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Direct from the Grower
Row upon row of perfectly arranged plants and flowers in a spotless greenhouse might make you wonder if Uncle John’s Plant Farm actually sells dirt. But they do—and mulch and Sweet Peet, too.
In addition to enjoying a big savings by purchasing directly from a grower, the plants you take home have already been “hardened” to harsh Ohio winters and tend to fare better than those trucked in to big name stores from milder climates.
Uncle John’s Plant Farm gives the public the opportunity to purchase directly from the grower, so anyone can create a backyard oasis—for less.
By: Beth NewcombDate: 04/30/2008
Big box stores typically carry basic plants that can be arranged by the consumer in a simplistic, unimaginative fashion. Bedding plants with a proven national sales record are usually the only type they stock.
How boring is that?
Wouldn’t you rather be the one to decide what gets planted in your garden—instead of some corporate suit reviewing the numbers? And if you could skip the middleman and buy directly from the grower, wouldn’t you want to do that, too?
At Uncle John’s Plant Farm in Olmsted Falls, second-generation owners Jeff and Marcia Hawkins not only carry more plant varieties than you may have ever realized existed, but they grow them on-site as well. “My father, John, started the business in 1976,” Jeff remembers fondly. “He purchased the original greenhouse from a company that grew the tomatoes which supplied local markets.” In fact, the main greenhouse on the property originated in the 1920s and is attached to the Gift and Garden Barn the couple constructed in 1996.
It’s just one of a thousand splendid reasons to pay a visit to this exceptional gem.
The unassuming façade of Uncle John’s is deceptive in both size and simplicity. From the street, it’s difficult to visualize the perfection that lies within. As you exit your car, don’t be surprised if you receive a boisterous greeting from a staff member arranging cheerful baskets of pansies in generous rows. Everything is as clean as a whistle and perfectly maintained. You might find yourself forgetting they actually sell dirt here.
A walk through the front door brings you in direct contact with one of the Midwest’s prettiest garden and gift shops. Marcia modestly explains the details of her buying excursions, during which she finds the unique and often handcrafted gift items that grace the magnificent shop. She’s hesitant to take all of the credit for the gorgeous vignettes of inspiring pieces that fill the shop. Instead, she quickly shares in every compliment about the Gift and Garden Barn with a staff member who “she works so well with.”
The shop also features an extensive selection of beautiful silk flowers that can be custom arranged by the Garden Barn’s floral designer into a stunning wreath or swag. “We try to provide our customers with an inspiring shopping experience that fills them with ideas for their own homes. That’s why we carry lines you can’t find anywhere else,” Marcia offers.
You could spend hours lingering over the Root Candles and at least four different natural soap lines—including E. Barrett—tucked in among the spectacular home décor items and luxurious outdoor furniture pieces.
But you’ve still got four acres of plants to peruse.
The greenhouses are packed with baskets, flats and pots of plants grown on the property. “Because we grow about 90% of what we sell, we’re able to offer our plants at prices that rival—and in many cases beat—those of the big box stores,” Jeff confides. In fact, Uncle John’s supplies a number of local retail outlets with their flowers and plants.
In addition to enjoying a substantial savings by purchasing directly from a grower like Uncle John’s, the plants you take home have already been “hardened” to harsh Ohio winters and tend to fare better than those trucked in to big name stores from milder climates.
Each year, Uncle John’s Plant Farm will grow 40,000 hanging baskets for the wholesale market and their retail store. And if you decide to price shop, make sure to compare apples to apples. “Our hanging baskets are always 10 inches. A national chain might appear to have a lower price, but their basket is only 8 inches. It can be difficult to realize that what you think you’re getting and what you’re actually paying for can be very different,” he adds.
The flats of annuals—like impatiens and marigolds—will number more than 50,000. Local gardeners will also purchase more than 100,000 Proven Winner brand plants.
And they’ve got a huge selection of herbs.
“We grow about 50 herb varieties, including the hard-to-find black opal basil, nasturtium, lemon verbena and pineapple sage,” Jeff offers proudly. They even grow and sell stevia, a popular herb that serves as a sugar substitute.
“We’re known for our ferns,” Marcia claims. And it’s easy to see why. Huge baskets overflowing with the household staple hang from the ceiling and each is dazzling in its perfection. In fact, everywhere the eye can see, perfect plants and flowers grace every available surface.
Easy to maneuver rows, filled with tightly packed tables that boast the Uncle John’s brand of positively glorious blooms, command no less than a half-day to delve into. Artfully displayed among the greenhouse fare are the signature pottery lines that Marcia has included. “We carry Guy Wolfe Pottery as well as garden accents from the George Carruth studios,” she offers.
But it’s the staff that Jeff and Marcia are quick to elevate. “We have the most incredible and knowledgeable employees,” he says. “It’s a wonderful environment to spend your time in.”
Lest you think a trip to Uncle John’s Plant Farm is one best made in spring, you should also know that it’s during the winter months the store and adjacent greenhouse shine the brightest.
“We really go all out for Christmas,” Marcia smiles. “Every tree we decorate is unique, using the newest home decor colors. The poinsettias we grow will be ready for sale and unique gift items for the Holidays will fill the shop.”
Uncle John’s also employs a professional landscape designer who can design and install the garden of your dreams. As a certified Belgard dealer, they make it practically effortless to complete your garden space with pavers and patio stones.
Visit Uncle John’s Plant Farm at 8579 Columbia Road (Route 252) in Olmsted Falls. Hours during the planting season are Monday, Tuesday and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 9:00 a.m.-8:30 p.m. and Sundays 11:00 a.m.-4:00p.m. Call them at 440-235-3252. Find them on line at www.UncleJohnsPlantFarm.com.
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