Monday, November 5, 2012

Christmas Open House

Make unforgettable Christmas memories with Wickman’s Garden Village Christmas Open House, November 9, 10, and 11!

 Your kids will love the pony rides (Saturday 10a-5p, Sunday 12p-5p), Cow train rides and free popcorn.

Tara's Pony Rides

You’ll love the wine tasting from 7C's Winery (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday 12p-4p), local crafters, great gift ideas from the Saltbox Gift shop and and holiday party apparel from our In-House Boutique.

7C's Winery

Don't miss our Fall Tree Sale....now is the time to plant with 50% off flowering ornamental and shade trees! Thousands of Poinsettias are filling the greenhouse getting ready to decorate your home! Find more pictures and info on our Facebook page!

 Check out these amazing crafters and holiday bakery in Frankie's House (Saturday 9-4, Sunday 11-4)

Alpaca Wearables



Bren's Breads


Funghi Decor

Jim and Vicki Ferguson's Wooden Toys

John Regan's Wood Accents

Monday, September 17, 2012

90th Anniversary


A Brief History of Wickman's by Fred Wickman:

Farming on the edge of town







The F.M. Emhoff Greenhouses began in 1922, according to company records. Floyd M. Emhoff and his wife, Love, owned and farmed 10 acres at 1345 S. Fort Ave., on the southwest edge of Springfield. The farm covered a city block bordered by Meadowmere and Bennett streets and Fort and Newton avenues. 

The Emhoffs built an eight-room two-story house with a full basement on the west side of Fort Avenue. In the center of the property, they erected about 40,000 square feet of greenhouses, along with other buildings for truck gardening and growing flowers and plants. The Emhoffs also had a flower shop in downtown Springfield.

Among the crops the Emhoffs grew in their fields were tomatoes, celery, cabbage and peppers. The greenhouses held cut flowers such as chrysanthemums, snapdragons, sweetpeas and carnations. Emhoff was a good farmer. His wife was a great cook. Customers knew the Emhoffs as hospitable people, according to an autobiography by Gus Wickman.

Wickman became acquainted with the Emhoffs because they were coal customers of Merchants Ice and Fuel, where Wickman was general manager. A friendship grew between the Emhoffs and Wickman.

As World War II drew to a close, Floyd Emhoff bought a cattle farm northwest of Springfield near Willard, Mo. The Emhoffs moved there and sold the downtown flower shop. Floyd also was ready to sell the 10 acres on Fort Avenue.

The ice and coal business was winding down as the war ended. So, Wickman told Emhoff   “…darned if I wouldn’t buy it.”  











The path from potatoes to posies

Gus and Frances Wickman took over June 26, 1945. They renamed it Wickman Gardens. 
That spring, the Wickmans planted cucumbers, lettuce, squash, beans and radishes alongside the Emhoff crops. Some grew in the greenhouses, too. Besides the bountiful fields and greenhouses, a flower shop hummed.

The Wickmans moved into the house in April 1946. Their son, G. Fred Wickman, was born July 6, 1946. While Frances labored at the hospital, Gus washed harvested celery. 

But flowers were the future. Before long, Wickman Gardens supplied eager distributors with large amounts of flowers cut from its fields and greenhouses.

Business moved from wholesale to retail. Customers lined up to buy spring bedding and vegetable plants. The flower shop took off, selling flowers for births to funerals, proms to weddings, church flowers to blossoms for business events. If you wanted a Christmas tree, you went to Wickman’s, particularly if you wanted it flocked by Gus. Wickman’s grew the best poinsettias.

Gus and Frances noted every customer’s birth date. Every year, when it arrived, Wickman Gardens delivered a little vase with a jaunty flower or two and a sprig of greenery to the birthday man or woman. It wasn’t really your birthday unless Wickman’s proclaimed it.

Gus, business leader, also served his city. He spent 12 years on the Springfield City Council, some as mayor pro tem.   

When G. Fred decided to pursue journalism, and his parents neared retirement, they looked for a successor. A Southwest Missouri State grad, Glenn Kristek, was the one.   



Thursday, August 30, 2012

Fall Festival 2012

It’s a festival of fun at 
Wickman’s Garden
Village Fall Festival, Saturday and Sunday September 8th and 9th.

Watch skilled Ozark crafters at work, while the little ones enjoy the Petting Zoo, face painting, pony rides and old fashioned barrel train rides!

Save on Wickman’s hardy garden Mum’s- Fall Festival priced at just $5.98 each for 5 or more!

Saturday from 10am-4pm our Flower Shop will be hosting wine tasting from 7C's Winery and Sunday from 10am - 4pm we will have wine tasting with Whispering Oaks Vineyard and Winery.


The Giggle Bus and talented Giggle Box group is back with balloon art, fantastic face painting and puppet shows!

Cinnamon rolls, pumpkin bread, carrot cake ... soooooo good! Sloppy Joes, hot dogs AND Pineapple Whip ... wouldn't be a festival without good food!

Celebrate Ozark harvest traditions with Wickman’s Garden Village, Saturday, September 8 from 9am-4pm and Sunday, September 9th 10am-4pm!

1345 South Fort Springfield, East Highway 60, Monett, details and more pictures on Facebook!

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Valentine's Event


What would Valentine's Day be without flowers? Wickman's can help you send the perfect Valentine's Day gifts for everyone in your life!
It's never too early to show a little love, so don't wait to place your order!
Join us at Wickman's in Springfield on Sunday, February 12th from 1:00 - 4:00 for Cheers, Beers & Nachos!
Hang out, snack & shop ... it's definitely a win/win combination!

You'll save 25% on Valentine's flower orders & sweetheart gifts. Of course you'll set the date, but don't worry ... Wickman's staff can take care of Valentine deliveries and even offers FREE gift wrapping for all those extra special Valentine gifts!

Can't make it on Sunday? Visit http://www.417flowers.com/ for the convenience of online ordering plus the assurance of beautifully arranged top quality flowers.

You can always count on quality roses when you order from a local, established florist!
*Discount offer does not include FTD online orders, phone orders or delivery charges.

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Winter Planters

Freezing temperatures have arrived!
Most annual plantings in landscape beds and containers are now looking pretty sad...Of course most of us will soon discard the blackened blooms and sagging foliage. So now's the time to make plans for WINTER displays in those pots and planters!
Hardy conifers make a nice show in larger planters. Water occasionally and they'll weather winter's cold just fine.

You can also welcome the season with gorgeous greenery and colorful natural accents.

... from winterberry and red twig dogwood branches to classic Christmas greens, Wickman's will combine a unique line of winter decoration products and our professional floral services to create spectacular seasonal displays your home and business.
Window boxes, concrete pots and urns, raised planters ... they should offer cheer and natural beauty throughout the seasons. Weather tolerant greenery accented with natural berries, cones and branches can provide welcome color to the winter landscape. Weather resistant ornaments can be added for a unique holiday seasonal accent.
Call today to speak to a design consultant and schedule a cold weather 'makeover' for your home or business. Let the landscape and floral professionals at Wickman's help you design wonderful wintry containers and cold weather landscape beds.

Saturday, July 30, 2011

Fall is right around the corner!

Coming soon....It’s a festival of fun at Wickman’s Garden Village Fall Festival, Saturday and Sunday, September 10th and 11th. Watch skilled Ozark crafters at work, while the little ones enjoy the Petting Zoo, face painting, pony rides and old fashioned barrel train rides! Save on Wickman’s hardy Garden Mum’s- Fall Festival priced at just 5.98 each for 5 or more! And don't forget to sign up for the Scarecrow Contest for a chance to win up to $250! (see details at right).



Wickman's is here to help with all your planting needs!



All over the Ozarks - and much of the United States - we are watching the sky in hopes that we will get more much needed rainfall. In the meantime, everyone should continue to water as needed.

Of course you should be especially vigilant in monitoring those newly planted items! Things may be looking a little unkempt in your garden and landscape plantings at this point, but taking the time to deadhead and cut back will insure new blooms and fresh growth. (If you haven't already staked your tall bloomers - now is the the time to take care of that too.)

We at Wickman's Garden Village are doing all we can to maintain stock for your landscaping needs. If you are planning a new planting or considering renovating established beds, we'll be happy to offer suggestions and assist with plant selection. Stop by soon and take a walk through the nursery. You'll always find a wide variety of perennials, trees and shrubs in stock!

Continue to watch our website and be sure to join us on Facebook too! Search for Wickman's Garden Village and become a fan today!


We are here every day to assist with your gardening needs. Grab a wide brimmed hat that offers a bit of 'portable shade' and stop by soon ... you'll find me in the Perennial Greenhouse at Wickman's!



Join us on Facebook!

~Nancy Caplinger

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Give the Gift of Fruit



Fruit baskets are the perfect gift to give your family, friends and co-workers!
Call Wickman's today for pricing and delivery options! Order 24/7 on www.417flowers.com!

Did you know Wickmans offers free gift wrapping? We also have gift cards for the picky person that is so hard to shop for!

Wickman's Holiday Hours:
Christmas Eve - 8 am - 3 pm
Christmas Day - Closed
Day After Christmas - 12 pm - 5 pm
January 1st & 2nd - Closed




~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Poinsettias are the plant of the season ... and there are thousands, each carefully tended and spaced ... filling our greenhouse now! Of course, that means you'll have thousands to choose from but you better hurry, these festive plants are selling quick!

All our poinsettias are grown on site - in our own greenhouses. It's the perfect time to select the perfect plants for your home and office! Should you wish to select poinsettias as holiday gifts for family, friends and business clients, our floral designers will be available to 'wrap & bow' your plants.

There is a minimal charge (based on pot size) for the 'wrap & bow' service. Our goal is for most orders to be taken care of immediately. However, we may ask that large 'wrap' orders be picked up at a later time the day of purchase or even the following day.

___________________________

We truly appreciate the efforts and talents of all who participated in "A Taste of the Season" hosted at Wickman's Garden Village earlier this season. What a wonderfully tasty way to welcome the holidays!

The delicious food & drink offered at this event was courtesy of the following local businesses. Please remember them as you plan for holiday gifts and social gatherings ...


The Sweetest Things"Your Sweet Tooth Specialist"
Springfield MO417-848-5540
mysweethings@yahoo.com
http://www.sweetesthings.com

Fun and modern desserts including cake pops, cake truffles, cookies on a stick, cupcakes and more! 'The Sweetest Things' is more than just a bakery, they are dessert artists that are passionate about what goes into each and every order!

Uncle Lloyd's Cookies
1653 East Sunshine Street
Springfield, MO 65804-1325
(417) 882-6654
http://www.unclelloydscookies.com/

Of the 17 different types of oatmeal cookies they offer - Uncle Lloyd chose 4 all time favorites to offer as samples: Caramel Apple, Pumpkin Surprise, White Chocolate Macadamia Nut and (of course!) The Incredible Oatmeal Cookie.

Uncle Lloyd believes in eating natural foods! Natural ingredients are used in his cookies; deli sandwiches made from Breadsmith bread and Applegate Farms all natural, hormone-free meat are featured in the bakery store; incredible all natural smoothies are made with fresh fruit, yogurt, local honey. Start your day with breakfast ... a' la Uncle Lloyd ... oatmeal made special with cranberries and pecans or how about the best fruit salad in town!

Want to know the secret of the original 'Incredible Oatmeal Cookie' ... it's a blend of pureed almonds, coconut, butterscotch and chocolate chips.

Mossy River Pie Hole
Food Vending
1507 W. Garrett Lane
Ozark, MO 65721
417-559-8662
mossyriverpiehole@gmail.com

Their specialties ... Chicken & Dumplings, Chicken Tortilla Soup, Sloppy Joes & Chips. Warm & wonderful, oh-so-tasty comfort food! Plus Hot Chocolate, Iced Tea, Coffee & Homemade Carrot Cake.

June's Cakery
2545 East Division Street
Springfield, MO 65803-5137
(417) 831-4544
http://www.junescakery.com/

"I get to help celebrate the big moments in my customers lives." ~ Ella Buchanan

Want something more than a cake or cupcakes for your next celebration or gathering? You and your guests will love Ella's decorated Sugar Cookies, homemade Brownies, individual Cheese Cakes, Lemon Bundts and more! Corporate gifts are a specialty, plus assorted Cookie Boxes or Bread Trays to give as client Thank You gifts.

A local holiday tradition, June's Cakery continues to offer their incredible homemade Butter Crunch Toffee. If you like a Heath Bar, you will LOVE it! Visit their website to see a few of the amazing wedding cakes created at June's Cakery too!

Cheesecakes & More
3876 State Hwy ZZ
Billings, MO 65610
417-732-7535
417-693-2158
http://www.cheesecakesandmore.net/

Offering delicious meals and desserts made to order just for you! Cheesecakes & More is a unique home based business set in the rolling hills of Christian County. In business since 1989, their desserts are served at several premier area restaurants including Ocean Zen and Garbo's .

Offering so much more than desserts, they do full service catering! Have a special recipe you'd like them to make? No problem!

Cheesecake is their specialty. Carmel Turtle Fudge, New York, Double Chocolate Hazelnut, Pumpkin, Pumpkin Praline, Lemon, Lime, Raspberry Swirl, White Chocolate Macadamia Nut, German Chocolate, Chocolate Amaretto Kahlua ...

You prefer pies? Try the Bourbon Pecan Chocolate Chip, Pecan, Pumpkin, French Silk, Lemon Meringue ...

Using only the freshest ingredients, with everything baked to order ... their goal is to make every customer a customer for life. Of course local delivery is available, plus they will ship anywhere in the U.S.

Bren's Breads
Brenda Dicus
417-773-9708

"A bread lover's delight!"
Ready made gift baskets!
Customer favorites include: Sourdough, Banana Nut, Cinnamon Raisin, Friendship Bread with both large and small loaves available. Sweet specialties include Chocolate Rolls, Cinnamon Rolls, Cookies, Muffins, Pies!

7c's Winery
502 E 506th Walnut Grove, MO 65770
417-788-2263
http://www.7cswinery.com/

"Remember ... the first rule of wine is to drink what you like & like what you drink!" ~ Dwight & Jean Crevelt

7c's Mission Statement:

  • To Produce Quality Missouri Estate Wines in the Ozark Mountain AVA from American and Hybrid Grape Varieties
  • To Introduce Consumers to the Ancient Art of Making Mead or Wine from Honey
  • To Provide an Enjoyable and Educational Wine Experience without Being Pretentious
  • To Provide a Family Friendly Environment with a ‘Day in the Country’ Theme

Elizabeth Dotson - Applique & Quilting
A native of Springfield, Elizabeth combines a love of sewing and drawing to make unique blankets and wall hangings. Another project for this talented artist ... handcrafted quilted Christmas Tree Skirts. Her work can be found in Wickman's Garden Center as well as several other area specialty shops!


Ridgefield Farm Ponies

Fair Grove, MO 417-576-7366

Batman, Robin and Trigger ... miniature ponies that have a big job. These little guys stay busy putting smiles on children's faces at many different events. You may have seen them at Wickman's Fall Festival, Christmas Open House or at "A Taste of the Season". Pony rides are a family business for Tara Carter and her parents. Churches, schools and children's parties really do keep them all going round and round, all year round!


All Aboard ... The 'Cow Train'!
Actually an old-fashioned 'barrel train', the individual barrels are outfitted to look like a line of colorful dairy cows following after the farmer! A .50 cent donation was requested for each ride, with all proceeds being donated by Wickman's to benefit the public service programs offered by The Kitchen in Springfield.

This barrel train was provided by GRIP - Group Residential Individualized Program - an organization that believes in building lives through teaching young people to self-evaluate their chosen behaviors and make positive changes. For nearly a decade, GRIP has provided therapeutic, vocational, educational, and recreational services as well as a loving home in Verona, Missouri to boys in need.

GRIP runs the Verona Corn Maize each year. The Maize is a fundraiser for the group home and the boys are very active in preparing for the Maize, working at the Maize, and cleaning up when the season is over. For many, this is the first and/or one of the only work experiences they have. Learn more about GRIP and find links to the Corn Maize site at http://www.gripboyshome.com/