Drought Grinch can't steal Lewis' Christmas
Dean Adkins - Fri, 30 Nov 2012 17:07:16 CST
(Sidney)--Just like the mean old Grinch who tried to steal Christmas from the Whos in Whoville, the mean old Drought Grinch of 2012 tried to steal Christmas from Terry and Lona Lewis of rural Sidney, Iowa. Well guess what. The old green grouch failed this time too!
You see Terry and Lona Lewis own and operate Horse Creek Christmas Tree Farm about five miles west of Sidney, and this year every single Christmas tree Terry planted, over 500 in all, died as a result of the drought. Every single one.
But do you think that has dampened the Lewis' spirit as their Christmas tree farm is up and open for business again this year? Not one bit. Plenty of beautiful trees are full-grown and ready to cut as we enter a mild December and Terry is set to give planting another go next year, hoping wetter conditions prevail and no hint of drought makes its way onto their gorgeous property in the Loess Hills of Fremont County.
As for this year, plenty of mature trees are ready to go as customers can go out and cut their own fir or scotch pine from the Lewis' five acres or pristine pre-cut frazier firs are also available for purchase.
As you can see in the photo left, Terry and Lona also keep very busy with their large Christmas wreath business, selling an assortment of wreaths at the farm as well as sending hundreds of festive wreaths all over the United States.
Lona is on the board of the Iowa Christmas Tree Association which keeps the family involved in the happenings of Iowa Christmas tree farmers. The site is also a valuable resource for those who may want to start up a Christmas tree farm.
On that subject, Terry and Lona are encouraging young people in KMAland to consider starting a Christmas tree farm of their own. They're very willing to share their expertise on the subject to anyone who will listen, as they've been "through it all" when it comes to drought, deer, bugs and anything else that makes this venture a challenging, yet ultimately rewarding experience.
If you'd like to learn more about Terry and Lona Lewis' Horse Creek Christmas tree farm, just check out the video below as the couple encourages all of us to go out and make some memories by taking home a real Christmas tree and sorry, no Grinches allowed!
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