Field Trip to the Lemon Orchard Venue and the Balaban Citrus and Macadamia Orchard

On December 18th, 2025, 18 members of the Temple Terrace Garden Club made our way to The Lemon Orchard Venue and the Balaban Citrus and Macadamia Orchard at 11291 Knights Griffin Rd in Thonotosassa. 

It was a nice cool morning and we met at the Lemon Orchard venue. The venue is a large building used for wedding receptions, parties, meetings etc. Fully set up with kitchen, bar, and a stage for music.

Mr.  Balaban met us in the building and gave a very interesting talk about the history of Temple Terrace and of his beautiful orchards. He and his wife are local folks living in Temple Terrace for years. Don also spoke about the agricultural end of his business that is acres of citrus and strawberries.

We then followed him and his wife out in the groves of citrus; lemons, limes, macadamia nut trees. Most trees were covered in fruit and we got to sample oranges, lemons and limes. Don also grows peach trees and they were so delicious. His wife demonstrated how she collects the macadamia nuts and we sampled those too. There is also a garden area in raised beds with tomatoes and onions. All vegetables were growing like crazy and looked so beautiful.

There are also acres of strawberries across the street. Unfortunately we didn't have time to tour the strawberry fields but at the end of the tour we were able to eat fresh, cold strawberries picked earlier in the day.

Mr. and Mrs Balaban are so knowledgeable in Florida agriculture. They travel to Europe to learn about other practices in the field. Don knows many people in the state, Temple Terrace, even the country club to support sustainable plantings, growing and harvesting.

We had a very enjoyable time and were amazed that this orchard is such an asset to our community and the state of Florida.

We all met after for lunch and fellowship.

Submitted by Sue H., 1st VP
December 18, 2025