Celebrating Moms is in Full Bloom at Jim's Greenhouse

FORT MADISON - A beautiful Saturday in Fort Madison began with a stop at Swed & Co before heading to the Mom & Me event at Jim’s Greenhouse. For the third year in a row, they have opened their doors to celebrate moms the week before Mother’s Day. This year featured local vendors, a bake sale, a story hour with Christa Bronnenberg, a mom & me yoga, photo opportunities, and more. 
Alyssa Stinson and her sister, Carly Mabeus, brought their daughters to make a plant and enjoy story hour.
“I’ve been coming to the Mom & Me event as long as they’ve had it. My favorite part is spending time with my children, chasing them all over,” Stinson said.
There were many first-time visitors at the event. Hayley Marshall, from Donnellson, said it was her first time attending,
“I heard about the event from Facebook.”
Her daughter, Bristol, made a plant for mom,
“I like seeing the pink plants.”
A local sourdough baker, Lindsey Wagner, had a vendor booth at this year’s event.
“I love it here, I’m enjoying the atmosphere,” said Wagner.
She and her husband, Toby, have a highland cattle farm outside of Donnellson. Wagner started her sourdough brand, “Hell’er High Water,” in 2023. She said she is excited to have a booth at West Point’s Farmer’s Markets this summer.

Hannah Baker, owner of My Sister’s Closet, also had a vendor booth at this event.
“I love Jim’s Greenhouse. We always get our flowers here. I’m happy to be here,” Baker said. 
Jennifer Vance, from Vance’s Golden Acres Homestead in Nauvoo, enjoyed being around all the flowers at the greenhouse. Vance and her husband started this business last year, offering fresh vegetables, orchard fruits, raw honey, small batch jams, and more.
“I love being around people. With three golden retrievers, a small orchard, a garden, and ducks, it’s nice to get out. Right now, I feel like a duck waterer. This is a side job I thoroughly enjoy,” Vance said. 
Jamie Kramer, employee and daughter of Jim, said the season at Jim’s Greenhouse is off to a great start.
“This is a fun day to come spend with your mom and celebrate her before Mother’s Day.”
Jim’s Greenhouse is open seven days a week from 9 am to  7pm.
“Our Mother’s Day sale starts on May 4th and continues through May 10th. On Mother’s Day, every mom receives a free plant.”
Kramer helps run retail and public relations at Jim’s Greenhouse.
“I love seeing the community come together and offer a place for people to gather, shop for plants, and enjoy other locally made items while spending time together as a family,” Kramer said.