Have you heard of the stunning 4-acre poppy field in Fennville? When I heard about it, I headed out the same day and am so glad I made the trip. The poppy field is indescribably heartwarming and I will be back to experience it every year. The field was planted by Joan Donaldson and John Van Voorhees, the owners Pleasant Hill Blueberry Farm, to honor their son Mateo. Mateo was in the military and deployed to Afghanistan. After returning, he struggled with PTSD and eventually took his life in 2015.
Mateo had been a beekeeper and his parents began planting the poppy field in 2018 to feed the bees and butterflies that he was so fond of. They also hope the field will bring joy to others facing hardships. It truly does.
The poppies are in peak bloom in June, so be sure to visit them before July. Everyone is welcome, but because of the volume of visitors, please, please, please follow the below requests so this can continue next year. The adjacent cemetery was damaged by visitors to the farm and people have been going in the field and trampling flowers. Remember, this is a private farm and a very generous gift of love from the owners:
• PARKING 1. Please park along M-89 or on the very West side of the cemetery only. No parking for poppy viewing will be allowed anywhere else in the cemetery. 2. Please pull far enough off that west side roadway to allow vehicles to pass through. 3. Please remember to be respectful of the community’s loved ones that have been laid to rest there. 4. With the exception of Sunday during church, parking is available at The Fennville Assembly of God Church, a short, pleasant walk. The church is located at 5897 124th Ave, Fennville, MI 49408 • REQUESTS FROM THE FARM 1. The field has a path surrounding it for visitors, please stay on the path and do not walk into the field. 2. Please do not pick the flowers.
Pleasant Hill Blueberry Farm is also worth a trip for their organic blueberries from July – early August. You can pick your own, or they also will ship frozen organic blueberries to you year-round.
Here’s the address for Pleasant Hill Farm, if you are going to see the flowers, you’ll want to park on the road in front of the cemetery, which is just before you’ll reach the actual farm: 5859 124th Ave, Fennville, MI 49408
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