A blooming legacy: Thompson family farms
Photo by Treasure Hardwick
Treasure Hardwick, Staff Writer
As the temperature drops and the leaves change colors, NGU students may begin looking for fun, budget-friendly autumn activities. Located just 11 miles from campus is Thompson Family Farm, a family-owned business that caters to all your fall needs.
Josh and Sara Thompson own the farm, which they began cultivating in 2021 when they planted their first tulip patch. As the flowers bloomed, their business flourished. To welcome more guests and expand their offerings, the family moved to their current location in Campobello, South Carolina.
The family created their business with the intention of fostering an atmosphere where families can come together, learn about nature and make fun memories.
“We wanted to create a space where families could come out and enjoy the beauty of nature and learn about agriculture and see God’s creation,” said Sara Thompson.
The Thompsons run the farm, along with their four young children. Several NGU students work there as well. The atmosphere is alive with the sound of children’s laughter and the scent of fresh flowers.
When visiting the farm, guests can stroll through the beautiful grounds or take some of that beauty home by picking their own bouquets.
In the summer, vibrant sunflowers stretch towards the sky, begging customers to bring them home and adorn their windowsills. As the weather changes, colorful tulips pop up from the soil and welcome the crisp fall air.
Upon arrival, customers who wish to make a bouquet pay $25 and receive a pair of scissors, which serves as their ticket to wander the fields. As they stroll through the fields, customers pluck flowers of their choices and curate bouquets to their liking. But the flowers are not the only feature of the Thompson family farm; there are also mounds of pumpkins and corn available for customers to pick and purchase.
During the school year, the farm offers field trips for homeschoolers. The employees lead tours around the farm, teaching students a variety of things such as the basics of agriculture, how the plants grow and how small businesses work. The field trips last about an hour and conclude with an exciting scavenger hunt.
For college students looking for the fall vibe without making a purchase, there is corn-hole available. They can also just walk around and enjoy the beauty, while snapping pictures of the lovely farm.
Meg George, sophomore communication major at NGU, works at the Thompson Family Farm. Her responsibilities consist of welcoming guests, handing out cups and scissors to those picking flowers, weighing pumpkins and wrapping up flowers.
“It’s a pretty simple task, but the simplicity allows us to be smiling faces and shine the light of Jesus with everyone we encounter,” George said.
Her favorite part of working at the farm is getting to be a part of the joy the visitors experience and spending time outside. She has also met unforgettable people while on the job.
“I get to meet such a wide variety of individuals. I have met people from as far as New England and even Brazil. It’s really cool to see how the farm brings family and friends together to something as pure and simple as cutting flowers and picking pumpkins,” she said.
The farm is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7p.m. For more information and the exact location, visit thompsonupick.com
