Flowers at Fahr Greenhouses & Nursery.
Fahr Greenhouse grows, but sustainably
Fahr Greenhouse of Wildwood is family-owned business that has been operating for 72 years. The secret to its success, said Pat Bellrose, one of the owners, is high-quality, durable plants that are grown using environmentally responsible practices.
Owners Pat and Mary Bellrose and Larry Fahr are committed to the principles of sustainability. When Pat Bellrose was attending the University of Missouri in the 1960s, he learned that the agricultural practices of increasing tillage and applying high levels of nitrogen caused soil to deteriorate. The quick growth of the crops didn’t lead to long-term success.
He said he decided that he wanted to make decisions in his growing process that helped the environment instead.
“Fahr Greenhouse is nationally recognized in the greenhouse industry for our sustainable practices. We use other management tools to control diseases and pest besides chemicals,” Pat Bellrose said.
Fahr creates its own soil recipe and uses biofuel boilers and features plants that are deer-resistant.
The business boasts 2 acres of greenhouses and 3 acres of outdoor production. It has plants for spring and summer planting, as well as fall and winter favorites.
Pat Bellrose says Fahr typically sells 18,000 garden mums in fall and 21,000 poinsettias during the Christmas season.
“We have a great staff that can really answer your gardening questions,” he said. “Part of our mission statement is excellent customer service that enables the customer to be successful.”
Fahr Greenhouse, 18944 St. Albans Road in Wildwood, is open from 8 a.m. Mondays through Saturdays and from noon to 4 p.m. Sundays. It can be contacted at 636-458-3991.