Can you believe it has been 60 years since we opened our doors!?
That's right, we're celebrating our diamond anniversary, and we couldn't be more excited. But what exactly does it mean to reach this milestone? Let's dive in and explore the history of our beloved garden center.
(For the October 5th event schedule, continue scrolling down).
How did it all begin?
In the early 60's, Carl Krause and Dan Baumhardt met and became friends while working at one of the D. Hill Nursery Garden Centers in Warren, IL. Their friendship grew and Mr. Krause offered his friend, Mr. Baumhardt, the opportunity to start a business together in Michigan. They both gathered up their things and with the help of the family, they opened Auburn Oaks Garden Center at the Rochester Hills location in 1964.
They were able to hand-dig plant materials, like bare root maples from the Beech Tree Farm to sell at their new location. They would line up the trees in front of the greenhouse and sell them for $10.00 each. This helped them immensely to start up the business, however, their main form of income came from mailing postcards and offering landscape designs and installations to the new houses being developed south of their location.
After seven years, both friends found themselves at a crossroads and decided to head out in different directions while maintaining their friendship. Mr. Krause was able to buy property in Fenton, MI, and start developing the nursery he envisioned and Mr. Baumhardt went to work for a contractor company where he could practice his designs.
It's been quite the journey. Auburn Oaks has faced challenges, celebrated successes, and most importantly, had a lot of fun and created a lot of relationships along the way.
Let's celebrate the past, embrace the present, and look forward to the future with a sense of joy and anticipation. Here's to 60 years of fun, friendship, and fantastic memories and we hope you will join us on Saturday, October 5th from 10 am to 4 pm.
Schedule:
10 am - 4 pm |
VENDORS & FAMILY FUN! Bring the family to enjoy the bounce house, pumpkin tic tac toe, small maze, guess the weight of the pumpkin, and face painting. We will also have exclusive event discounts and a few vendors to enhance the fun! |
11 am - 2 pm |
LUNCH On our patio $5.00 donation for Gleaners Food Bank |
11 am - 1 pm |
TAROT READINGS It is spooky season! Get a 5-minute reading provided by Karen Morgenson. |
1 pm- 3 pm
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LIVE MUSIC FROM THE CAMPFIRE COMPADRES Performing songs of the great American West, cowboy poetry, ballads, classic and spooky sing-alongs accompanied by guitar and mandolin. |