Butler's Orchard

The Farm

The first field of strawberries was planted in 1953 on the site of the present market. Pick your own fruit was a new concept in the area, but soon became very popular. Thornless blackberries and black raspberries were planted in the 1970's, followed by blueberries, peas, cherries, red raspberries, and apples. We started selling pick your own pumpkins as a project for a high school class. That project led us to create Pumpkinland, a display of fairy tale characters built out of pumpkins, with more added every year. It is one of our biggest attractions and draws families from all over the Washington metropolitan area every October to enjoy the hayrides, giant slides, pony rides, pumpkins, straw maze, delicious country food, and of course, Pumpkinland! Cut your own Christmas Trees became available in the late 1970's. We also began carrying holiday ornaments, fresh roping and wreaths in the farm market. We now have thousands of White Pine and Douglas Fir trees to choose from every year. At the request of our customers, we have added a number of activities visitors can enjoy throughout the year, including Group Hayrides and Bonfires, Strawberry Blossom Tours, Group Pick Your Own Outings, Bunnyland, and Pumpkin Harvest Days.

History

Right after graduating, George and Shirley Butler purchased a 37 acre farm with a log house, where the Butler family grew up. Initially we grew 25 acres of peaches and sold them to a local grocery store and at our own small farm market. Now, we have more than 25 varieties of fruits, vegetables, flowers, and trees on over 300 acres! Three Butler children earned horticultural degrees from the University of Maryland and lived and worked on the family farm. (The other sister chose the corporate life!) Sadly, the family lost Todd Butler in 2010. He started growing pumpkins as a High School project and this led to our popular Pumpkin Harvest Days and Pumpkin Festival traditions. Currently, the third generation is coming on board. Hallie Butler is working in the Farm Market while her brothers, Tyler and Ben Butler are learning and working farm operations. All are eager to continue the family business.