Fruitful endeavours

Now, not only can you purchase delicious cherries at Cherrybrook Farms, you can also find other locally produced goods

Caroline and Gordon Martin have expanded operations at Cherrybrook Farms. — Brianna Poulsen photo

Sixteen years ago Gordon and Caroline Martin moved from the Lower Mainland to Creston and planted their first cherry tree. That tree has become Cherrybrook Farms, and the couple recently added the Cherrybrook Fruit Stand. The Martins chose Creston because they loved the lifestyle it had to offer. Gordon had grown up on farmland and he wanted to raise his kids
on a farm.

The couple originally considered moving to the Okanagan, but felt it lacked the small-town feel they were looking for. Someone suggested they try Creston, and they asked, “Where’s Creston?” When they made a visit to Creston to see it for themselves, the Martins fell in love with it immediately.

“Moving to Creston gave the kids a lot of opportunities; it’s a great way to raise a family.” said Caroline. "There’s no comparison—we love a small town."  

The Martins raised their children here, and their children are still here.

From one seedling

Since planting that first cherry tree, the Martins have continued to come up with new ideas to improve their business. They started the Family Tree Membership Program that offers locals the chance to rent a cherry tree from Cherrybrook Farms. The tree is cared for by the Martins, and once the fruit is ripe people can pick the cherries from their tree.

“We keep coming up with new ideas; we watch what’s happening and follow,” said Caroline. 

In order to market their cherries year round, the Martins decided to dry them, as well as to make cherry juice. From this, they offer a slushy made with cherry juice and lemonade. In the wintertime, they grow hydroponic lettuce.

 One-stop shopping

As original members of the local farmers market, the Martins noticed its limitations; for one thing, it is open only a few hours a week, which means a lot of tourists miss it. The couple are strong believers in the local food movement and wanted to make purchasing and selling locally grown food much more convenient—opening the Cherrybrook Fruit Stand was a way for them to help Creston Valley producers and consumers.

“A lot of farmers don’t want to have the hassle of dealing directly with the public; this is a way for them to sell their product locally," said Carolin. "And we plan to sell as much local produce and products as we can get.” 

Bins of fresh, locally grown strawberries, garlic and fresh herbs are evidence of this. Coolers are filled with locally made cheeses, and shelves line the wall with local jams and jellies. In the back of the fruit stand is a large covered deck overlooking the lush, green rows of fruit trees. With a view of the mountains, this is a perfect place to sit and enjoy an ice cream cone, another thing the Martins offer at their fruit stand. 

“And we’re just getting started,” Caroline said.

The Martins are proud supporters of the Kootenays and their community.

“It’s hard to succeed as an individual—it’s easier to succeed as a community,” said Caroline.