It's Blueberry Season!

Butler's Orchard Adapts to Changing Times

Laurie Savage
Maryland Correspondent

GERMANTOWN, Md. — Butler’s Orchard has evolved from 25 acres of peaches to 300 acres of fruit, festivals and fun.

“More and more we’re becoming like a park, an outing,” said Ben Butler, grandson of George and Shirley Butler, who purchased the original farm in 1950.

Ben is the son of Wade and Angela Butler, who operate the farm and market along with Wade’s brother, Todd Butler, and sister, Susan Butler.

The orchard opens with strawberries in spring and runs through December with Christmas trees. Butler’s also offers blueberries, peas, flowers, blackberries, black and red raspberries, pumpkins and tart cherries.

“We keep busy all year long,” Ben Butler said.

The market carries decorative and food items, including jams, baked goods and as much local produce as possible.

Butler would like to again grow the peaches that started the operation. His brother learned how to make fruit wine, which could also be an option in the future.

The business model has been pick-your-own from the beginning. Now, because more people are picking less fruit, the Butlers are rethinking the way they do business.

“We can’t go on like we are and be successful,” Butler said.

The family is considering charging admission. They are wrestling with issues such as how to handle long-time customers who come often.

They are looking at improved methods for payment. Customers purchase blueberries right in the field, but other fruits are on the honor system.

Blueberries are in peak season, and the Butlers grow the ‘Blue Ray’ variety.
Customers ride a trolley or wagon to the field where a crew welcomes them. Picking on weekdays goes from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., when the weather gets hot and business decreases.

Following strawberry season, the market is closed Mondays.

Weddings, anniversaries and group outings are part of the mix. A multipurpose area is available with slides and a children’s play area. Butler said the family may add a bakery.

Spring and fall festivals are profitable ventures, as are fall nighttime hayrides that sometimes number as many as 24 a night.

“That’s a great business for us,” Butler said.

Customers get a country feeling with the convenience of being located just outside the city.

The influx of people to the area is a bonus to business, and the Asian clientele has exploded, Butler said. Much advertising is by word of mouth and news stories, including a recent NBC interview. An e-newsletter goes out to customers, schools and childcare centers.

The orchard maintains an educational aspect through hosting various growers groups, including a July 2 tour of the Mid-Atlantic Young Grower Alliance.

The informal organization of young fruit growers mostly tours farms, said Sidney Kuhn of Adams County, who heads up the group. Members have visited Washington State and New Zealand.

“It’s been awesome to meet young people our age who are also interested in horticulture. We deal with the same issues,” Kuhn said.