A berry fulfilling way to make a living

Blueberry Patch Country Market is as much fun for the owners as it is for visitors

Tasty Pastries is a new expansion of the Blueberry Patch at the Creston Valley Mall. — Brendan Mitchell photo

When the Sproule family moved to Lister, B.C., they didn’t foresee establishing a popular country market and berry patch. Michael and Bibiane bought their piece of land in 1999 and started the process of turning their backyard into a haven of berries. Bibiane originally came up with the name Blueberry Patch.

“We had several people tell us that blueberries wouldn’t grow here,” said Michael. “We researched some different varieties and now we have adult bushes that are producing wonderfully.”

In fact, the Sproules have been breaking ground on the Creston agriculture scene in more than one sense. They have built a hydroponic greenhouse where plants are grown without the use of traditional soils. The greenhouse holds a strawberry pavillion—about 17,000 plants that produce from the beginning of June to November.

At first, the Sproules harvested their produce and brought it to Creston’s plentiful fruit stands to sell. But something was missing.

“I just wasn’t fulfilled because I wasn’t interacting with the people that were buying [our produce],” said Michael.

Since then the Sproules have set to work establishing an all-round business. They grow some of their own key ingredients, create delicious baking and then deliver it to the eager hands of their consumers.

The Blueberry Patch Country Market now boasts an old-fashioned tea house, candy shop and gift store. The Sproules sell their produce at the Cranbrook farmers market and make delicious homemade waffles for the market in Creston. In addition, their Lister farm offers a popular you-pick option. They make syrups and jams and sell frozen berries, as their tearoom is open year round. They also home-school their two daughters, Abigail and Breanna, which helps make the Blueberry Patch Country Market a true family enterprise.

Growing a new business

As if that weren’t enough, the Sproules have recently expanded once again. They have opened a small shop in the Creston Valley Mall, aptly called Tasty Pastries. At the new location the Sproules are also offering specialty coffees, as they’ve invested in an espresso machine. They also have hand-blended teas and iced drinks. The highlight, however, may well be the baking—an art they have perfected.

“My wife just loves baking,” said Michael. “She always has. Our daughters seem to be really interested. Breanna is only 11, but she really loves it.”

All baking is made fresh every morning. The difference is easy to tell as you bite into a delicious cinnamon bun, cheesecake bar or slice of blueberry coffee cake. The Sproules' own berries play a star role in many of the items on offer.

Blueberries and strawberries are the farm's main crops, but the Sproules also grow blackberries and are expanding into raspberries.

“There’s something about all of these that creates a certain nostalgic feeling in people,” said Michael. 

The Blueberry Patch does maintain the feeling of a country berry patch. All the produce is grown without using chemical sprays. The business employ locals, sometimes literally neighbours, to help with harvest and with running the tea room. 

Despite its quick expansion, the Blueberry Patch shows no sign of slowing down. The country market continues to be a favourite with both tourists and locals alike. Now, with Tasty Pastries, enjoying a locally made treat is easier than ever.

“It helps if you’re friendly,” said Michael. “Selling directly is a wonderful feeling. People tell you how much they love your products, how good they are for them. It’s very fulfilling.”