Forty year farm bringing Christmas cheer

Generations of families have made visiting this farm on the outskirts of Melbourne part of their annual Christmas tradition.

On the urban fringe of Melbourne, one business has been bringing Christmas cheer to families for 40 years.

Judith Bowman, who manages Sunbury Christmas Tree Farm with husband Nathan, has been running the farm for almost two decades, taking over the business from her late father, John Stano.

“John loved plants and animals, so in 1977 he purchased a swampy piece of land that had sat for sale for many years,” said Judith.

“He planted a few pine trees, and around Christmas time a few of those trees were stolen. So John had an idea to start growing Christmas trees, and it went from there.”

L-R: Nathan and Judith Bowman, with two of their four children, Aviva and Maya. Picture: Zoe Phillips

The 12-hectare property has grown trees as tall as seven metres, with families across generations continuing to pick their own trees as part of their Christmas tradition.

“We have families that have been visiting for close to 40 years and are bringing their children and sometimes grandchildren,” said Judith.

Judith thinks people choose to buy real trees each year instead of plastic ones because of the festive atmosphere of the farm.

“It is all about the farm experience, being together as a family, and making it part of your tradition,” she said.

“There’s so much that just pulls at your heart here … it’s just so special.”

The Sunbury Christmas Tree Farm has been running for 40 years. Picture: Zoe Phillips

With most of their trees for 2023 having been chosen and picked already, Judith is looking forward to next year.

“Our trees for next year are probably about 1.6m in average height right now, and hopefully will grow a bit taller than 1.8m,” she said.

“We keep planting every year and look forward to the Christmases to come.”