SPRINGFIELD, Vt. – Roy Mark has been leading the way for Wellwood Orchards for the past 45 years – and he is still going strong. Purchased in 1981, he continues in his role as owner and operator, along with his four daughters, Agnes Mark, Linda Friedman, Patricia Sawyer, and Sherry Mark.
Mark, now 83, manages the daily agricultural end of the orchard, while Friedman manages the retail store and the daily administrative tasks of the business.
Soon after purchasing the orchard, Friedman mentioned that her father realized the wholesale operation was significantly more labor intensive than necessary. He discovered that, if he transitioned to a 100% pick-your-own operation, it would be more cost effective and efficient.
Friedman said, “In 1989, he went around the entire orchard, and he cut all the apple trees down to a pick-your-own height and put the picking ladders away forever.” He has maintained that structure for the orchard ever since.
Over the years, Mark has added new crops to ensure picking from the month of June through October annually. Now, the orchard’s pick-your-own fruit includes strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, cherries, peaches, pears, and plums in addition to apples.
At Wellwood Orchards, Friedman explained, “We have about 6,000 apple trees on about 70 acres…and we have about 10 varieties.” Friedman further stated that varieties such as, “Ginger Golds, Lodi, Paula Reds, [and] Vista Bella are our early varieties, available now.” Friedman continued, “This year, we do not have any Zestar, because we had a frost…in late May, so they didn’t form.” Other varieties, including Cortland, Golden Delicious, Red Delicious, and Macintosh will soon be available. Honeycrisp will be ready in mid- or late-September.
Visitors are always welcome to visit the store throughout the picking season at Wellwood Orchards. The current in-season produce is available for picking as well as for in-store purchase. Fresh, homemade donuts, fresh-pressed cider, and other baked goods will be available through the fall season.
The Claflins, from JC’s Market in North Springfield, are scheduled to be set up with a vendor tent on site every weekend throughout the fall season, serving their own specialties.
To kick off apple season this year, Wellwood Orchards is hosting its 2026 Harvest Festival on Saturday, Sept. 5, from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Musical acts scheduled to perform include John Sullivan Band, Shamus Martin, and Gillian Turner. Food vendors will also be present serving up a variety of culinary options. The rain date is Sept. 6.
An upcoming car show is scheduled for Oct. 10, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., and is set to include hot rods, classic cars, motorcycles, antique tractors, and trucks.
Fall wagon rides are available on weekends throughout the apple picking season.
Wellwood Orchards is located at 529 Wellwood Orchards Road in Springfield, Vt. Operating hours: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., seven days per week. For more information, call 802-263-5200.