Historic Grossmann's Farm opens for season

After more than three years of lying fallow, the historic Grossmann's Farm is blooming again.

The 105-year-old farm on Hempstead Avenue in Malverne Village opened its doors Saturday for the 2011 growing season.

"Now that this farm is opened, it has brought Malverne to life," said Ciana Jerry, 10, who visited the farm with her father, Kevin Jerry, 48, of Far Rockaway. The family used to live in Malverne.

People stopped by the farm stand and bought bedding plants, flowers, asparagus and spinach. They also met the farmer, Bill Walsh, who has been working since July to bring back the 5.2-acre farm. Walsh expects to have lettuce, strawberries and tomatoes available by June.

"We had a good vibe, and people bought plants and left happy," Walsh said.

Nassau County acquired the formerly family-owned Grossman's Farm last year for $6.5 million through the county's Environmental Bond Act. The county, in partnership with the Nassau Land Trust, will manage the farm as part of the "Grown on Long Island" campaign.

"I always used to come to Grossmann's and I was upset when it closed," said Irene Rose, 35, of Malverne, who spent $73 buying flowers. "I am excited that it is open now."

The plan is to run the farm with the help of community-supported agriculture, a system that allows residents to buy shares in exchange for produce, said Alison Karmel, executive director of Nassau Land Trust. "We are not ready to take that step yet, but in the future we will," she said.

Until then, people can buy coupon books for $50 and $100 until June 1 and receive 10 percent off future purchases at the farm stand, Karmel said.

The farm is open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For updates or to volunteer at the farm, call 888-547-5757 or visit NassauLandTrust.org.