The flavours of summer-ripened berries are the perfect way to treat yourself during the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The juicy tang of berries can be enjoyed in the extensive variety of frozen berries and jams offered by Waterwheel Orchards of Boolarra year-round.
Sandy and Michael Boka also offer kiwi fruit and tamarillos during May, June and July.
“We are working towards becoming a certified organic farm and grow all our fruit as organic as possible, without using sprays. We pride ourselves in offering the best and juiciest fruits to our customers so they can have full confidence in knowing it is farm fresh and locally grown,” Sandy said.
The Bokas bought the established business and then relocated from Berwick in 2018 to offer their sons, Ethan, 8, and Dylan, 6, a country life.
“It’s a lot of work but worth it. We’re so blessed during the pandemic because we’ve been able to escape into the orchard and do pruning, planting and general work around the farm,” Sandy said.
“We love being in Latrobe City. We love the people in our local community and the broader Gippsland community. It is just such a great part of the country to live and work. We have had great feedback over the last couple of years and people know the farm quite well now. “
Waterwheel Orchards is typically open to the public to pick their own berries during December and January, and the Bokas are hoping that will continue to be the case this summer, pending the state of the COVID pandemic then.
“We’ve just had to adapt to the changing situations and rely more on the farmers’ market, online and deliveries, as people are not able to travel as much as they used to. That’s making it harder for businesses like us but this is what we have to do to adapt,” Michael said.
The range of berries on offer is extensive – and intriguing: raspberries in red, yellow and black; blueberries; tayberries; and many varieties of blackberries: American Bramble,
Silvan, Marion, Boysen, Logan, Young, Murrindindi, Chester and Lawton.
Customers can buy frozen berries and jam directly from the property or phone to arrange delivery at a mutually convenient time. Berries are available in 500gm or 1kg bags.
Alternatively, customers can buy from the Waterwheel Orchards’ stall at the Traralgon Farmers’ Market or place orders through the Prom Coast Food Collective (https://www.promcoastfoodcollective.com.au).
Jams are a large part of the Bokas’ business. They now have 14 varieties of jams and also sell these at Yinnar General Store, Marino Deli in Morwell, My Italy Your Greece in Traralgon, Boolarra General Store, Grow Lightly in Korumburra and Sherwood Park Orchard in Bunyip. All these businesses have been great supporters of Waterwheel Orchards.
To make contact, send a message via Facebook Waterwheel Orchards or phone 0437 641 072. Pick-up on-farm by appointment only.
Also follow Waterwheel Orchards on Facebook to learn which market they will be at next.
250 Fishers Road, Boolarra South.