MIgardener

It is official. After many months of back and forth, we have finally settled on a name for the farm. It really found us while we were finding trees for the preservation orchard portion of the farm.

We found an old orchard with original trees more than 130 years old (which is a very very rare thing, the equivalent of you living to be 115 years old) - more information coming soon in video form. It led us on a mission to find the story on them. In our research we discovered an old plat map from 1897 which had the land that was planted with our trees. It was a waterfront community named Idlewild, and had a southern portion named Shadyside. The original owner had a 100 acre farm on the river and against all odds, 3 varieties of 8 trees remained, zero name ever given, and over 130 years later. Old, beaten, rotten, and clearly weathered, they provided us with nearly 13 perfect scions for grafting, in what will be the focal point of the farm, they will be 1. Potter’s Reliant 2. Mrs. Lee Potter and 3. Idlewild.

Which will be the official name of the farm and orchard. We will always be MIgardener and again, nothing is changing here. But the name of the farm will be Idlewild Farm and Orchard

2 months ago | [YT] | 2,128



@ctg22333

I love this!! Honoring the origin and blessing your future by doing so! So happy for you all! Idlewild is lyrical and beautiful! Makes me want to run through the orchard and then rest under a wise old tree!

2 months ago | 38

@BettyBrancato

What an amazing story of resilience, and what a great name! Those trees will need a nice marker/sign and a spot of prominence!

2 months ago | 9

@lamgardn3800

Now THAT is a great name...with true ties to the land and its people.

2 months ago | 21

@kaptynssirensong2357

Historic, exciting… Great name!

2 months ago | 1

@gardeninggalagain

This is perfect, a much nicer name than the other options. I hope honoring the heritage delights you every time you say the name. Best wishes on your new venture!

2 months ago | 4

@melanielinkous8746

What a beautiful tribute to the past! Fantastic 😊 Blessings to you guys

2 months ago | 7

@jillhumphrys9349

That is so cool!! Thank you for caring about our history and bringing it forward. God bless you

2 months ago | 9

@jeweleagle613

That's great! How historical and what a way to honor the land! Love it!

2 months ago | 3

@susanjohnson9409

I love everything you’re doing. I’m originally from Michigan and my dad’s family is from the east side of the state and started as farmers. I wish you all the success and many years of reviving such an honorable service as a caretaker of this part of Michigan history.

2 months ago | 4

@blackcoffee2002

Love it! And one of my favorite Movies!

2 months ago | 6

@msadviceisnice

Idlewild meant so much to so many people who otherwise had few places to vacation and gather. Rich history! Great name! Fellow Michigander ✌🏽❤

2 months ago | 2

@tiayarns93

Should look into the history of Idlewild, MI. It's very historically significant for a number of reasons, but I can't wait to see the farm flourish.

2 months ago | 17

@kristenstephenson340

That is fantastic! So excited for you and your family! I’m excited to have a trusted local farm!

2 months ago | 2

@bOnFyRe-GiRl

Love the name and the story behind it!!

2 months ago | 13

@Meyerway

Just love the name and the story!

2 months ago | 2

@jacquig1939

Idlewild sounds like an old property from an 1800s or older novel. I love it.

2 months ago | 4

@farmermarshall

Love it! It's only fitting that the name has a story behind it. Can't wait to hear more!

2 months ago | 7

@TDAEON

Lovely! Just knew the right name would come to you. Glad your thoughtful research brought you to this beautiful and significant name. ❤️

2 months ago | 2

@Berdie-if4yb

I love this name and the history behind it. God’s blessings on your new farm!

2 months ago | 1

@everlastinggrass

That's a great name..... especially for perennials.... and perhaps if you're inspired by hopes of ethereal seeds of life... It's not a great movie, and it's definitely a sign of the times. A story of a man, indeed fulfilled in all .... yet wanting, yet once again..... a will of a fight of a man... you got this luke, you got helpers and there important. I'm so glad through all of you and your families' efforts you got a farm. May it prove boundless in gifts

2 months ago | 0