Sharing a Piece of the Holidays at Pete's Pines and Needles Tree Farm
By Cookie Steponaitis
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When the words were written to the traditional Christmas song O Tannenbaum or O Christmas Tree, it is a fair bet that the songwriter was standing in the midst of a field of trees reaching toward a heavenly lit sky pondering which tree would grace their home and heart for the holidays. The wonderful trees with their leaves/needles and wondrous scent have become part of the holiday festivities of any gathering and put a smile on the face of all generations who recognize them as a part of family celebrations that date back almost two centuries on this continent and more in Europe. If you and your family are steeped in the tradition of looking for the perfect tree come visit Peter Guendel and Fran O'Connell at Pete's Pines and Needles Tree Farm, located right off Route 7 on the Plank Road outside of Vergennes, Vermont. Peter and Fran bought the land in 1986 and the pair started their first plantings in the spring of 1987. Eight years later their first trees were for sale out of Pete's car. Since then the location has grown into a family tradition with many visitors also joining them. At Pete's Pines and Needles you can venture out and cut your own tree in the field or choose from a variety that has been already cut. There are White and Blue Spruce as well as the traditional Balsams. Fran adds that, “There is definitely a tree for everyone and we even have trees with character for those who are seeking the natural look.”
Giving a free ornament with a tree purchase and candy canes for the kids has been a part of the holiday experience at Pete's Pines and Needles Tree Farm since they have been in business. So, come and visit with Pete and Fran at their farm. You will get a friendly welcome and be a part of the family tradition that includes more than selecting a tree. The tree farm is open seven days a week from 10:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. until Christmas Eve Day. “It really is a labor of love," remarked owner Peter Guendel. “It really is difficult for people to realize the amount of time that is included in a tree farm, not only from the initial planting, but through the process of growth and harvest. I got the bug to have a tree farm when I was just a little child. The first time we went to a tree farm and cut down a tree I knew what I wanted to do. The growing of the tree is as much of a joy for me as the harvest."
So check out one of the wonders of the season first hand. Or better yet, bring the whole clan and make an event out of it. And, while you are there visiting with Peter and Fran, the words to the old carol might just come in handy. So, button up, gear up and have a wonderful time remembering as many have for centuries the beauty of the outdoors, the majesty of the tree itself and the warmth that comes from being with loved ones and making traditions that will stand the test of time.
Lyrics to O Tannenbaum or O Christmas Tree
O Christmas tree, o Christmas tree
How loyal are your leaves/needles!
You're green not only
in the summertime,
No, also in winter when it snows.
O Christmas tree, o Christmas tree
How loyal are your leaves/needles!
O Christmas tree, o Christmas tree
You can please me very much!
How often has not at Christmastime
A tree like you given me such joy!
O Christmas tree, o Christmas tree,
You can please me very much!