Sullivan's Greenhouse

 

Sullivan's Greenhouse began in 1998, when the Sullivan family bought the small greenhouse business, Bailey's Greenhouse. Located approximately one hour south of Kansas City, our land is situated in the rolling wooded hills of west central Missouri. We began in 1998 with 22,000 square feet of greenhouse growing space, and since then have expanded that area to 40,000 square feet. A family operation from the start, the business has thrived and grown as a result of the involvement of all seven of Tim and Catherine Sullivan's children: Kristin, Daniel, Diana, Angela, Joseph, Amy, and Michelle, in order of descending age. It is more than likely that if you visit us at the Overland Park Farmer's Market, one or more of the Sullivan children will be holding down the booth and tending to the flowers!

The Sullivan's always dreamed of having their own horticultural business where their family could work together at home. After Tim had worked 20 years in the green industry, they finally got their chance to buy their own place when Bailey's Greenhouse, in rural Cass County, came up for sale. They knew it was right for them. Since then they have focused on providing annuals, hanging baskets, perennials and herbs to independent garden centers in the Kansas City area.

Products: In addition to annuals and perennials, Sullivan's specializes in growing a broad range of herbs. In 2005, they introduced their own brand known as "Pantry Garden Herbs." They now offer over 150 varieties of USDA certified organic herbs which can be found at many local garden centers. Primarily a wholesale greenhouse, Sullivan's is open to the public on Saturdays in April and May. They have also launched their own website pantrygardenherbs.com which gives detailed information about the plants including growing tips and some great recipes.

In 2010, Sullivan's Greenhouse took the next step in expanding their commitment to contributing to a healthier environment by becoming a split production operation. As a split production operation Sullivan's is able to still offer their conventionally grown annual and perennial bedding plants along with their USDA certified ogranic herbs. Incorporating organic gardening methods and implementing an IPM (integrated pest management) program in their greenhouses ensures that the least amount of harmful chemicals have been used in providing healthy plants.

Who works at Sullivan's: Most of the kids have grown up and moved on but Amy and Michelle still put in their time transplanting and filling trays with soil. Their older sister Angela comes home from college to work the Overland Park Farmer's Market with her brother Daniel, who now has his own family and greenhouse business. Oldest daughter Kristin helped design the website and herb labels. Quite a few ladies from the neighborhood come to the greenhouse each spring to sow seed, stick cuttings, transplant and take care of manyof the details of growing plants. Lee Lewis, a nearby farmer, delivers plants to all the stores and Shane Irvin takes care of the equipment and buildings. Catherine is in charge of the "herb houses" and Tim tries to keep track of it all.

New gardening trends: "Americans are beginning to discover some of the things we've lost," says Tim. "Our grandparents and great grandparents had it right: they were connected to their land - no matter how small the patch." Some of those suburban and urban spots that have just been mowed & maintained are becoming utilized for community and personal agriculture. Community gardens are popping up all over the place!