Waldoch Farm Garden Center

History:

In 1916 the farm was purchased by William & Anna Waldoch in Lino Lakes, the first generation. In 1919 the family started farming. At first, they harvested hay and raised chickens to sell at the St. Paul Farmers Market.

Then the family started to raise vegetables to sell at a roadside stand they built. In 1947, their son, Dan bought 10 acres from them to build his own home. Dan and his wife Lucille started by raising cucumbers. Dan became an airline pilot and continued to farm small grains, hay, beef cattle and vegetables.

Over the years, Daniel bought additional land from his parents In the 1960's, his children became the third generation to work on the vegetable farm, selling their produce at the Farmers Markets. In the early 1970's, Dan built a greenhouse so he could start his own vegetable plants. Lucille grew annuals in the greenhouse for her garden. The production of annuals grew into its own business. Within two years they added another greenhouse. After Daniel retired from the airlines in 1974, he began farming full time.

In 1982, Dan's daughter Mary Joyer and her husband Jeff bought the remaining 40 acres from William Waldoch. William continued to help on the farm, hoeing and weeding until age 100. Mary and Dan then began to work together in both the vegetable and greenhouse business. Mary, Jeff and the family moved into the original homestead farmhouse in 1988. In 1990, Mary and Dan built a new greenhouse near the roadside stand.

Today, third generation sisters, Mary (Waldoch) Joyer and Kathy (Waldoch) Rivard spend long days keeping the tradition going with the involvement of numerous fourth generation members. Andrew Joyer and Doug Joyer are two of fourth generation members, and are working full time using their Environmental Horticulture degrees from the University of Minnesota. They bring their excitement and new perspectives to this wonderful family farm.

The business employs up to 30 seasonal workers. The Garden Center retail area covers over 2 acres including 8 greenhouses. The 'Pick-Your-Own' Vegetable Garden involves about 30 acres.

Joyers' Barnyard adjoins the Garden Center where young and old can get a glimpse of a variety of farm animals.