O’Toole’s Herb Farm has been in Betty O’Toole’s family since the 1840’s.   -Photo: Tami Stevenson

Sitting in a rocking chair on the front porch of one of the gift shops at O’Toole’s 114-acre herb farm in Madison interviewing the owner, Betty O’Toole, was one of the most peaceful moments I have had in awhile.
The farm has been around a long time. It wasn’t always called O’Toole’s. Betty O’Toole, was born a Fraleigh and is the fifth generation to live on the farm. When it all started back in the 1840’s growing tobacco was the main crop. It has gone through many changes since then but it has always retained its beauty.

One of O’Toole’s cute little gift shops. SVT’s Mark Stevenson and owner Betty O’Toole.

O’Toole was born and raised on the farm and shortly after high school she left,
“Never to return,” she said, “But when my husband found that he could retire early, moving back just seemed like the right thing to do.”
Jim and Betty O’Toole retired here from Tallahassee in 1989. In the past twenty-two years they have built quite a reputation as certified organic growers specializing in fresh cut herbs and vegetables.
In the beginning Jim O’Toole held cooking workshops out in the garden. “My husband was an avid cook, he really loved it.” They would have guest chefs come out. “Everyone always had a good time.” He passed away four years ago.

Above photo: Greenhouse full of herbs growing happily in the care of owner Betty O’Toole

Betty O’Toole made vinegars, salves, tinctures and soaps. It was one of the reasons they started the herb farm. “But it’s so time consuming, I’ve just gotten away from it over the years.”
Today the farm is mainly used for wholesaling and retailing fresh cut herbs, seasonal heirloom vegetables and shiitake mushrooms. They also host workshops and offer various enrichment classes.
They have Yoga sessions every Friday at 9 a.m. for about an hour and a half and serve herbal refreshments after. “In the beginning we only held them once in awhile, but they have become so popular that we offer them every Friday now,” she said. Some come to walk the Labyrinth in her garden. “It’s a nice way to meditate without really having to think about it. It’s meant to settle you and calm you.”

In the seed bed at O'Toole's Herb Farm

In front of the two greenhouses sits an old truck with vines and branches growing throughout. Even the truck has a rich history, as her father owned Fraleigh-Ashley Truck & Tractor, the International Harvester dealership in Madison. Her father’s first name was Theodore and, “They all called him Thed,” said O’Toole. The truck is one of the remnants from the farm and is an International Harvester so it makes for a very interesting conversation piece.

This area was the tobacco seed bed her father and grandfather used. It is now home to the many wonderful herbs and flowers.

Sandy Valladares, who also grows seasonal heirloom vegetables and herbs in the area is coming to be a part of O’Toole’s Herb Farm this season.
“I’m glad some younger people are coming to help. It gives us more positive energy.” O’Toole said.
Valladares moved here from the Cape Cod, Massachusetts area almost 3 years ago, fulfilling a life long dream of buying a farm. The name of her farm is simply “Five Acre Farm.” According to the website she grew a ‘sandwich’ tomato that tested highest on the Briggs scale (sugar/nutrient level) at the Turkey Hill Tomato Festival this past summer. Before moving here Valledares owned an organic produce store specializing in products like natural bulk foods, herbal and homeopathic remedies and natural pet care.
O’Toole said, “With her creative approach and high energy, her wealth of experience in the nursery trade and retail as well as her commitment to organic production makes her a perfect and natural fit.”
Janet Moses, a local folk artist, also has some of her art in the gift shop and is going to be at the farm this season as well.

International Harvester Truck used on the farm when O’Toole was a kid, now a conversation piece.

The greenhouses are filled with herbs and seasonal vegetables growing happily in Betty O’Toole’s care. They grow seven different kinds of mint and a myriad of other herbs and vegetables. “By the first of October things are really ‘kickin,’ said O’Toole, “It is really a good time to plant things. Everything is settling down, it’s not so hot, the days are not as long and deadly.” She said that autumn is her favorite time of year.

O'Toole's Herb Farm Gift Shop number two

O’Toole’s Herb Farm will be opening to the public beginning Friday, September 30th and Saturday, October 1st from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Then they will be open the first weekend of each month thereafter.
Excitement is already in the air with the amount of vendors showing interest in participating in this year’s Christmas Open House, which will be held the 2nd, 3rd and 4th of December. Mark your calendars and treat yourself to the warm and friendly atmosphere at O’Toole’s. Visit the two gift shops full of herbal products, regional art, gardening supplies and organic products.

For more information you can visit their website at www.otoolesherbfarm.com or call 850-973-3629 for an appointment.