Down on the Farm Shows the Horticulture Side of the Ag Industry

To teach locals that farming is more than just livestock, an annual county event looked at farming in a horticultural aspect.

As a twist on its annual "Down on the Farm" event, Blair County Chamber of Commerce's Farm-City Committee chose Piney Creek Greenhouse to be this year's destination. The public was invited to stop by Wednesday, Oct. 11, from 5-7 p.m. to eat, participate in activities, and shop around.

The Farm-City Committee chooses the areas for the event each year based on having connections to the different owners of each space. They also try to choose farms that have different offerings than those in prior years.

"For this year, we wanted to show people how agriculture is more than just cows and chickens," said committee member Shana Stern. "So, we took things in a different approach."

Piney Creek Greenhouse has been owned by Vernon and Lucille Martin for 28 years, although they bought an existing greenhouse from Lucille's aunt and uncle first. They later decided to move to the Cove and operate due to their love of the area.

"I'm originally from Lancaster County, but Lucille is from just down the road," Vernon said. "When we first got here, there was nothing here but a cornfield."

Things have surely changed over time, however. The Martins carry flowers, greenery, and other planting essentials. They also have a small gift shop included within the greenhouse.

Lucille has had an interest in gardening since she was a child, which is one of the many reasons they operate. The layout of the greenhouse is also thanks to her and her interests.

"My inspiration comes from the English cottage style of growing," she said. "They have a whimsical way of growing, which is what I choose to use."

Due to the beauty that this space has brought, the Martins have opened it as an event space.

"Photographers love to use the area for things like prom and senior photos," she said. "We also rent the pavilion for occasions like micro weddings or baby showers, as well. Sometimes customers bring their friends just to see the layout."

By having gardens to explore, Piney Creek Greenhouse allows people to stay around longer than typical greenhouses. Lucille said it made them more of a destination rather than just a place to shop.

Although not a traditional farm, growing plants still takes a lot of dedication and hard work, according to Vernon.

"It's not difficult, but if plants need something now, you need to stay on top of it," he said. "They don't have a sense of humor, especially because they are seasonal."

Although the weather can impact when and how many plants grow, he said that this year has been good for them. He expects things to continue being steady as the temperature begins to cool down, as well.

The greenhouse operates year-round, with a lot of their help coming from other members of the Martin family, including their children. Although they try to grow everything themselves, there are certain flowers that they outsource to other individuals.

"We listen to what our customers are looking for," Vernon said. "If it isn't something that can prosper on our land, we will find someone to help us. Some of our plants also grow on our son's land right next door."

Because they enjoy pleasing their customers, Vernon came up with the idea for the greenhouse to offer flower arrangements several years ago, which has been popular since its inception. This can particularly help with their sales during the fall and winter months when there are fewer types of plants to grow.

Despite the amount of time and patience that the job takes, both Martins said that they love what they do, especially when it comes to meeting their customers.

"We get patrons from all over," Lucille said. "Some are right nearby, while others might travel miles."

Being chosen for Down on the Farm made them even more ecstatic, as this allowed them to not only mingle with existing customers but make new ones, too. As their greenhouse is hidden, it can be difficult for some people to find.

Others who participated at the event praised the fact that the Farm City Committee chose Piney Creek this year, stating how the greenhouse impacts other areas of farming.

"It is another way for us to be able to promote the industry," said Elyse Dilling, this year's Blair County Dairy Princess. "Them planting flowers is just like how we plant crops, so we can relate to them in that way."

"This allows people to see different parts of agriculture," said Farm-City member Judy Black. "It is a booming industry, and horticulture is an important aspect."

As the Martins continue to run Piney Creek Greenhouse, Lucille said that there are a few ideas that they have in mind for the future.

"For starters, we want to start holding workshops," she said. "We would teach people how to do flower arrangements and other sorts of activities. I also want to add a 1920s-inspired glass greenhouse."

While these plans were still in the works, the Martins were glad that their greenhouse could provide locals with a night of fun and union.

"It was a surprise, and we asked, 'Why us,?' but it is such a great thing to be a part of," Vernon said.

Along with the chance to enjoy a meal catered by Holland Brothers Meats, there were plenty of activities for the children. They had a chance to take part in a scavenger hunt, meet Helen the Holstein, and paint pumpkins that were provided by the Blair County Conservation District.

The next event for the Farm-City Committee is the annual Farm-City Dinner, which takes place Wednesday, Nov. 1, at Freedom Township Firehall. At this event, the Agricultural Community Excellence Award (ACE Award) will posthumously honor Stacy Hoover of the Blair County Chamber of Commerce, who dedicated many years of service to the ag community and to promoting agriculture as Blair County's number-one industry.