Photo by CAROL SHETLER/The Luminary Kim Naylor, (left) owner of a blueberry farm in Jordan Township, with customers, Judy and David Harmon of Hughesville.

UNITYVILLE – One could say that Kim and Steve Naylor’s retirement plan is a bit unique. Unlike those who seek out professionals selling stocks and bonds, the Naylors took advice from a co-worker of long ago and combined it with something Kim enjoys.

The advice was “If you have ground, plant something in it.” The something Kim has always liked are blueberries.

Although retirement remained in the offing, the plan to plant blueberries was put into action. “My husband asked how many bushes I planned to order and I answered, ‘oh about fifty.'” He replied that if we’re going to do it, “we’re going to do it right.” Along with putting in the bushes, the couple also installed drip irrigation lines along each row.

From her veranda in Jordan Township, Kim watches her investment grow and is already enjoying returns on the fruits of her labor. During harvest season, clients are invited to BYOB, “Bring your own bucket or basket.” The growers furnish stools making it easy to access berries hanging from bottom branches which are often the largest, ripest and sweetest.

“We set in several variety types so the picking season begins early, extends through mid-season, and into early September,” Kim said. An added bonus is the growers do not use chemical or repellent sprays, so “Birds and deer get their share of the crop too,” Kim said.

In addition to ‘pick your own,’ the Naylors’ have a stand at Muncy’s fourth Friday. In this manner, people with little time for picking or opportunity to drive to 4386 Moreland Baptist Road, can avail themselves of the delicacies.

The field is open from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. except Sunday, with berries purchased by the pound. As the Naylors have yet to reach the golden age of retirement, others tend the business during daytime hours. Currently Kim is employed by Construction Specialties.

On Monday evening July 20, customers Judy and David Harmon arrived for a second time this season. Accompanied by three others, the group harvested 100 pounds of fruit in an hour and a half. “We’ll be back,” were the Harmon’s departing words.

For the couple, growing blueberries may be a unique retirement plan, and perhaps, albeit a sweet one. With careful watching the Naylors see blue turn to green and the interest on their investment just keeps multiplying.