The Christopher family purchased the initial 27 acres of residential property in the spring of 1997. The property primely situated on 650 feet of Lake Michigan shoreline consisted of a ranch style house, pole barn, machine shop, old farm silo and a ¾ acre-fishing pond. Prior to the purchase of the property, the land was home to the Hintz Horse Farm that was in operation for over 50 years. The farm
land had a house, a large horse barn, mink cages, and grazing land. Hintz raised prized horses on the land. Throughout the development of the Christopher Farm & Gardens, numerous old horseshoes and animal bones were excavated attesting to the history of the property. Through a series of forty plus acquisitions over the next ten years, the Christopher Farm & Gardens now consists of approximately 400 acres with over 6,000 feet of Lake Michigan shoreline. 300 acres are devoted to leased crop production by local crop and dairy farmers. There are 20 acres of native woodland and natural prairies. The highlight of the property today is the extensive flower gardens, vegetable gardens, fruit orchards, walking paths and stocked fishing ponds. The Christopher Farm & Gardens has transformed from a horse farm to a 40 acre groomed garden drained by a complex swale system that creates an ideal environment for plants, trees, and shrubs to flourish. With every twist and turn in the paths there is something new to see. Thousands of plants, shrubs, and tree species sprawl the grounds; some specifically selected for the many specialized gardens nestled throughout the property. As you walk the gardens, let your imagination wander and gather ideas for your home gardens. Gardening can be a wonderful family activity that stimulates creativity, conversation, education, and even homegrown produce to feed your family.
