What started as a Christmas wish has bloomed into a three-generation family business that has become a beloved staple in eastern Daviess County.
“I just wanted a little greenhouse,” said Marlene Hamilton, founder of Marlene’s Garden Center in Philpot. “I saw one in a flower magazine, just a 10-by-10, and I told my husband, ‘That’s what I want for Christmas.’ Well, I got one — but it was 97 feet long!”
That oversized gift sparked what has now become a 29-year legacy. Marlene and her husband, Mike, initially started with a simple plan to grow a few plants and sell them on the side.
“It was just supposed to be a little side job, something fun to do at home,” she said. “But it kept growing and growing.”
Today, the family operates eight greenhouses, offering everything from annuals and perennials to ornamental concrete, vegetables, shrubs, and trees. They’ve also expanded into fundraising sales and even supply air conditioning and gas companies with concrete pads.
“It really turned into a major business,” Hamilton said. “But we’ve enjoyed every minute of it. Our customers come back year after year — they become like family.”
Marlene’s daughter Amy and son-in-law Justin have since taken the reins, with Marlene and Mike still involved in day-to-day operations. The couple is far from retired — something regulars often forget.
“People think we’re off traveling or something,” she laughed. “But no, we’re still here. I still enjoy working in the greenhouse, seeing the same faces every season. It never gets old.”
The business has remained a true family effort through the years. Their grandson, now preparing for his senior year of high school, has recently taken on a more active role. This season, one of the greenhouses was set aside specifically for his own rows of tomatoes and cucumbers, which he’s been tending and harvesting with care.
“He’s done great with it,” Hamilton said proudly. “He’s already harvesting, and it’s doing wonderful. I think he’s really starting to love it.”
Marlene’s Garden Center sells both wholesale and retail produce, supplying local grocery stores and directly to customers. The center grows a variety of plants — from Boston ferns and tropicals in the spring to an entire greenhouse of geraniums, with up to 1,800 plants sold each year.
They also grow and sell mums, often partnering with local schools and sports teams for fundraisers.
“We’ve done sales with Trinity, St. Mary’s, and even some traveling baseball and hockey teams,” Hamilton said. “It’s a great way to support the community.”
And it’s not just flowers and veggies. The center also paints and sells ornamental concrete pieces — a sideline that’s turned into another full-blown operation.
“I thought I’d just be doing this in early spring,” Hamilton said. “Now it’s a year-round job.”
Marlene’s Garden Center is open all year, with peak season from April through June when the business runs seven days a week. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 12 to 4 p.m. on Sundays. After June, they scale back to being closed on Sundays and Mondays.
Hamilton said being located right behind their home has never been a problem.
“People always told us we were crazy for opening a business at our house, but we’ve never had trouble,” she said. “The only downside? I can’t ever be late and blame traffic!”
With its strong roots and family-first spirit, Marlene’s Garden Center has grown into much more than a business — it’s a legacy.
“I love my family being here with me,” Hamilton said. “It’s small, just one daughter and one grandson, but it means everything to work side by side with them. We’re still here, and we still love it.”
