Korby's Connections: Greenhouse is quiet success off Hwy. 210

If you blink your eyes, you might miss it. I know I did, many times. Traveling west on Minnesota Highway 210, it's just past the Sawyer Store, about three miles on the left. A few years ago, the wild turkeys were thick in this area. Unfortunately, I hit one with my car, twisting my side mirror. I pulled to the side of the road to check out the damage and it was then that I saw the sign advertising "Bedding Plants," "Greenhouse," and, even better yet, "Sale." My wife, dog, and I were in no rush heading to Eagle Lake in Cromwell, so we pulled onto Corona Drive to check it out.

That's where I first met the Corona Greenhouse & Gift Shop proprietor Rosalie Shanda.

Rosalie Jokinen was born nearly eight decades ago. The site of the greenhouse is where she was born and raised - a Finnish farm homestead. She's been married to Harold Shanda for 59 years and has lived on the same property.

"My sister-in-law and I took a county Extension class after taking an interest in drying flowers," Rosalie said. "But, it seemed like we were always running short of bedding plants, perennials, and annuals. We decided that we could and should grow our own."

Their first greenhouse was erected on the site more than 25 years ago.

"We begin the annual process in March," Rosalie said. "Harold does all the dirt preparation and then I plant the actual seeds. Depending on weather, it takes a lot of propane to keep the greenhouse warm and toasty for us. The plants then need plenty of water and nurturing."

I've tried to grow vegetables and flowers for more than 50 years but don't profess to be an expert. Rosalie helps fill that void and need.

"People ask if our products are organic, and, simply put, they aren't. With the volume of plants we produce and raise, we need to be aware and react to harmful bugs and plant diseases. We take care of them with chemicals, but as minimally as possible."

The Shandas open for business each year on Mother's Day weekend in May and usually close by the end of June. But, they are open seven days a week during that time, from about 9 a.m. to suppertime or until the last customer leaves. The "Open" signs are posted at the corner of Corona Drive and the highway.

You'll find a "Wreaths" sign on that corner in November and December. Rosalie and Harold make the wreaths from fresh balsam boughs. "It takes two hard freezes before the needles adhere to the branches to make cutting the best. Otherwise, the needles would just fall off," Rosalie said. They wear bright reflective vests when gathering the boughs because it is also hunting season. The Shandas trim the balsam trees and put the cut branches in bags to carry back to their assembly building.

An early snowfall can add to their cutting and trudging challenges. The balsam boughs are crimped to a metal ring with a large, specially designed machine. They cut mostly on their own land, but also get permits for cutting on state land if business warrants.

They make about 200 wreaths per season, but in years past have made a thousand. Making a few wreaths each year myself, I can attest it's hard work gathering raw materials and putting together the traditional holiday display.

"We had a customer in Zimmerman that ordered 500 to 1,000 each season. It got to be too much for me and Harold," Rosalie said.

It's interesting that their business plan has been successful. No advertising, no internet, no glitzy signs - just word of mouth, repeat customers, sound advice, and friendly service.

"Probably Del and Penney Prevost at Big Lake, and the Golens and Cloquet Country Club were some of the longest regular customers, but we're also supported by many other loyalists," Rosalie said.

Rosalie and Harold have had health scares, including heart attacks and disease and sight loss, but they have persevered and shared their knowledge as the years have passed. The Finns call it "sisu."