The Field of Dreams

At the far corner of the farm a willow tree stands in a rocky field. Under the willow tree Mary found a peony planted so long ago the willow grew over it. The discovery of that peony stirred the joy Mary experienced picking daffodils as a four year old with her sister. Mary’s mother Lila was aware of the peony and for over thirty years brush cut around it while also marveling at its resilience from her tractor seat. Mary then learned that another Mary who grew up on the farm planted the peony on her wedding day in 1983. The under-the-willow-tree Peony invited Mary to start planting the Field of Dreams. She started digging holes and placing plants in 2020 and she hasn’t stopped. Now others have joined her.

Today there are over two thousand Peonies, and tens of Crabapple trees, Hydrangea, Forsythia, Lilac, Daffodils, Cherry trees, Ninebark, Bridal wreath, Astilbe, Ginkgo trees and thousands of Dahlias all pushing up through the soil next to native Goldenrod and Milkweed and in concert with the rocks and ledge. The plants are nourished by the flock’s composted manure and rain and snow. Bugs, birds, deer, and bear are part of the scene. Chemical pesticides and herbicides are not.

We look forward to sharing the pure joy that Mary felt when she was little with you through flowers. Starting in the fall of 2026 we will offer peony roots so you can start your own Field of Dreams.

Mary Berle in the Field of Dreams

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