Country
View Greenhouse
Ryan Baker
6485 W 1000 S
South Whitley, IN 46787
July 12th 2007
Our July meeting at the Blocher room featured Country View Greenhouse proprietor, Ryan Baker. He presented 128 slides of new and unusual plants which he either stocks currently, or is awaiting their arrival. We were very impressed with the 24-year-old's overall knowledge and expertise - especially the ease with which the Latin botanical names rolled off his tongue, and the fact that he was right on top of all the newest plant offerings, including the hardy palms and bananas.
Ryan began Country View when he was only 18 years old and this is his 6th season. Ryan felt that we as Clubbers, Master Gardeners, Grandparents, or whomever need to find ways to pique the gardening interest of today's youngsters who don't seem to "stop to smell the roses" so to speak.
Seven greenhouses are located on the premises and Ryan plans to create some outdoor gardens to show visitors mature examples of the plants he sells in a "real" garden setting (if he can ever get away from watering 6 hours per day). Although his main business has been retail sales, Ryan is slowly doing more wholesaling. You can access the greenhouse website and Ryan's email with the links at the top of this page.
In other business several members volunteered (or were volunteered) to judge the gardens for the America In Bloom contest. An assortment of cookies and punch were provided by Karen. [minutes]
The Title slide for the evening's presentation. Many contemporary Echinacceas, Heucheras, palms, shade plants, and annuals were featured.
Ryan begins the first of 128 Powerpoint slides featuring new and unusual plants
Oops, during the program Ryan suddenly remembered the handouts he'd brought. Bob volunteered to disperse them.
The guy in the back row can always be counted upon for a comical quip. I think we were laughing at the fact that many people cannot grasp the correct way to water - a seemingly menial task!
The filing cabinet container drew some Oohs and Aahs