HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – The Bloomery has become a seasonal hot spot for gardeners in and around Christian County, with thousands of plants filling greenhouses on Tiffany Jenkins family farm. This lush, peaceful escape has become an education resource, and a place people explore and connect during the spring, summer, and fall.
“I always joke and say when you come here as a customer, you’re going to leave as a friend,” Jenkins told Christian County Now, also adding that purchases of flowers are often accompanied by a free hug.
Stretching down an expansive field on a beautiful piece of Hopkinsville farmland are two massive greenhouses that are beginning to sprout thousands of flowers and plants due to months of hard work. Tiffany Jenkins is the woman behind each carefully tended to leaf and bud, who left her career in elementary education over ten years ago to pursue her passion.
Getting started, health challenges
In 2014, the idea to sell flowers came to her when her students were selling wrapping paper for a fundraiser. Her husband encouraged her interest, and the seed of a business was planted. “The next year I quit teaching and just devoted my time to the greenhouse and growing the fundraiser side of it,” Jenkins told Christian County now. “Over the years I expanded into retail and it’s just kind of grown from there.”
With her opening for the season coming up on March 29, planning for spring began months ago. Seeds arrived in January, with February being devoted to planting. However, preparation for this spring is very different from past years as Jenkins was diagnosed with cancer in August.
“It’s been tough this year,” she said. “I’ve been going through cancer treatments and so my husband has been letting people try and help me because I can’t quite do as much as I have before…I feel blessed that God has sent a lot of helpers my way, and so far, it has gone so smooth and it’s just all falling into place. So, I’m very thankful.”
Through treatments and surgeries, she has found time to keep a watchful eye over both greenhouses, finding joy in the routine while tending to hundreds of plants, “I just like being here. It gives me peace and a break from the busyness of life.”
Community connections and opening day
Over the years her family has grown along with The Bloomery, as her three kids incorporate the greenhouses into their childhood, running among the plants and cultivating their own gardens on their family farm. This connectivity has motivated Jenkins to further engage the community, “I like to entertain our customers! I like for them to be able to bring their families out and make memories together,” she added.
Currently, one greenhouse is full of 5,000 ferns, while the other has hanging planters, produce, and flowers. All of their available seeds along with their vegetables, strawberries, and herb plants are certified organic. In just a few weeks, the newly planted sprouts will fill the greenhouse with a rainbow of color. Along with regular plant sales, Jenkins has found a way to infuse her education background into the business by teaching youth and customers the ins and outs of gardening and offering her knowledge in any way she can.
Even through health struggles, she is excited to see what this season will bring. She hopes to continue growing their reach for events and looks forward to seeing familiar and new faces. After their opening day on March 29, The Bloomery will be open Thursdays and Fridays between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Their annual Earth Day event will be on April 26, with their Easter egg hunt and event on April 19. Find information about upcoming events on The Bloomery website.