Our Story
The History of Waldoch Farm - a growing experience since 1916.
The business employs up to 50 seasonal workers. The Garden Center retail area covers over 2 acres including 10 greenhouses. The 'Pick-Your-Own' Vegetable Garden involves about 35 acres.
Joyer Barnyard adjoins the Garden Center at a part of Joyer Adventure Farm where young and old can get a glimpse of a variety of farm animals and play outdoors.
Learn about our history
The History of Waldoch Farms
In 1916,
The farm was purchased by William & Anna Waldoch in Lino Lakes, the first generation.
In 1919, the family started farming. At first, they harvested hay and raised chickens to sell at the St. Paul Farmers Market.
Then the family started to raise vegetables to sell at a roadside stand they built.
1947
Their son, Dan bought 10 acres from them to build his own home. Dan and his wife Lucille started by raising cucumbers. Dan became an airline pilot and continued to farm small grains, hay, beef cattle and vegetables.
1960's
Over the years, Daniel bought additional land from his parents. In the 1960's, his children became the third generation to work on the vegetable farm, selling their produce at the Farmers Markets.
1970's
In the early 1970's, Dan built a greenhouse so he could start his own vegetable plants. Lucille grew annuals in the greenhouse for her garden. The production of annuals grew into its own business. Within two years they added another greenhouse. After Daniel retired from the airlines in 1974, he began farming full time.
1980's
In 1982, Dan's daughter Mary Joyer and her husband Jeff bought the remaining 40 acres from William Waldoch. William continued to help on the farm, hoeing and weeding until age 100.
Mary and Dan then began to work together in both the vegetable and greenhouse business. Mary, Jeff and the family moved into the original homestead farmhouse in 1988.
1990's
In 1990, Mary and Dan built a new greenhouse near the roadside stand.
2000's
Growing up with the greenhouses on the farm, Andrew and Doug the fourth-generation, saw potential in Environmental Horticulture degrees from the University of Minnesota. Their two oldest siblings paved the way going to the University of Minnesota aswell. After getting their degrees Andrew and Doug both started to work full-time on the farm. The fourth-generation is the first generation of farmers to make their sole income from the farm.
2010's
After having a bumper crop of pumpkins, we needed to find a way to sell all of the pumpkins we could grow. The next year in 2011 we planted our first Corn Maze. This was the start of a whole new adventure that led us to what Joyer Adventure Farm is today. We grew our first sunflower fields in 2019 as Minnesota’s Sunflower Festival.
2020's
Third generation sisters, Mary, Kathy and their brother Mark continue the tradition with the help of several fourth-generation family members, Andrew, Doug and Joe. Joe continued the family tradition by attending the University of Minnesota and got a degree in Agricultural Education Leadership and Communications.
Pictured is Jeff and Mary who are the heartbeat of the farm. The 4th generation is amazed with the support and trust in us as see where the family farm will go for the next hundred years.
Family Run Garden Center
For decades, Waldoch Farm has been supplying top-quality plants, beautiful hanging baskets, a vast variety of bedding plants and all of the necessary and extraordinary vegetable starts to Lino Lakes and the surrounding communities. Our Waldoch Farm family is here to lend our experience and expertise to get your yard and gardens off to the right start each spring. Our variety, quality and service are unmatched with blooming annuals, bountiful vegetables and lasting perennials.
We invite you to explore our Garden Center to find new and unique varieties of annuals, perennials and shrubs - as well as some old favorites. We pride ourselves in our diverse selection of annuals and perennials. Our knowledgeable staff is here to aid you with all of your gardening needs and questions.
Be inspired by the countless creative hanging baskets and containers.
Since we grow most of the plants ourselves, we are able to have unique combinations of flowers that you cannot find anywhere else. So we say, "Why not buy direct from growers who enjoy gardening?" You'll be glad you did. One of the great aspects of shopping at a Garden Center that grows their own product is the vast options. If you cannot find that perfect combination planter at Waldoch Farm, we can create it specifically for you. One can bring in their favorite container and we can fill it with a mix of plants to add just the right look for your patio or doorstep. Utilize our creativity and experience with your inspiration and you've got a recipe for beauty.