A Lasting Legacy of Bountiful Finds

When John Garwood established his apple orchard in 1831 near LaPorte, Indiana, he probably never dreamed that the sixth generation of his family would still be operating it today. But three of his descendants – brothers Brian and Mike Garwood and their cousin, Tom Garwood – have brought this business into today's world with an expansive U-pick operation, a grill on fall weekends, a bake shop and loads of special events.
"It's a chance for families to get out into the country and enjoy harvesting their own produce," says Brian. "We want it to be a learning experience for them, but fun at the same time. It's also affordable."

No matter when you go, you'll always find something new to pick or buy between April and December. They sell morel mushrooms and asparagus in April, moving on to U-pick strawberries in late spring, before the bounty of blueberries, sweet corn, peaches, green beans, tomatoes, peppers, green beans, zucchini and more in the summer.

But Garwood is probably best known for its apples, offering a wide variety from Honeycrisp, Gala and Fuji, to the more traditional Red and Golden Delicious to Jonathans and McIntosh. You can pick many of the varieties in the fall or buy other ones, as well as pumpkins and squash. Kids love the wagon rides that take them out to the orchards.
"Honeycrisp are probably the most in demand," Brian says. "People are looking more for eating apples than cooking apples anymore." If thinking of apples makes your mouth water for a pie, you'll find one at Garwood's Bake Shoppe, open from May 1 through the end of the season. They'll be making their masterpieces from whatever fruit is in season at the time. Think blueberry, raspberry, peach, apple and more. You also can purchase breads, cookies, turnovers and the orchard's popular deep-fried donuts.

The Garwoods also are proud of their wide assortment of peaches, with different varieties ripening each week from the end of July through fall. "People get excited about trying different kinds," Brian says.

The whole experience all comes with a big dose of fun. On fall weekends you can feast at the Garwood Grille on locally produced bison and angus burgers, brats and sweet corn while local musicians perform everything from country to Irish tunes. There are pony rides for the kids, horse- and tractor-drawn wagon rides, and Brian says, "You can eat anything off the trees for free while you pick." The orchard also stages special events, such as its Apple Fest in September, with craft vendors.

Garwood Orchards cover 350 acres, which includes 200 acres of apple trees and 150 acres of peaches, raspberries pumpkins, strawberries cherries, sweet corn peppers and a variety of other vegetables. In December, they sell pre-cut Christmas trees. For a shot of the past, the original home of George Garwood, the founder's grandson, and his wife, Minnie, still stands. The home was built in 1900.

Brian, Mike and Tom treasure this past. "Less than two percent of businesses remain into the fourth generation, and here we're on our sixth," Brian says. "You sacrifice some things to be in this type of business. It requires you to be at work when your friends are out playing golf. But we have really good employees and it's just a unique experience to work so closely together day to day."

It's obvious the new generation of Garwoods wouldn't change it for the world. You'll see why when you pay a visit and find a new way to enjoy your time away from home.

Garwood Orchards and Farm Market
(219) 362-4385;
GarwoodOrchard.com