About Us:
A family business for three generations! Built on the motto that still remains today: strong traditional Catholic values, hard work, and complete trust in God. The first generation of farmers came from Poland; Benjamin and Stella Godlewsky started it all by buying a farm on Alphano Road in Great Meadows New Jersey. The farm land was very unique in this area, the soil is made up of a rich fertile black compost which was known locally as "black muck". Growing vegetable crops of all types, especially root crops, grew with such vigor and produced an incredible taste. This particular farm area would be known by the locals as "The Meadows" and also known in the early days for producing the most outstanding celery and onion crops. For many years the farm was run strictly as a wholesale produce farm, growing delicious vegetables such as celery, iceburg lettuces, other lettuces, cabbage, onions, chicory, escarole, carrots, beets, spinach, peppers, tomatoes, leeks, parsley, and just so much more. Today the vegetable crops are still known for that high quality and taste, however, the emphasis on celery has changed with demands for a different market.
Then in the late 70s to early 80s under the management of the late Joseph Godlewsky Sr. and his wife Genevieve and six children, decided to change the direction of the business from strictly agricultural to include a horticultural division. This idea came strictly out of necessity, since the family farm was in jeopardy of being lost and times were changing. Starting with just one large greenhouse, the experiment of growing began with a few varieties of annuals and hanging baskets. Marketing was done the old fashioned way. As years progressed and the customers began demanding more of our product in the horticultural end of the business; more greenhouses were added. We began growing more varieties of annuals including more hanging baskets and adding perennials, herbs, and vegetable plants.
This increase in popularity and growing customer base, initiated us to construct 42+ greenhouses filed with beautiful plants. This success lead the business to eventually expand to cover all of the seasons. This included growing products for Easter: Easter lilies, tulips, hyacinths, daffodils and more. In the Fall, growing thousands of mums, pumpkins, gourds, Indian corn, and other fall decorations. For the Summer: fresh vegetables, our famous sweet corn, lettuces, herbs, cabbage, celery, tomatoes, beets, carrots, leeks, peppers, and spinach, just to name a few. The beginning of our Veggie Club and Farmer's Markets are also involved in our summer season. Not to mention that we take a particular pride in growing all of our field vegetables and greenhouse plants in the safest most natural growing practices possible. This is part of our desire to ensure a healthy product for consumption of our fresh produce and any edible flowers. Since we are a farming family and eat our own produce, we realize the importance of having delicious healthy options for the dinner table. Finishing with the winter season, which starts around the first weekend after Thanksgiving, we grow our poinsettias, and making our own wreaths from 10" to 60". Also we make other traditional Christmas decorations like grave blankets, swags, center pieces, roping, mantle pieces, and more. We carry Christmas tree's in various sizes. We are unique at Christmas Time because we set the shopping conditions apart from the outside winter elements. You must visit our Christmas Shop!
Keeping up with the continual demands of our customers and changes in what products are in demand both grown in the fields or in the greenhouses, we try to keep in-tune to those needs.That led us to get another expansion of growing sod and cut flowers, which will only lead us yet to more avenues. Presently the farm is open to the public selling both wholesale and retail. As you travel down our long lane to reach our greenhouses, you will see vegetables, sweet corn, sod or cut flowers growing in the fields.
Our family invites you to the farm to experience only what a family farm can offer, a warm wholesome welcome followed by a very appreciated Thank You for your business. Something to be aware of: the Farmer is becoming a endangered occupation; knowing where your food comes from and how its grown is a treasure. We want to send a special thank you to our long time and loyal customers, as well as any new for your constant support. God Bless and See You Soon!!
