LIVERMORE — This winter has been a challenge for Beth and John Johnson, new owners of Chretien and Sons Greenhouse, but they are excited about Thursday’s opening.

The couple bought the greenhouses from Roland Chretien last year. They sold mums in the fall and poinsettias at Christmas.

This winter the roof on one greenhouse collapsed under the weight of snow. The snowpack also made it difficult to get to some of the nine houses, which hold plants germinated and transplanted on site and those purchased already started.

John said he spent time shoring up buildings and making improvements. The checkout area in the main greenhouse was changed. A lot of plastic was taken down to brighten the greenhouse and make it more appealing, he said.

The roof collapse has meant fewer Easter lilies will be available this year, but other seasonal offerings are available.

Among them are floral arrangements created by employee Carol Chase. She has also put together whimsical succulent, fairy house and gnome baskets, and others featuring houseplants such as begonia, coleus, impatiens or wandering Jew. 

“After all the work that has been put in over the last few months, it’s hard to imagine it’s all going to go out the door at some point,” John said.

The Johnsons will soon begin planting perennials to sell this year and next. They will sell eggs at the greenhouse and later add goat cheeses made at their other facility, By Hook or By Crook Farm. 

“We want to make it more of a year-round business,” John said.

This is the 31st year the greenhouse has been in business. The couple retained employees.

“Roland walks through daily and points out stuff,” John said. “The employees relish telling me when I do something wrong.”  

Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The weekend hours will be extended later this spring.

For more information, call 897-5909 or visit their Facebook page.

pharnden@sunmediagroup.net

Cut-flower arrangements and baskets filled with succulents, fairy houses and other whimsical accents are available at Chretien and Sons Greenhouses in Livermore. 

Employee Carol Chase transplants Jams N Jellies Vinca seedlings at Chretien and Sons Greenhouse in Livermore. 

Colorful begonias will soon be transplanted into pillows and sold at Chretien and Sons Greenhouse in Livermore. The pillows, used to adorn gravestones, are low maintenance.

At Chretien and Sons Greenhouse in Livermore, impatiens are in bloom. The greenhouse is opening for the season Thursday.

Arrangements of coleus, begonias, impatiens and wandering Jew are displayed at Chretien and Sons Greenhouse in Livermore.

Tulips with spring accents add color to the checkout area at Chretien and Sons Greenhouse in Livermore.