Introduction...

Baver Herbs is owned and operated by Paula Smeltzer and Betsy Richley on the Baver Farm near Frankfort in Benzie County of northwest lower Michigan. (See our Location for details.)

Where we come from...

There is a long and rich history behind Baver Herbs, whose inspiration spans more than a hundred years, several generations, and two continents. It is the intention of Baver Herbs to "carry forth the legacy of those that came before us, together with a respect of the past and a love of the earth, as we grow into the future, living ever-present in the now."

The Baver Farm was started on a hope and prayer by Peter and Marit Baver, who immigrated to this area from Norway in 1888. Their son Sivert, along with his wife Anna, continued the family tradition, and had two daughters, Pauline Baver and Dorothy (Baver) Smeltzer. (For those keeping track of this, Sivert's sister Margaret is Betsy's grandmother. Dorothy is Paula's mother.)

"Aunt Pauline" is shown in her native Norwegian style in the picture to the right.

Having grown up on the farm, Pauline and Dorothy are excited to see the farm being used again, a new glimmer of its former glory. Pauline Baver lives on the farm and is providing the opportunity for her niece, Paula, and her cousin, Betsy, to begin and build this exciting new business. Pauline, Dorothy, Paula, and Betsy all share a deep respect for family, and it brings great joy to Paula and Betsy to be able to carry on this new business on the family farm. It is out of the respect for those who came before them and struggled to bring what is enjoyed today that they have given the company the Baver name.

The legacy of Peter and Marit – the love of life, family, and the experience of growing from seed into that which can be – is carried on in the heart and spirit of Baver Herbs.

Barn history...

If you appreciate history and antique Norwegian barns, you'll enjoy the Baver barn history.

Who we are...

Paula Smeltzer is a successful flower and vegetable gardener, spinner, with many years gardening and growing experience. Her living and growing up on the family farm has been invaluable to her becoming who she is today. She writes:

"I've grown vegetables, flowers, herbs, and whatever else that might grow since I was a child. I've always been a student of plant life. I've roamed our 750 acre farm all my life observing and identifying plants, and sometimes taken some home to plant, use in crafts, eat, decorate with, and show my family.

My Father always said I'd be a naturalist. Medicinal herbs have always been a major interest since I was a teenager. The idea of being more self-reliant for my health appeals to me very much. I also enjoy using herbs for culinary uses.

I regard the preservation of native plant life as important. If we don't protect plants from over-use and crowding out by aggressive alien species, we'll be left with foreign weeds and further lose our diverse natural environment."

Betsy Richley, a Master Gardener, was sales manager of Herbs and Groundcovers at a leading local nursery for six years, and has many years experience in retail customer service and operating small businesses. She has given numerous lectures and classes on growing and appreciating herbs and flowers. Herbs are her passion! She says:

"Plants make me happy! I have been drawn to them my whole life. When I learned about herbs, how easy they are to grow and how useful they are in so many ways, they really captured my heart. It's a delight for me to discover all I can about herbs and share that with others, and help them understand the many uses of herbs. Each year I simply cannot wait for spring to arrive and experience the earth being reborn, feeling things growing again.

Baver Herbs is the chance of a lifetime, allowing me to be able to do what I love, surrounded by family, and on the family farm steeped in history. I really appreciate being able to feel the past while venturing into the future.

And I love meeting people – whether it be those just learning about plants for the first time, or longtime experts. A new customer is just a friend you haven't met yet!"

At Baver Herbs, our purpose is to provide hard-to-find plants, quality gardening advice and support, personal one-on-one customer relationships, all in a quaint, historic, family setting.

Photo Scrapbooks

For more photos of Baver Herbs, wander through our photo scrapbooks:

• Photo Tour Scrapbook of Baver Herbs
• The People of Baver Herbs
• Baver Barn History

(They may take a few moments to load — there are lots of pictures.)