Owenhouse Ace Hardware has been part of the Bozeman, Montana community for more than 140 years. As a locally-owned business, we know how vital it is to have the support of our community. At Owenhouse, we support our community right back, proudly featuring products and plants from other locally owned and operated businesses right here in Bozeman and across Gallatin County.
Shopping locally not only ensures the success of local businesses but also boosts local economies. Studies show that up to $48 out of every $100 spent at a local business stays in the community. Local companies tend to hire from within their community and purchase from other local service providers, farms, and suppliers, leading to stable, economically robust communities.
To see the merits of building a robust local network of suppliers up close, look no further than the Owenhouse Garden Center. Our local and regional growers allow us to bring our customers the highest quality annuals, perennials, herbs, vegetables, hanging baskets, and more.
By working only with charitable family-owned local growers, we’re able to bring our customers the very best of what Bozeman has to offer. Our highly sought-after super petunias come to us from the Petunia Patch. A local Bozeman grower, the Petunia Patch focuses on growing only the best of the best. Read on to learn more about the Petunia Patch, the challenges of growing petunias, tips and tricks from the pros, and even Jaynee’s favorite variety!
The Petunia Patch
How did you get into gardening and eventually start The Petunia Patch?
Jaynee: I grew up in Churchhill. My Grandma and Aunt loved plants and gardening! Growing up, I didn’t know I would love it as well. It all clicked for me in my early 20s when life got hard and complicated. While working for the Bozeman Hot Springs, I discovered flowers and the joy they bring. More specifically, I found out about Petunias. From there, my Aunt helped me figure out how to make them look amazing. Some family members started to take notice and wanted to buy them. We discovered the proven winner, super petunias, and they were amazing. We figured out that we could make a little bit of money off of the super Petunias, which opened the door to pursue this passion full-time.
What inspired you to specialize in super petunias, and how did you discover them?
Jaynee: I placed a mighty big order once while working at Bozeman Hot Springs. Among them were some super petunias. Not only were they really visually appealing, but they were also very low maintenance. That sort of ‘wow’ factor of nurturing them and turning out THAT good is very rewarding. It can be the first plant you grow outside, and it can make you feel like a million bucks. They’re that good! I love sharing these beautiful plants with others, knowing they will stay around! Also worth noting is that I don’t want to sell anything that I think is junk. Everything that I sell is what I think is the best of the best.
What challenges have you faced as a new grower and business owner, and how have you overcome them?
Jaynee: Last year, I had issues with airflow in the greenhouse. We were able to lean on Visser Greenhouse, my Aunt, and my Dad to get through that challenge. Having support has made a big difference, but mindset has also been important. My approach is to go out there, try things, and do more of a “damage control” approach when challenges arise and learn for the future. Agriculture is just hard work. It doesn’t end. When you own a business, it’s not something you can put away. It’s on you to make it work. This can be very stressful and put additional stress on the family, but during the month we sell flowers, it makes it all worthwhile. Seeing customers so happy and appreciative and getting that feedback from the customers is very moving.
What makes your super petunias unique compared to other varieties on the market?
Jaynee: Growers call them the Cadillac of petunias. You don’t have to deadhead them, they have a low maintenance level, they mound, and trail, the variety of colors is amazing, and you can do it even if you don’t have a green thumb. A total black thumb can make super petunias work with the right amount of sun. Super petunias produce a result that is not seen with any other flower.
Can you share a “secret” tip or trick for growing and caring for super petunias that most people don’t know about?
Jaynee: Yes! First, you need a water-soluble fertilizer. I use Jack’s Blossom Booster. Use it every three weeks or so. Secondly, I recommend cutting back your petunias. Give them a nice haircut halfway through the season.
If you were stranded on a deserted island and could only bring one variety of super petunia, which one would it be and why?
Jaynee: Bubblegum! One plant can get up to 4 feet in all directions. The vista’s get so huge. They are big, healthy, and easy to maintain.
Is there anything that you wanted to mention that we didn’t cover?
Jaynee: I love God a lot, and I think loving other people, doing your best, and having integrity are just really important. As long as I do that in everything I do and put forward a good, honest product, then I am happy.
Your Local Source for Super Petunias
With Montana roots stretching back generations, Owenhouse is proud to support the Petunia Patch and other local Montana family farms and nurseries. When you visit the Owenhouse Garden Center, you’ll find top garden and landscape plants from Visser Greenhouses, Special K Ranch, and Wagner Nursery, alongside petunias grown by the Petunia Patch.
These local, one-of-a-kind, family-owned operations help to make up the fabric and character of our community. As a locally owned and operated business, Owenhouse Ace Hardware is committed to supporting local businesses here in Bozeman and throughout the region. When you’re ready to get your garden growing, stop by the Garden Center at Owenhouse West to stock up on locally grown plants that grow your local economy, too!
