From the ground up - For 25 years, Anderson Plant Farm has been providing the region with blooms — and beauty
By Ann Dybvik, Correspondent
Monday, April 23, 2007 10:23 AM CDT
Lori and Mark Anderson know what it is like to build a life from the ground up. Literally. Since they were married, the two have worked hard, followed their dreams, and built a respected business that attracts people from all over western Wisconsin and into Minnesota.
The result of their efforts is a thriving oasis in the middle of five acres of land off Highway 63 in rural Baldwin. And this year, Mark and Lori, along with their 10 children, celebrate 25 years of business as Anderson Plant Farm.
Home-grown enterprise
How did their journey begin? Mark began his interest in horticulture at the age of 14. By age 19, he was employed by Sargent’s Nursery in Rochester, Minn. Two years later, he and Lori planted their first shade trees in rural Prescott on Lori’s family farm.
Since the location of the trees was on Ashbough Road, it made sense for the fledgling nursery to be called Ashbough Nursery. In 1982, the couple began selling trees and shrubs out of their own small home in the town of Prescott.
“I can’t believe we were able to do that,” Lori laughs. But they did, growing the trees on Lori’s family farm and transporting them to town for sale.
Just one year later, Mark and Lori moved their business to land they leased, built a greenhouse, and began growing flowering annuals.
They joined the chamber of commerce and began their business venture in earnest. In addition to selling the flowering annuals, Mark continued with his landscape work.
The business was to move once more, however, when the leased land was sold to accommodate a new grocery store. Mark and Lori found land in rural Baldwin, and, in 1989, began construction of their current home and business.
Something from nothing
“When we came here there was nothing,” recalls Lori. “Absolutely nothing.”
Together they, and by now their young family, cleared brush, cut down trees, built a garage, and then started on the greenhouses.
“We lived in a ‘temporary’ mobile home for three years, which was enough!” jokes Lori. “At that time our four children were our work crew. That was it.”
The business formally became “Anderson Plant Farm.” In order to save money, three greenhouses from the Prescott location were dismantled, moved and rebuilt on the five acres outside Baldwin.
“We have great people working for us. Some of them have been here for 18 years,” states Lori.
“And this one,” she smiles broadly at Shari Turvaville, one of the women planting transplants, “was just certified by the Minnesota Nursery and Landscape Association. It is a very tough test.”
Pride in her employees is evident as Lori introduces the other women busily placing small starter plants into larger flats. It is easy to see why the eight employees love to be a part of this business. Positive attitudes prevail.
Retail adventure
In 2004, at the urging of their customers, the Andersons built a retail store on the property. Until then, sales were to garden centers across the Midwest and at the farmers market in the Twin Cities. In 2005, doors opened to the sunny, brick-floored store.
“We have people who come here just to sit and enjoy the surroundings,” Lori emphasizes. “The hummingbirds and butterflies in the greenhouses create quite a picture. ... There are lots of red hat ladies and tour buses who come to spend time here.”
And Lori is not beyond offering a special plant to someone who wants it, but can’t afford to purchase it.
“It’s that special thing that we can do because this is ours,” she says about the family-owned business.
More than just plants
Today, Anderson Plant Farm offers a wide variety of plants and related products. Besides their more than 10,000 combination baskets, they carry more than 50 varieties of herbs, tomatoes and peppers.
And for those people who don’t want to dig in the dirt, there are ready-made herb dish gardens. Beautiful ceramic pots are stacked on the shelves of the retail building. Nursery stock, native grasses and heirloom vegetables are also part of Andersons’ farm.
“Our mission is to offer proven winter varieties that are adapted to our part of the country,” Lori explains, as she walks through the well-kept greenhouses and grounds. Future plans include more floral arrangements for weddings and events. Lori is busy taking classes and is excited about the expansion.
Maybe it’s the eight different kinds of gourmet coffee, the friendly family atmosphere, or the good humor, clean open space and beautiful flowering plants that are obviously well-tended and healthy. Maybe it’s the bird feeders, fountains, or space to just sit and enjoy the surroundings.
Whatever draws people to Anderson Plant Farm, it is truly somewhere special.
Open house
On April 28-29, the Andersons are hosting an open house to celebrate their 25 years in business. There will be a “tropical party,” complete with an edible pineapple plant and catered tropical treats.
The weekend is geared as a “thank you” to all loyal as well as new customers. Hours are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Weekdays until June, the center is open from 9 a.m. until 7p.m.
Anderson Plant Farm is located at W5415 890th Ave. in Baldwin. For directions, go to www.andersonplantfarm.com or call (715) 684-4622. |
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