Our Story

Planting and growing herbs for over four decades

Shady Acres Herb Farm began in 1977 when, as a business, we started
growing Minnesota native wildflowers. Soon afterwards, we expanded to
growing both common and unique herbs. Eventually, the farm grew to
include vegetables – heirlooms were our specialty. When you have a deep
passion for plants, you have the desire to keep evolving. Our plant list very
quickly became so large that customers would come from near and far to
purchase our plants.

Theresa is a lifetime member of the Herb Society of America and in 2010 was awarded the Nancy Putnam Howard Award for Excellence in Horticulture. She is also a member of the International Herb Association.

In 1991 Jim introduced Jim’s Spearmint, and in 1999 Theresa introduced Shady Acres Rosemary.

In 2016, we made the decision to no longer grow plants for sale. Since then, Shady Acres Herb Farm has been moving in a different direction. We are now committed to teaching others about growing plants and do this in our monthly newsletters. If you have a question about an herb or vegetable, we're always here to help you out.

We loved our life with plants and enjoyed meeting so many people at the
farm and farmers' market. We won't forget you, and we thank you for your visits to our farm.

April 1st 2019, Theresa’s book, Beyond Rosemary, Basil, and Thyme will be available. Discover plants new to you. This is an attractively illustrated and well written book about interesting ways to use plants in the garden and kitchen; included are comprehensive facts about these fascinating herbs.