LEABURG, OREGON—
The day after Thanksgiving, when the parking lots of America live up to
their potential and the spending season begins, we drove past the car-packed
acres at Eugene's Gateway Mall and headed out Highway 126. "There
are holly farms out there," a native had told us. "You'll see
one on the left past Leaburg, and if you get to Vida, you've gone too
far."
Holly
orchard
Martha,
Don and Will Haake
Richard and Martha Haake
Traditional
English holly
Go
Ducks! Yellow-berried holly sports University of Oregon colors
|
The simple
directions were sufficient. The rain showers of Thanksgiving Day had given
way to high white clouds, and the misty lushness of the west slope of
the Cascades enveloped us in quiet green. It wasn't long before we caught
sight of a white sign cut in the shape of a Christmas tree. "Spring
Creek Holly Farm" read the next one, and we knew we'd found our destination.
Now owned
by Richard and Martha Haake, Spring Creek Holly Farm was built in 1934
by Martha's parents, Donald and Della Baxter. Holly trees were first planted
in 1946, and in addition to 200 acres of holly orchards, the farm boasts
nearly two thousand acres of Christmas trees. Luckily for us, the third
and fourth generations of the Spring Creek dynasty were visiting for Thanksgiving,
and we were treated to a tour by Don, Will and Martha Haake, who hail
from San Diego, California.
Three varieties
of holly trees flourish in the orchards of Spring Creek. English holly
features the familiar deep green shiny leaves and red berries, and a variegated
variety has leaves outlined in yellow. More unusual is yellow-berried
holly, which, Richard explained with a laugh, boasts University of Oregon
colors. Sure enough, the bright green leaves and bright gold berries looked
like they'd been custom-made for the Ducks.Before
Christmas has come and gone, Spring Creek Holly Farm will cut and ship
30,000 Christmas trees in addition to thousands of holly boughs and wreaths.
"We cut the trees the day before we ship them," said Don. "About
seven thousand a day. We guarantee freshness that way." The same
care was obviously being applied to the holly, fir and juniper wreaths
being crafted by hand in the farm's workshop.
Thanks to
Spring Creek Holly Farm, Oregon greens grace homes and tables around the
world. If you ever find yourself on the banks of the McKenzie River, stop
by the holly orchards and fir groves where the beauty originates.
In the meantime, you can visit Spring Creek online at www.schf.com.
Deck
the Halls!
