by Jo Barnes –
It is said that a house is not necessarily a home. For one local couple, it’s been necessary for their home to have many houses.
Willi and Irma Mars, owners of Mars Family Farm, purchased a modest house over 50 years ago and since then have added other “houses” for various pursuits as they supported family and built a life and legacy.
“There was nothing on the place in 1962. We had a bed and breakfast and Willi built the barn, lemon house, beehouse, and our ‘Breadhaus’ where we bake bread and other items,” shares Irma, whose use of “haus” reveals the couple’s German roots. “In February we will have been here 59 years.”
Born on the island of Ruegen in the old East Germany, Willi was the third oldest of 13 children and carried much responsibility for the care of his siblings, a quality that would shape his life. His family successfully escaped to West Germany, and at the age of 19, he made his way to Canada to work on a farm. Irma was born in West Germany and moved to Canada in 1957. A strong work ethic and commitment to family binds them together.
Situated off West Saanich Road, Mars Family Farm is a delightful two-acre property where family and farming intertwine beautifully. Their home is picturesque, with many European accents and sits surrounded by gardens, winding paths, terrazzo fountain and a lovely balustrade. It has been a gradual but dynamic process over the years.
“We had only brush and a few saplings,” says Willi. “I cut timber for our house and cleaned and cleared up the land.”
Willi first developed the property by constructing a greenhouse, cool house and root cellar, increasing the garden areas, putting in bedding plants and raising livestock.
“I pumped water from our pond for grass to feed our cows. We started with one Jersey and eventually had beef cows, as well as pigs and chickens,” shares Willi.
Next, loganberries were planted and a farm stand was erected in front of the house along West Saanich Road. Here baskets brimming with the delicious berries were sold to passers-by. Not content with crops and livestock, Willi branched out into beekeeping in 1979. He thoroughly enjoyed it, and in 1984 after taking a course, constructed “nucs,” or small boxes to raise queen bees.
“I am always interested in learning,” says Willi.
During these years, life for Willi and Irma was busy. In addition to their crops, bees and livestock, they were raising four daughters. Willi split his time between working full time in construction during the day, and tending their acreage during the evening and weekends.
Retirement in 1998 didn’t see life slow down for this couple. In fact, the pace of life picked up, bringing opportunities to enjoy more family time and new projects like the construction of the Breadhaus. With its stone front, dutch double doors, and flowers in the front, it mimics a traditional Bavarian haus. Inside is a large brick oven that Willi built by hand which features a special oven door he brought from Germany. The Breadhaus has been the source for many years of the Mars’ delicious breads, buns and their famous German Christmas stollen, an item still in demand.
As well as the baking, Willi and Irma planted grapes and began winemaking. All these activities were part of attaining farm designation. “You have to have two acres and sell $2,600 from your produce each year to qualify for farm status,” comments Irma.
Over recent years produce has included potatoes, garlic, peas, carrots, rhubarb, pumpkins, cabbage, raspberries, blueberries, loganberries and grapes.
“We sell mostly to family and friends,” shares Irma. “Our pumpkins are at The Root Cellar and Dan’s Farm & Country Market. We got top prize last year for ‘Most Beautiful Pumpkin’ at the Saanich Fair,” she shares proudly.
Planning, seeding, tending and harvesting means long hours and hard work for any farmer, but when you consider the stage of life for this couple, that effort is remarkable and inspiring.
“Willi just turned 85 in May,” says Irma. “We’ve been married 62 years.”
The family has grown over time. Now there are grandchildren and great-grandchildren who visit. It’s at these times that Willi and Irma’s lifetime of learning comes into play.
“My great-grandson asks about the seeds and wants to help,” says Willi. “He’s curious, so I show him some things.”
Willi and Irma Mars have sown the seeds both in the soil and in their lives which has reaped a garden harvest and a bounty of family moments and friendships. Their haus has truly become a home.
Photos by Amanda Cribdon Photography.
