I had the pleasure of visiting Ideal Farm and Garden Center over this past weekend and it was just as I remember it. I worked at Ideal Farms when I was 15 years old as a cashier and it was my very first job (besides babysitting). Ben and Jan Jorritsma are the proud owners and they are the most wholesome and hard-working people you will ever meet. They opened up their first produce stand in July of 1984 and it became so popular that they had to move to a bigger location within a few years. They moved to Route 15 in Lafayette and they still stand strong there today and have expanded even more.
“Up before the sun. The sun goes down, you keep going.” Ben
Christmas time is especially busy this time of year because they have the best cut-your-own trees around. The shop on Route 15 is full of freshly made apple cider donuts, pies and bread loaves from the Amish, bread mix from Walpack Inn, jams, salsas, and countless other delicious treats. They have a beautiful collection of gifts, cards, ornaments, toys, and lots more. I was happy tat they had time to talk with me and allow me to videotape them at work…
Outside one of the green houses was transformed into Santa’s workshop. Christmas music was on while everyone was making and decorating Christmas wreaths, grave blankets, and kissing balls. It was a fun atmosphere to be a part of. Pre-cut Christmas trees of all sizes and varieties were displayed outside for sale. Or if you wanted to make a fun day of getting your tree, across the street are rows upon rows of Christmas trees just waiting to be cut down and taken home.
I drove over to Ben and Jan’s home and had the chance to talk with Ben and Courtney Morris. It was great talking with them and hearing what Ben had to say about owning such a successful business. He was modest from beginning to end and I had such a fun time listening to him talk about some of his stories from working on the farm everyday for the past twenty-four years. Courtney has been a loyal employee and friend since he was just a kid.
“It’s a great family run business and anytime that I can be outside working in a field or with the guys on any kind of farm, I’m there.” Courtney
Talking with them made me really appreciate the state we live in and all the people who live here. Ideal Farms was my first job and I know that I am going to be getting my Christmas tree from them every year for the rest of my life. I’d much rather have a real tree that was grown by such an honest and hard-working family instead of going to Walmart and buying a fake tree. As I get older and eventually have a family of my own, I want my kids to grow up knowing the importance of hard work and responsibility. This family owned business is one of my favorite parts about living in Sussex County. So if you are ever in the neighborhood, it is definitely a great place to stop by.
