerings will be:
- Cookies: Flower Cut Outs, M&M “Monster” Cookies, Ginger Molasses, S’mores, and Lemon
- Pies: Apple, Blueberry, Cherry, Peach, Rhubarb and Strawberry Rhubarb
- Breads: Whole Wheat, Whole Grain, Cinnamon, Hamburger and Hotdog Buns
- Cinnamon Rolls, Sticky Buns, Yeast Donuts
- Summer Flavors cake donuts: Buttermilk, Blueberry, and Cherry
- Slushies
Hard Ciders, Wine and Brandies: We have lots of ciders, including: Brunch, Ginger, Hometown Hero, Hopped, Currant/Cacao, Sweet, Semi-Sweet, and Dry ciders. We also have our full line of Hubbard’s Brandy, Double Cherry Wine, and Kaiser Cyser.
Our cider is also available at The Local in Centreville, The Riviera in Three Rivers, Dussel’s Farm Market in Cassopolis, and Craft Beer Cellar in Grand Rapids. We will re-open our cider and brandy tastings on Memorial Day Weekend.
Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 13 this year!
- If you a on a quest for a unique gift for Mom, Grandma, Aunt, or other person who has nurtured you as a mother would, we are here to help. Looking for a gift from nature? Peruse the variety of pretty flower or herb arrangements already planted in fun containers (made by our own creative Teri and Terri) or lettuce bowls for a salad that continues to grow through the season or purchase bedding plants from flowers to herbs to veggies and create your own potted design.
Teri and Terri are the best!
- Another gift idea is using our fresh produce. We can tie raffia to make an asparagus or rhubarb bouquet for your favorite cook. Organic greens, a favorite? How about a bag of lettuce, or spinach with a salad spinner to clean the greens in the easiest, most efficient way? (If she doesn’t own a salad spinner, these are a must have. They really make it so much easier to get your greens clean.)
- Check out the ceramic work by Mollie whose whimsical bowls were in the market last season. She just delivered more stock which includes vases and single stem flowers for hanging that will serve as a lasting reminder of your thoughtfulness.
- If the smell of fresh baked goods is a favorite, consider the options from the bakery. Think muffins, donuts, dessert bars, pecan rolls, cinnamon rolls, pies, cookies, bread, and more. What could be more comforting than a basket of baked goods?
- For Mother’s Day (and for any day that you need a gift) Peggy is happy to help make a basket up for you, starting at $10 and adding in what you want. So whether you choose plants, market produce, baked goods, adult beverages, local honey, maple syrup, or spicy mustard or one of our select gift items, a basket can be the perfect present. We really enjoy working with you to share the gifts that celebrate the seasons of life. Call and talk to Peggy, or leave a message for her to call you back, and she will create just what you need in the price range you desire.
- We can also do gift certificates to allow them to pick out their own goodies. We can do these over the phone with a credit card or mail out for you, or have them waiting for the gift recipient to pick up here.
Happenings on the farm: We’ll catch you up next week, just know it’s happening! I am grateful for our employees and several contractors (Roberts Excavating and Mason Harvey Hersherger) who came to our rescue today with the flooding issue so we could open on time. Some employees mopped, cleaned and moved everything, while the bakery and market staff patiently worked around everything to continue opening day readiness! Huge thanks to Liv, Terri, Teri, Teresa, Adolfo, Amy, Michaela, Patti, and Peggy. (Becca would like to note that Beth deserves a huge share of the credit for getting us ready today as well. Thank you, Beth!)
David and Austin helped build an additional drain system
Everyone at Corey Lake Orchards thanks you for buying local! See you soon!
Opening Friday, May 4th! Counting Down the Days…
We’re in high gear now getting ready to open for the 2018 season on Friday, May 4th with our normal daily hours of 8 am to 6 pm, 7 days a week, including holidays!
One of the most frequently asked questions is when will we have asparagus? And the answer is: It depends on the weather. The nights are unusually cool which is holding it back. If those forecasted days of 70 degrees come next week, we’ll know a lot more then and will give you an update.
Bedding plants: We will be stocking vegetables, flower annuals, and tomato plants as they are ready for planting. We have a few seed potatoes (Red Norland). So as you think about your garden needs, you can plan on getting your plants here. We hope to have most of our plants available on opening weekend. FYI: We will not have any onion sets this year to sell as we changed suppliers and varieties.
Straw: We have extra bales of straw available for your mulching needs. They are $6/bale or 4 bales for $20. If you need these before we officially open, just call us and we’ll set up a time to meet you. 269-244-5690.
We are currently harvesting lettuce, spinach, green onions, carrots, and kale in our certified organic hoophouse. You can pick any of that up at World Fare in downtown Three Rivers (the fridge is in the back) or you can call us to make an appointment to pick it up here. We harvest and restock the fridge every week!
The bakery will also open for the year on Friday, May 4th, and yes, they will be making donuts that day. (Reminder: we make our cake donuts on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.) Feel free to place orders ahead for Mother’s Day, which is Sunday May 13th, by calling or emailing us: 269-244-5690 or coreylakeorchards@gmail.com
This weekend’s offerings will be:
- Cookies: Flower Cut Outs, M&M “Monster” Cookies, Ginger Molasses, S’mores, and Lemon
- Pies: Apple, Blueberry, Cherry, Peach, Rhubarb and Strawberry Rhubarb
- Breads: Whole Wheat, Whole Grain, Cinnamon, Hamburger and Hotdog Buns
- Cinnamon Rolls, Sticky Buns, Yeast Donuts
- Summer Flavors cake donuts: Buttermilk, Blueberry, and Cherry
- Slushies
Hard Ciders, Wine and Brandies: We have lots of ciders, including: Brunch, Ginger, Hometown Hero, Hopped, Currant/Cacao, Sweet, Semi-Sweet, and Dry ciders. We also have our full line of Hubbard’s Brandy.
Our cider is also available at The Local in Centreville, The Riviera in Three Rivers, Dussel’s Farm Market in Cassopolis, and Craft Beer Cellar in Grand Rapids. We will re-open our cider and brandy tastings on Memorial Day Weekend.
Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 13 this year!
- If you a on a quest for a unique gift for Mom, Grandma, Aunt, or other person who has nurtured you as a mother would, we are here to help.
Looking for a gift from nature? Peruse the variety of pretty flower arrangements already planted in fun containers (made by our own creative Teri) or lettuce bowls for a salad that continues to grow through the season or purchase bedding plants from flowers to herbs to veggies and create your own potted design. - Another gift idea is using our fresh produce. We can tie raffia to make an asparagus or rhubarb bouquet for your favorite cook. Organic greens, a favorite? How about a bag of lettuce, or spinach with a salad spinner to clean the greens in the easiest, most efficient way? (If she doesn’t own a salad spinner, these are a must have. They really make it so much easier to get your greens clean.)
- Check out the ceramic work by Mollie whose whimsical bowls were in the market last season. She just delivered more stock which includes vases and single stem flowers for hanging that will serve as a lasting reminder of your thoughtfulness.
- If the smell of fresh baked goods is a favorite, consider the options from the bakery. Think muffins, donuts, dessert bars, pecan rolls, cinnamon rolls, pies, cookies, bread, and more. What could be more comforting than a basket of baked goods?
- For Mother’s Day (and for any day that you need a gift) Peggy is happy to help make a basket up for you, starting at $10 and adding in what you want. So whether you choose plants, market produce, baked goods, adult beverages, local honey, maple syrup, or spicy mustard or one of our select gift items, a basket can be the perfect present. We really enjoy working with you to share the gifts that celebrate the seasons of life. Call and talk to Peggy, or leave a message for her to call you back, and she will create just what you need in the price range you desire.
- We can also do gift certificates to allow them to pick out their own goodies. We can do these over the phone with a credit card or mail out for you, or have them waiting for the gift recipient to pick up here.
Happenings on the farm:
Clean, scrub, move, organize and repeat. The crew has been in high gear getting the market, bakery and surrounding gardens and play areas ready for the year. Brooms, bleach bottles, rakes and even paint brushes were everywhere today!
Thanks Amy!
We planted, planted, planted. Tuesday the crew got 32 rows of black plastic mulch in the field ready for our plantings of vegetables, tomatoes and melons, which you will see on the west side of AL Jones Road. Then we put 16 rows of sweet corn in before the rain hit that night. Wednesday we started at sunrise planting 25,000 onion sets. Tomorrow we will get all of our “cold crop” brassica plants in, things like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kohlrabi and the like.
Terri unloading onion plants (all 25,000 in one van!)
Emma Grace watering the cold crop plants
Two days of feeding the planter with onion plants
The delayed spring has caused planting issues for the unheated organic hoophouse. So we have had to turn the cold storage into a “warm storage” where Becca has to move them in at night and back out during the days. We will all be happy to see a forecast with no more nights below freezing!
Tomato plants enjoying the afternoon sun.
The greenhouse tomatoes are coming along great, maybe 25 days till the first BLT.
Yes, someone always has to be different—-this plant has jumped two feet above the others!!
Everyone at Corey Lake Orchards thanks you for buying local and we are counting down the days until we see you!
Looking forward to seeing everyone soon! Everyone at Corey Lake Orchards