Asparagus sales take off for new farm near Carman
A new option for homegrown asparagus and apples is now available just outside of Carman. Lily and Crocus Homestead, a small farm run by Arielle and Pat Le Heiget, offers both pick-up and delivery for its fresh produce.
The couple purchased their property between Carman and Graysville last fall, inheriting an established asparagus patch and 10 apple trees. Starting a farm business had long been a shared dream, and the bounty on their new land presented the perfect opportunity to begin.
“The first day we met, we instantly clicked over cows, so it’s always been our dream to one day have a livestock farm to connect us back to the day we met,” said Arielle, who met Pat while they were both studying agriculture at the University of Manitoba.
She will receive her master’s degree in animal science this June, while Pat is working toward his master’s in plant science. Despite busy careers—Arielle with a poultry feed company and Pat in corn and soybean research—they come home after work each day to harvest and prepare produce for their customers.
Though she grew up in Winnipeg, Arielle’s passion for agriculture was shaped by time spent on her family’s century farm in Saskatchewan working with cattle. Pat, meanwhile, grew up on a mixed farm in Manitoba. The farm’s name, Lily and Crocus, reflects their roots: Saskatchewan’s provincial flower and Manitoba’s provincial flower, respectively.
Starting small with asparagus and apples, the couple has bigger ambitions. They hope to one day expand their operation to include livestock and rotational grazing. With strong asparagus sales in their first season, they plan to increase supply within two to three years as they establish new crowns.
“Even though I’ve worked on various types of farms, nothing really prepares you to start your own business, or your own farm, until you do it yourself,” said Arielle.
Their focus is on producing nutritious food for the community while supporting sustainable agricultural practices.
“We both really enjoy growing our own food, supporting local and giving back to the community,” she said. “It’s a step towards our goal of producing nutritious produce for the community while doing our part to enhance the local ecosystem.”
Pre-orders for asparagus are open now, with apple orders expected to begin in mid-August. The apple varieties include what they believe to be Honeycrisp, Goodland, Norkent, Hardi-Mac and Fall Red. They plan to consult an expert this season to confirm each type.
Orders can be placed via a Google Form linked in their Instagram and Facebook bio (@lilycrocushomestead), or by calling/texting 204-230-6830. All orders must be confirmed before pick-up or delivery is arranged. Delivery is free within Carman, $5 within a 30-minute drive, and $10 for destinations up to an hour away. Pre-arranged orders can also be picked up at the farm gate, where a small stand is planned for the near future.
Typically, orders are fulfilled within two weeks and are available for evening and weekend pick-up or delivery.
Asparagus pricing:
$6/lb for orders of 0–2 lbs
$5.50/lb for orders of 3–4 lbs
$5/lb for orders of 5 lbs or more
Apple prices will be announced closer to the season
“We’re looking forward to providing our community with produce they can enjoy and feel good about eating. Our hearts are so full from the support we’ve had over the last month,” Arielle said.
