Our History
Many years ago the land that is now Blue Vista Farm was a mature hemlock and white pine forest. Around the turn of the century, a family by the name of Turnquist bought the land, cleared it and turned it into one of the larger dairies in the area. Shortly after, circa 1910, they hired area craftsmen to build the barn using local raw materials: field stone, mortar and big timbers. The barn became then, and still is now, a local landmark and gathering place.
Cattle and milk raised on the farm were transported into Bayfield by horse and cart (and sled in winter) and sold through the Turnquist's grocery across from the candy store. The last livestock set hoof in the barn in the mid-1950s, but the field continued to be hayed and kept clear by the Leafblad family until 1989 when we purchased the forty from them.
Since 1990, we have planted six acres of blueberries, five acres of raspberries, two acres of flowers and over 1,500 apple trees. The health of the land and all its four-legged and winged residents is very important to us, and since its inception the orchards and flower fields have been managed sustainably, utilizing methods that are soft on the land and always replenishing the earth for what it gives. Our orchards were designed with customer health and picking comfort in mind. Laura's flower gardens were created for the pleasure of our customers and to alight all of the senses by through the use of fragrant herbs, a host of diverse textures and many unique flowers.
But this land is more than just fruit and flower plantings, a beautiful old barn and remarkable view. Something unexplainable comes together in this spot to create and unforgettable experience. Over and over again, customers tell us that they feel like they are in heaven and we feel that way as well. We consider ourselves privileged to be caretakers of this land and we want to share it with you.
Cattle and milk raised on the farm were transported into Bayfield by horse and cart (and sled in winter) and sold through the Turnquist's grocery across from the candy store. The last livestock set hoof in the barn in the mid-1950s, but the field continued to be hayed and kept clear by the Leafblad family until 1989 when we purchased the forty from them.
Since 1990, we have planted six acres of blueberries, five acres of raspberries, two acres of flowers and over 1,500 apple trees. The health of the land and all its four-legged and winged residents is very important to us, and since its inception the orchards and flower fields have been managed sustainably, utilizing methods that are soft on the land and always replenishing the earth for what it gives. Our orchards were designed with customer health and picking comfort in mind. Laura's flower gardens were created for the pleasure of our customers and to alight all of the senses by through the use of fragrant herbs, a host of diverse textures and many unique flowers.
But this land is more than just fruit and flower plantings, a beautiful old barn and remarkable view. Something unexplainable comes together in this spot to create and unforgettable experience. Over and over again, customers tell us that they feel like they are in heaven and we feel that way as well. We consider ourselves privileged to be caretakers of this land and we want to share it with you.
