Since 1918, Brookside Gardens, a small produce farm situated along the Black Earth Creek, supplied central Western Dane County with an abundance of fresh, local produce. Local growers tended Brookside’s fields and produce and in return, were rewarded with superior-quality, fresh food to eat and provide the surrounding community with. 

     The last growing season Brookside Gardens would have was in 2022. After over 100 years of growing delicious food, the land needed rest and a change of location. Brenda Rettenmund, a resident of the nearby town of Black Earth, had been running the garden since 2021 under Rodney’s guidance. After over 100 years of being at the same location, it was determined the land needed rest from cultivating. It was time for the garden to move, and with the new location came new ownership. Brenda opened a new garden on a plot of land which her father owned and rented to her. 

      Deciding on a name for this new business and garden was a team-effort. Both family members and the children attending St Francis Xavier Catholic Church & School voted on the name, and the students in the school even designed the logo. Hillside Harvests wasn’t the obvious choice but was always a frontrunner for the name of Brenda’s new business.  Though the garden is owned and operated by Brenda and her Fiancé, Kyle, it wouldn’t exist without her family’s help. Brenda’s mother volunteers to watch the stand, help pick produce and take care of Brenda’s nieces and nephews during the weekdays. Her Father, who has decades of farming experience, along with her brothers and sisters, give advice and run the heavy machinery. 

                                                                      Thank you for supporting Hillside Harvests!