There are several amazing aspects about a small town. Locally-owned businesses. Small quaint shops on walkable street corners. Lifelong residents who know the best places to eat, shop, and play. The places you walk into and just feel invited. That’s the energy surrounding Kara Babinec. Kindness, laughter, and sunshine, not too far off from her business Springfield Acres and its rows of vibrant sunflowers.
Now, how exactly does someone come to own a sunflower garden?
“I got a degree in Agribusiness Food Marketing from Purdue University. After college, I returned to LaGrange County to take over sales & marketing for my family’s farm, Gunthorp Farms. My husband Ed & I purchased a house & eight acres next to Gunthorp Farms where we now raise our three kids – and where Springfield Acres began to grow from a small idea that bloomed into something bigger.”
That idea started from a seed planted in 2020, when the entire world was in lockdown. “I was home with my two kids under two years old. We were looking for something to do, both with our free time and with our land instead of just mowing it. I had my heart set on a pumpkin patch, but we quickly lost our patch to the weeds. That summer we decided to throw some sunflower seeds in the ground too and even though we were late in the season, they bloomed and the rest is history.
As for the name, “we named our farm Springfield Acres because Ed & I both grew up in Springfield Township – me in the one here in LaGrange County and him in the one in LaPorte County. Springfield Acres started as a fun little project to occupy some of my time as a stay-at-home mom but has quickly turned into ‘What I want to be when I grow up’. My hope is that it becomes a gathering place where friends, families, and visitors can slow down & enjoy the beauty of rural LaGrange County together. As a mom, creating a place where families can gather and make memories together has always been a big part of the vision.
Kara’s idea has grown leading to new experiences for visitors to enjoy. When you explore Springfield Acres, you’ll get the opportunity to pluck your own sunflowers, shop her she-shed full of locally made goods all made by women in the community, and take part in the Rooted: Flowers, Food, & Community hands-on experience. It “begins with a guided farm tour where visitors will hear the stories of how Springfield Acres and Gunthorp Farms both came to be. Then they will get to try their hand at flower farming as I guide them through cutting their own flowers and crafting their own arrangement to take home. The experience concludes with a shared meal centered around Gunthorp Farms pork and other locally sourced ingredients — a chance to slow down, connect, and enjoy the flavors of our community together.”
Community is a major focus at Springfield Acres. “There is a real spirit of collaboration here – a rising tide lifts all boats. It is so fun to be a part of the wave of small businesses that make LaGrange County special. It’s a place where you can slow down and connect with yourself, with your friends and family, with nature, and with the vibrant and unique small businesses within our community. Whether you’re visiting the Shipshewana Flea Market, exploring Amish country, or discovering small farms and local makers like ours, there are experiences here for everyone — the foodie, the artist, the nature lover, and more.”
All of those events are put on by the incredible business owners and leaders in LaGrange County. As for Springfield Acres, Kara is working on several new experiences for visitors. “Events like this new experience, our annual BBQ & Brews in the Blooms, and new events that I have up my sleeve make every new season our best one yet – and I am so excited to share my dreams with everyone. We’ve also made several equipment investments that will allow us to expand beyond sunflowers this summer. Visitors will be able to create bouquets and arrangements with a wide variety of flowers, offering many colors, textures, and new experiences at Springfield Acres.”
To check out future events, u-pick seasons, and more visit springfieldacres.com and follow Springfield Acres on Facebook & Instagram for updated hours.