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Stam Greenhouse is located one mile east of Oskaloosa. It is owned by Brent and Phyllis Stam and operates as both a retail garden center and wholesale grower and distributor. The company opened it's doors in 1998 as a wholesale greenhouse grower, supplying independent garden centers in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Lucas, Colfax, Grinnell and Ottumwa.
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In the Spring of 2001, Stam Greenhouse added its retail garden center, adjacent to its wholesale operation, with the goal of supplying the community with quality plant products at a great price. Plant cuttings for spring sales start arriving in late November. Most products are shipped unrooted from the U.S., Guatemala, Costa Rica, and Ethiopia. The plant cuttings are rooted and then planted into the final containers.
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Plants grown from seed are sown in the greenhouse during the months of January, February, and March. Once the seeds have sprouted, they are transplanted into cell packs. During peak production, 14 employees are busy planting, watering, selecting plants for wholesale orders, loading shipments, and assisting customers in the retail area.
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Stam Greenhouse has been a vendor at the Des Moines Farmers Market since 1998. The market is open the 2nd Saturday in May through the last Saturday in October. Each Saturday morning, 8,000 to 12,000 people attend the Downtown Farmers Market. |
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In 2003, Stam Greenhouse partnered with Pastor David Barner to offer Bonsai training. Pastor Barner's extensive knowledge and skill have made it possible to bring this intriging art to people in the surrounding area. Each year an "Introduction to Bonsai" class is held. |
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In 2005, Stam Greenhouse opened Autumn Acres; a fall, family activity. In September and October, families are able to enjoy outdoor activities that include scarecrow making, pumpkin painting, shooting a corn cannon or sling shot, entering a trivia corn maze, playing on the pirate ship, riding the barrel train, hayride and the favorite "Giant Slide". |
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In October, field trips are available on weekdays. Students learn about the many uses of corn and the importance of agriculture in today's world. They also get to enjoy the activities that make up Autumn Acres. |
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Also in the fall, mum production is complete. The mums have brilliant colors, and are sold in the greenhouse. In November, the greenhouse is transformed into a winter wonderland filled with beautiful poinsettias and Christmas displays. Fresh evergreen adds aromatic scent to this exhilarating time of year. Come visit us and Experience the Color! |
