By Ben Rodgers
Editor
HOWARD – Nothing signifies a new beginning like a new name.
Alice’s Greenhouse, formerly Bonnie’s Greenhouse, is now under the full ownership of Steve Mayefske.
Located at 4040 Velp Avenue, the greenhouse has been a fixture in the area for decades.
When Mayefske took over in 2017, he wanted a new name to show a new beginning.
Now named after his mother, who passed away when he was 16, Alice’s Greenhouse is a combination of her compassion for others and their love for all things flowers.
“She always loved flowers,” Mayefske said. “Her favorite was the bleeding heart, which we incorporated into the logo.”
One change regulars at the greenhouse can expect is the staff Mayefske now surrounds himself with.
“I’ve surrounded myself with very good people, passionate people,” he said.
Though the new name is a new beginning, Mayefske still prides himself in offering a locally raised product and the advice which can make it flourish.
“We stick a lot of time and effort in the care of the plant, watering it and fostering it,” he said. “If it’s not something I’d plant myself, we don’t put it out.”
His staff also is available to answer any questions or give any advice on particular plants and what it takes to make them grow.
“We definitely have knowledgeable people that can steer people in the right direction,” he said.
With well over 15,000 square feet of greenhouse space, there’s lots for people to browse when looking for the right flowers to make their gardens or landscaping pop.
“You can easily spend some time in here looking at stuff before you make a decision, unless you know what you want to buy,” Mayefske said.
The entire facility is made up of seven greenhouses and includes more than 1,400 baskets, bedding plants and a variety of vegetables.
With nearly 35 years in the greenhouse business, Mayefske wants his customers to be happy and come back.
He said he understands the best way to do that is to offer a quality product with quality service.
At the age of 67, he said Alice’s Greenhouse is more of a passion than a job for him.
“Believe it or not, this is not a job for me, it’s just something I love to do,” he said.
On Mother’s Day, people are invited to hear the music of Leah Wons from 1:30 to 2 p.m. and stop by for free cookies and coffee.
For more information, visit Alice’s Greenhouse on Facebook.