From Dairy to Dahlias…
Nick and Margaret Gitts took a big leap when they purchased an Oregon dahlia business, uprooting their family and leaving their Washington dairy behind. The couple grew dahlias as a hobby in the 1950s, operating a small dahlia business known as Laurel Valley Dahlias, but the dairy farm was their livelihood. Switching from a steady, […]
Woodburn Nursery & Azaleas: Running a Family Business with Family Values
With a single 25 x 96-foot greenhouse, Bob and Jeanne Fessler started Woodburn Nursery & Azaleas in 1967. Today, the multi-generational operation includes 400 acres of nursery production, including 100 acres dedicated to greenhouse production. Along the way they’ve had their share of successes and growing pains that led the operation to focus on efficiency. […]
Hart’s Nursery of Jefferson
Here to stay By Misty Zakrzewski Hart’s Nursery of Jefferson has learned that beginning in 2011 they will lose their largest customer, Walmart, after doing business together for 20 years. The retail chain will begin streamlining their supply for all their Northwest stores from just one grower. Instead of panicking, Hart’s Nursery remained confident in […]
Amethyst Hill / Hydrangeas Plus
Representing Oregon agriculture across state and country lines. By Shannon Larson Tucked away on a back country road in Aurora, Oregon is the home of one of the largest hydrangea retail businesses in the country. Amethyst Hill Nursery/Hydrangeas Plus is one of three well-known operations in the U.S. to specialize in growing hydrangeas for both […]
Heritage Seedlings
Ushering Oregon’s land and people into the next generation By Julie Pederson Mark and Jolly Krautmann founded Heritage Seedlings just outside of Salem in 1981 with a simple mission – to lead the industry as a wholesale propagator of unusual plants. Their patience, persistence and vision for the future allowed them to realize the initial […]
Severson Farms
Former ABC President Dick Severson is finally living his boyhood dream By Julie Pederson Dick Severson has a passion for farming. And after 36 years, several careers and raising a family in Springfield, Oregon, he has finally realized his dream of becoming a full-time farmer. Severson Farms has been in full production for four years […]
