On a small farm in Fairmont, one family is sharing nature’s beauty with their community.
written by MAKENNA SPANGLER
GROWING FROM A FAMILY’S MUTUAL LOVE OF RAISING FLOWERS and a desire to share that beauty, FernFaye Farm is imparting the family dream to visitors from across the state. Since spring 2020, sisters Abby Swiger and Emily Hawkins have been growing flowers on their family farm in Marion County. It originally started as a tree farm bought by their parents, Brad and Lynette Swiger, in the 1980s. Now, Hawkins describes it as a “family-oriented working hobby farm” where they raise beef, plant vegetables, harvest honey, and grow flowers.
FernFaye Farm specializes in u-pick bouquets, private events, and a variety of workshops for children and adults. With workshops about gardening, composting, and seed-saving and -starting and a selection of flowers and herbs ranging up to 30 types each year, there is something for everyone. One of their most popular services is helping build custom bouquets for wedding parties, centerpieces, and other events. Guests pick their own flowers and are then taught how to properly assemble the finished product.
For Hawkins and Swiger, this isn’t just a business—it’s where they grew up. That growth has now come full circle, and their families are helping to run the farm with them. Their parents, Hawkins’ husband, Jacob, their two children, and Swiger’s three daughters can be found helping plant, harvest, and manage the inner workings of the family business.
Visits to the farm are by appointment only or for scheduled events. To plan a trip to the farm or to learn more, visit fernfayfarm.com.
READ MORE ARTICLES FROM WV LIVING’S SPRING 2023 ISSUE
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