BELLVILLE, Ohio — Dec. 13 was recognized as Possum Run Greenhouse Day as Bellville Mayor Darrell E. Banks issued a proclamation in recognition of the greenhouse’s 40-year anniversary, an event also honored by a visit from popular television personality Dick Goddard.
“I, Darrell E. Banks, proclaim Dec. 13, 2014 as Possum Run Greenhouse Day in the Village of Bellville, in recognition of Justin and Lynn Marotta and their staff for service, dedication to the community, and emulating the entrepreneur tradition that made America great,” said Banks.
Goddard, the well-known Fox 8 of Cleveland meteorologist, attended to support the greenhouse’s celebration and to spread knowledge of his animal rights activism, as well as to give autographs to adoring fans.
In 1974, Justin and Lynn Marotta bought the greenhouse that had been owned by the Miller family in the past. According to Lynn Marotta, they were 24-year-olds with nothing to lose, so they tried it. Today, the greenhouse covers 2.5 acres of land is home to the nation’s most abundant supply of fuchsias.
“We felt a lot of emotions when we first got here. You know, we thought, ‘Will we make it?’ And with the weather systems here we often wondered, ‘How will we fix that?’ They were simpler times. But we were also a smaller staff. But that staff set the standards for our staff today,” said Justin Marotta.
Past staff members joined the celebration. They each received a boutonniere or corsage and a front row seat to the ceremony. In Justin Marotta’s speech, he thanked his loyal and hardworking staff members.
“In front of me we have nine staff that comprise 223 years of service to Possum Run Greenhouse,” said Justin Marotta as the audience applauded.
“For a lot of people this is a starting point; it’s their first job but then they move on. We’re a confidence builder. So I think we don’t just grow plants, we grow people too. And that’s the most important thing about here, the people,” said Justin Marotta in a separate interview.
The valley where Possum Run Greenhouse is located has been reported to be noticeably colder because of its geographical elevation, giving the fuchsias an ideal climate for growth. The greenhouse provides Goddard and the National Weather Service with weather data on a daily basis.
The greenhouse grows a variety of plants and flowers, and features a gift shop located in the property’s renovated barn. The gift shop offers products from Frank Lloyd Wright, home and garden decor, ornaments, collectibles.
The greenhouse is located on 5384 Possum Run Road and their current holiday hours are Monday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. For more information visit their website or call 419-892-2770.
