This is one of my interests, photography. From the rip-rap at Port Mahan, Delaware on a December morning in 2011. About Us Welcome to the Gaines Farm and Kennels website. The farm and kennels are owned and operated by Howard Gaines III, a Delaware resident since 1962 and a retired Delaware educator. In 1997, I purchased the 35 acre farm and knew I had lots to do. The ground was tilled from one property line to the next and was void of hedgerows, trees, and wildlife. It was time for a game plan! I started by putting in a small farm pond, something that I could use for pan fishing and waterfowl hunting. Next came the task of establishing several hedgerows for soil conservation and wildlife uses. As an addition to the hedgerows, I created a Christmas Tree "patch" around the pond. Today, I am into phase three of the Christmas Tree program. When walking the farm you will see a variety of trees and sizes. Let the "adventure" take you to the many areas where quail and rabbits may jump out.  Farm Offerings Since I established the Christmas Tree operation as part of our farm retail venue, many folks have made repeated trips for their seasonal tree. Trees are also offered as landscape plantings throughout the year. This is a YOU DIG service. I also offer farm grown produce at the roadside stand. The selections are picked fresh each day and offer many chemical free or chemical reduced items. Some of our products include: giant pumpkins, cut corn stalks, ornamental corn, baby pumpkins, strawberries, blueberries and many garden varieties from May through August. Christmas Tree Sales...see our trees, walk the farm, and bring your dog. We're dog people too!   Our Dogs I started breeding and training working Border Collies in 1997, just after getting the farm started. This interest lead into the Bouvier des Flandres and German Shepherd breeds. The Border Collies have been used to herd and work the Katahdin Hair sheep when I raised them. Today, there are three herding breeds found on the farm, Split is our remaining working Border Collie and gets out to move hungry geese from the winter barley field. Flying rats don't eat around here! My Bouviers are Bear and Rock which are used with our dog club and for farm protection against vermin... New is Yaga, our working lines German Shepherd and a newbie to the DELMARVA WORKING DOG GROUP. Oh Christmas Tree...Nothing Beats the Smell of a FRESH Cut Tree! Growing up as a kid, we always had a live tree for Christmas. There's something to be said about going out and cutting a fresh tree. The smell that fills a room and the fun of decorating it are but a few reasons to own one. My goal is to provide a quality tree and an AFFORDABLE price. Some folks are charging fees of $65 and $75 for a cut tree. So where's the funds for the gifts? Our prices start at $25.00 for a fresh cut tree. This leaves money for those other holiday expenses! I have several types and sizes of Christmas Trees, some are for seasonal use and others for landscaping purposes. Varieties include: Douglas Fir, Scotch Pine, Eastern White Pine, Norway Spruce, Colorado Blue Spruce, Concolor Fir, Ponderosa Pine, White Spruce, Canaan Fir, Eastern Red Cedar, Serbian Spruce, and Balsam Fir. There are currently three phases in operation: the first planting around the farm pond, our hedgrerow plantings, and our newest section put in December of 2011, 300+ trees behind the house. Christmas Tree sales start on Thanksgiving weekend and end two days before Christmas unless we are sold out for the season. I offer tag now, fresh cut, you dig, and I have some daily pre-cut tree specials. Prices are based on the size and  type offered for that year. First, Last, Always!  Delaware isn't called "The First State" for nothing. If you're passing through "The First State" and would like to stop by, give a call and I'll make you feel right at home. Jan. 2012 and it's snowing...I'm so happy! Father Time...my male Bouvier, Rock Winter 2010. Snowdrifts, cold temps, and lots of SNOW! Border Collie SPLIT...when you need good help! Photo by: Howard Gaines III Off in my own little world! Photo by: Andy Larrimore Look Around...Christmas Trees are everywhere.