hoolie-flats-farm

Hoolie Flats Farm Creation

Fri, 31 Jan 2025 15:04:43 GMT

Hoolie Flats Farm

Welcome to Hoolie Flats Farm created in 2017, by Mike Betit and named for his kids nickname "hooligans".

The farm sits on 129 acres of flats and hills, with the Pekin Brook winding through and across the land.

The first few years he continued to grow storage crops, but this changed when the pandemic happened.

Wholesale access and markets became difficult to access, so we hunkered down and created a farm stand from our front yard. This was surprisingly rewarding and the following year we included flowers, plant starts and raspberries.

When the pandemic was deemed "over" things changed yet again and people didn't seem as interested in their local markets or growing their own gardens. So we remembered that during the pandemic their was a great deal of interest in our plot of mixed sunflowers planted by the road. People would stop and take photos and selfies and we thought how can we build on that interest.

Erlene thought lets build a peaceful space and Mike thought lets create an escape room, and so the flower maze was born.

It's beautiful, peaceful, yet challenging and bewildering. It's a flower maze escape room.

Flower Maze Deconstruction

Tue, 05 Nov 2024 16:33:47 GMT

What happens when the flowers die?

In October or November, hopefully before the first snow sets in, we begin the task of flower maze clean up. The blooms have all gone, but the maze is still intriguing, magical, and interesting in its gone-by phase. There are still birds flittering about gathering seeds. Although we don't usually see them there are signs of field mice and other small critters foraging for their winter stockpile. Wooley bears can be found curled up under leaf litter ready for their winter hibernation, when any are spotted we move them to more safe quarters. And there is still color to be found in the drooping flowers, drying seed pods, and the almost fully eaten sunflower heads. It's also calm and cool, breezy and sunny, quiet and serene, and crunchy! Everything crunches, all the leaves and stalks and the grass.

But back to why we are here- clean up. The maze is not a fixed element. This year except for the Watch Tower and probably the stand building, everything is taken down, pulled up, and put away. This means all the posts, gates, fencing, twine, ropes, signs, photo booths, and stamp stations. All of it gets hauled out. Most of the flowers are annuals and will need to be replanted next year, but first the terrain needs attention. After everything is picked up and put away it is tractor time. Mike then begins turning the soil over, breaking down all the organic matter from the years plants. He then will plant a hardy cover crop that will pop up in the spring and hopefully cut down on our least favorite and most time consuming task, weeding.

Flower Maze Prep Part 2

Mon, 08 Jul 2024 18:27:15 GMT

Our 2024 Flower Maze Journey- Direct Seeding Worked Beautifully... Mostly!

Our new grain worked fairly well in seeding the sunflowers. The amaranth are super tiny seeds and required some dialing in so they didn't all drop out at once. However, as you can see they are growing wonderfully. The zinnia seed was sporadic and we are only finding the plants as we weed. Hopefully there are more of them than we have found. We did transplant out zinnia's, so it won't be a total wash. We've also transplanted out Cosmos', herbs, Celosia, Calendula, Nasturtiums, and Morning Glories. This year we are battling the heat, but thankfully we are getting bursts of rain showers. Already we have learned things we plan to do differently for next year, but so far we agree direct seeding as many of the flowers as possible is the most efficient. And then adding in transplants for blocks of colorful focal points, and lanes of whimsy.

Flower Maze Prep 2024

Thu, 30 May 2024 13:10:24 GMT

Our journey- transplanting vs. direct seeding for the flower maze. Part 1.

Last year we started half of our sunflower seeds in the greenhouse and direct seeded the other half when the soil warmed up. This created an issue with a number of the seedlings becoming ready to transplant before we were ready. We also started seed for a number of other types of plants that did not get direct seeded, and which also had a similar problem. Although most of the plants did survive, it was a very time consuming job to transplant out all of those plants. So this year, using our new grain drill seeder, we decided to direct seed all of our sunflowers and about half of the amaranth and zinnia seed. The rest we did start in the greenhouse along with Cosmos and Celosia and other varieties. So, come along with us on the journey to find out which way works best and hopefully we don't get flooded this year!

Fun Things To Do and See Around Hoolie Flats

Thu, 07 Sep 2023 17:25:51 GMT

Where are you headed after Hoolie Flats?

Once you've visited our slice of heaven, you might not want to move on,

but we've created a list of family friendly things to do and see while you are here.

From the musical vibe of the Whammy Bar to the scenic waters of Molly's Falls Pond, there is more than meets the eye!

From the

Chickering Bog (East Calais) -

https://dec.vermont.gov/sites/dec/files/wsm/wetlands/docs/ChickeringFen_Brochure.pdf

https://www.nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/places-we-protect/chickering-bog-natural-area /

2. # 10 Pond (AKA Mirror Lake East Calais)- This is our local gem! It has a boat launch, and a swim area.

If you are lucky you might see a loon!

3. Lost Nation Theater (Montpelier) - https://lostnationtheater.org/

4. Kent Corner Museum - (Calais) - https://www.kentscorner.org/

5. The Whammy Bar (Maple Corner)- https://www.maplecornercommunitystore.org/

6. Morse Farm and Maple Sugar Works - https://www.morsefarm.com/

7. Molly's Falls Pond (Marshfield)- Boating, swimming, and camping are permitted on this small newly added state park. https://vtstateparks.com/mollysfalls.html

8. Coburn Covered Bridge (East Montpelier)- https://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/centralvermont/cv35.htm

9. (Fall Attraction) Peck Family Orchard (East Montpelier) https://www.peckfarmorchard.com/

Booked Your VT Vacay- Now What?

Mon, 21 Aug 2023 23:03:31 GMT

Make Hoolie Flats The First Stop On Your Trip To VT

Congratulations! You've booked your vacation surrounded by the enchanting landscapes of Vermont, a destination renowned for its picturesque beauty, charming towns, and vibrant outdoor adventures. As you prepare for your getaway, let us introduce you to a hidden gem that promises to make your Vermont experience truly unforgettable: Hoolie Flats Farm. Get ready to immerse yourself in the wonders of nature, relish the delights of our farmstand, and get lost in Vermont's largest flower maze.

Blooms, Blossoms, and Bliss: Vermont's Largest Flower Maze

Picture this: You're wandering through a maze of colorful flowers, and the scents of nature are floating in the air. Well, guess what? That's exactly what you'll find at Hoolie Flats Farm. On the farm you'll find Vermont's largest flower maze, and it's like stepping into a fairy tale.

Every twist and turn in the maze opens up a new scene of blooming beauty, and depending on when you visit, you'll get a whole new show of colors. Whether you're all about nature or just want to take stellar photos, Hoolie Flats' flower maze is a must-see. Seriously, it's like Mother Nature's art show!

Farmstand Fun: Where Local Goodies Rule

Now, let's talk about the farmstand. It's not just any farmstand – it's a piece of our heart and soul. As growers of Certified Organic produce, you can rest assured you're getting the best of the best. And the best part? It's not just shopping; it's supporting local farmers. Talk about shopping with a purpose!

Grab some fresh goodies for a picnic in the gorgeous Vermont countryside or snag a unique bouquet for your loved one. The Hoolie Flats Farmstand isn't just a stop, it's an experience. Get ready to fill up your bags and your heart.

Making Memories: Your Dream Venue for Special Moments

Hold up, the fun doesn't stop at flowers and farmstands. Hoolie Flats Farm is the spot for turning your special moments into unforgettable memories. Think wedding or engagement photos, bridal shower outings, and more. The farm's rustic charm and breathtaking scenery make for the kind of backdrop you see in movies.

Imagine saying "I do" surrounded by blooming beauties or catching candid moments against the backdrop of rolling hills. Hoolie Flats Farm is where your event goes from ordinary to absolutely magical.

So, you're all set for your Vermont adventure, right? But hold on – you've gotta make time for Hoolie Flats. Whether you're up for the flower maze extravaganza, looking to score some local treasures at the farmstand, or even dreaming of your next big event against a stunning backdrop, this place has it all.

More than just a pretty sight, Hoolie Flats Farm embodies Vermont's spirit – it's warm, welcoming, and totally in tune with nature. Each step you take here tells a story, and every moment becomes a part of your own epic adventure.

As you gear up for your Vermont escapade, don't miss out on the magic of Hoolie Flats Farm. Go on, explore, savor, and create memories that'll stick with you long after you're back home. This isn't just a vacation – it's a journey through blooming landscapes, local wonders, and heartwarming moments.

July 2023 Flooding

Mon, 31 Jul 2023 18:45:34 GMT

Flooding July 2023- We’ve been absent from social media, not rushing to post what the flood has meant to us in part because we feel even though we’ve lost our most valuable crops we’ve come though the other side relatively unscathed.

Our home, our children, our pets, our barns all came through it safe and standing. Our little equipment shed is tweaked off its foundation, but anyone who saw the shape it was in a year ago would say it’s still looking pretty good!

Thankfully Mike was home when the water came rushing to its height and was able to save the sawmill, the trailers, and a number of other equipment in the waters path with the tractor. From the time I noticed our little pond was overflowing til the water reached the front of the farm stand was 15 minutes. It moves quick and there would have been nothing I could have done.

We then became our own little Island, checking the water levels all night and bags packed in the event we needed to leave quickly up a very remote trail behind our house. But thankfully the water didn’t rise, the dam that was being monitored didn’t collapse, and by morning the water receded enough where we had one exit available if needed.

So what have we lost- first generation field of sweet corn, all generations of pumpkins, winter squash and gourds, the cucumber, watermelon and blackberry field, and our ever bearing raspberry field (which hopefully will bounce back next year).

What are we left with- more generations of corn, fall brassicas, potatoes, the tunnel crops, herbs, greens, and a flower maze we are pinning our hopes and dreams to.

But most importantly we are left with all the things that would be irreplaceable and that at the end of the day is the most important.

hoolie-flats-farm

Hoolie Flats Farm Creation