Founded in 1929 by Polish immigrants Julian and Catherine Nicewicz, Nicewicz Family Farm is famous throughout the region for its variety of lush peonies. Like many other farms in Bolton, Massachusetts, Nicewicz established itself as an orchard, growing apples, peaches, and pears. Until the early 1990s, the farm sold primarily to wholesalers.

The farm is now in its third generation, run by brothers, David, Alan, Ken, and Tommy Nicewicz. The brothers established a farmstand on Sawyer Road and began selling their produce at local farmers’ markets. They continue to grow orchard fruits, as well as blueberries, corn, and other vegetables. As the Massachusetts representative to The Council for Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching (CARET), Ken Nicewicz advocates for the agricultural benefits of the ​​Land Grant University system.

David Nicewicz and Eugenia Harris planted the first peonies on the farm in 2001, and now run the thriving peony operation each summer, tending over 100 varieties. They also grow celosia, dahlias, strawflowers, sunflowers, and zinnias.

No matter the season, Nicewicz Family Farm finds plenty of ways to keep the community engaged: with pick-your-own blueberries and apples, and hayrides in fall.

Photo courtesy of Nicewicz Family Farm

Sources: nicewiczfarm.com, nicewiczpeonies.com, ag.umass.edu