Destinations by design

As part of our pre-show Cultivate’22 coverage, we meandered through the “Canoe Capital of the World,” then along the winding roads of Amish country on another destination-filled Garden Retail Tour hosted by AmericanHort. Check out some of the eye-catching plants, displays and merchandise that had attendees buzzing with new ideas.

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Richardson’s Greenhouse
Loudonville, Ohio

The first stop on the Garden Retail Tour was Richardson’s Greenhouse, a 79-year-old IGC located in Loudonville, Ohio. Loudonville — also referred to as “The Canoe Capital of the World” — plays host to many hikers and frequent campers due to its proximity to the Mohican River, Mohican State Park and Mohican-Memorial State Forest. Currently in its third generation of ownership (and transitioning to its fourth generation), owner Rinda Sloan says the garden center is a popular pitstop for many seasonal and permanent campers looking to spruce up their campsites — or to bring back home with them. Hanging baskets are a particular favorite amongst this crowd, along with summer sale annuals. The IGC grows nearly 75% of its own annuals, vegetables and bushes, and also offers perennials, shrubs and houseplants. Four full-time staff members operate the business year-round, with two permanent part-time employees and six to eight seasonal staff in between March and June.

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Sheiyah Market
Berlin, Ohio

Located in the heart of Amish country, Sheiyah Market is an all-in-one marketplace consisting of more than 50,000 square feet of retail space and six different attractions: The Village Gift Barn, Sheiyah Style Boutique, Country Gatherings farmhouse vintage décor, Buggy Brew Café, The Gardens and a courtyard. A former dairy farm, owner Ruth Schlabach bought and converted the space into a retail store in 1988, expanding departments along the way. The garden department was added in the spring of 2016, and Sheiyah Market offers houseplants (which consist of 68% of its total plant sales), annuals, perennials, windchimes, statuary, planters and a wide variety of fountains. A popular tourist destination, many flock to its large fairy gardening department.

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Baker’s Acres Greenhouse & Garden Center
Alexandria, Ohio

Located just outside of Columbus, Baker’s Acres Greenhouse & Garden Center opts for the rare and exotic, and is a popular destination for many tropical and rare houseplant hunters. Owners Chris and Nancy Baker passed down the business to their son, Nick Baker, and his wife, Pam. Celebrating its 40^th anniversary this year, Baker’s Acres shows no signs of slowing down. The IGC grows more than 4,000 plant varieties – cultivating 90% of its houseplants and 65% of its annuals and tropicals. With unique signage featuring its rare houseplants, specialty begonias and a wide variety of coleus, customers from all over the state take a day trip to experience everything this destination IGC has to offer.