Klein's Floral: Blooming Bright for Future Generations
Gardening and greenhouses are like family to Sue Klein. Growing the heirloom seeds on the same land her German ancestors cultivated, is a gift that keeps on giving. Each spring, she can’t help but reminisce about her childhood, which is deeply rooted in the soil of Klein’s Floral and Greenhouses.
“I really don't remember when I wasn't involved in the family business. I grew up there. There is a photo of me at age three wiring and taping a carnation to make a corsage.”
To say Sue Klein was born with a green thumb isn’t an exaggeration. The third generation owner of Klein’s proudly blooms where she was planted. The greenhouse, which her grandparents started in Madison, Wisconsin back in 1913, is flourishing. The original property consisted of 13 acres with a house, two greenhouses, a barn and a chicken coop. They began selling fresh produce until they were able to grow perennials, eventually expanding to carnations and designing fresh flower arrangements.
“They raised their five children and worked their greenhouse and farm business. My dad, Oscar, continued to work at the greenhouse during his Marine Corps years when he was able. He met my mom, Joyce, in 1953. After they married my mom decided to work at the family business in the retail floral area while my dad continued to run the growing operation.”
Sue grew up around the greenhouses, working after school, earning a degree in Floriculture at UW Madison. In 1990, she bought Klein’s Floral from her parents. Over the past 31 years she’s taken great pride in being able to preserve the historic family business and watch it grow, along with her own family by her side.
“Working with my children is the absolute best! It makes me wonder how my parents felt working with me, when I decided to takeover the business.”
Once her children expressed an interest in following in her footsteps, Sue made the tough choice to demolish the old greenhouse, which became too expensive to maintain, in order to update the operation and make it sustainable.
“The old greenhouses weren’t connected or insulated properly. Rain, sleet and snow took its toll on the wood frame structures and I couldn’t band-aid it anymore. I had to take a leap of faith and act in order for the business to grow and prosper.”
The price tag for the project came in a bit higher than Sue had hoped at $3.2 million, which led to some financing challenges at the last minute. Eventually, she found a bank to approve the loan and was able to move forward with the demolition of the old to make way for the new. The family put on their hard hats and got out their shiny new shovels to mark the site planned for the new greenhouse.
“In August 2017 we began our renovation and tore down the 100 year old greenhouse structure. I definitely shed many tears when the old farmhouse was being torn down. My dad was born in the house, my parents and I lived in, there was a lot of history there.”
Sue saved many antiques from the old farmhouse and incorporated them into the new facility , which was finished in March 2018. The remodel project earned Klein’s national recognition for their innovative efforts. Automatic ventilators, in-ground heat, a high efficiency boiler and shade curtains are all remarkable improvements for Klein’s, which have definitely made the business more energy efficient.
“We received the Focus on Energy ‘Energy Efficiency Excellence Award’ in 2019. I was honored to be featured on the cover of Greenhouse Grower with an article on the remodel.”
Klein’s floral may have a modern look, but the staff of master gardeners still does things the old fashioned way inside the fancy new greenhouses. Which is probably what earns them rave reviews from loyal customers and wins them “best of” awards in countless categories. It’s plain to see they are passionate about growing not only the business, but high quality plants as well.
“We are unique in that we grow most of our annual plants in our growing greenhouses at the rear of the property. We are able to grow many varieties that are not seen at big box stores. The plant material is healthier since it isn't transported long distances.”
Many other greenhouses buy their plant material from other growers. Klein’s prides itself on expanding sales with their homegrown spring annuals. Which saw a surge during lockdown, along with vegetable gardens and even houseplants.
“I was touched by the community support we saw during the pandemic. People found comfort in gardening and brightening their homes with fresh flowers and greenery”
The planting forecast looks good for 2021 and Klein’s plans to expand. Which means more room to roam for Lucy, the adorable family dog, who relishes her role as the unofficial greenhouse greeter.
“We will continue to grow our wide variety of annuals and hope to renovate our growing greenhouse at the back of the property, which was always phase two of our original renovation plan.”
Sue says running a greenhouse is physically hard work, but very gratifying. Especially when the family business is blooming bright for future generations.
Meet Sue Klein
Sue says running a greenhouse is challenging and rewarding. She’s proud to carry on the family tradition for future generations. In her spare time, she loves spending time with her family up north, biking and hiking.
Discover planting tips from Sue in Klein’s Floral and Greenhouses newsletter, ”The Sage,”
Sign up for special events in the greenhouse on weekends during the winter, including yoga and workshops. Join me for one I’m leading coming up February 5th, 2023 dedicated to self love, in honor of Valentine’s Day, “Grounded in Gratitude.”