TRADING IN the familiar clanging of milk pails for the invigorating fragrance of a thousand blooms may not seem like the ideal experience for many farmers, but this was Verna and Sam Lapp’s reality. This couple pushed through unexpected turns in life to find their passion in a blossoming greenhouse business called Lapp’s Greenhouse.
Blooming Where Planted
Verna, who was once an expert in milking cows, now spends her days nurturing delicate flower seedlings. However, her current life has come full circle.
“ From the time I was little, my mom had plants, gardens, and flowers, so everything I learned was probably from childhood into my teens and adulthood,” Verna explained. “We always had a vegetable garden. That’s basically the teaching I got.”
Although she was accustomed to an agricultural lifestyle, she never imagined that she and her husband would eventually own a greenhouse. This was not the life she and her family had planned for themselves. They were content dairy farmers, having lived in Pennsylvania all their lives.
However, Verna’s children, who lived in Tennessee, stumbled upon a farm for sale in Franklin County. The farm gradually grew on them, and the enticing idea of being closer to their parents drew them to purchase and live on the farm.
“We were milking cows, but that industry wasn’t doing very well for us,” Verna admitted. “We decided to go into greenhousing. We had greenhouses for about five years in Pennsylvania, and that’s when we moved down here.”
As they transitioned from dairy farming to greenhouse cultivation, the couple encountered many challenges. But, with strong faith and the support of the Franklin County community, they overcame each obstacle that stood in their path.
Sam, who once spent long hours tending to corn, alfalfa, and tobacco fields and herding cattle, now enjoys spending time surrounded by beautiful blooms and outdoor furniture on his family’s property. Nothing compares to the scent of freshly trimmed grass, trees, herbs, and flowers.
You’re immediately transported to a tranquil oasis as you step into their greenhouse. The couple welcomes you with a warm greeting, and you’re met with rows of homemade soaps, planters, and mugs on the shelves. Once you step outside, nature envelops you with fruit trees, rose bushes, shrubs, and rows of pottery, encouraging you to explore their stunning acreage.
From Humble Beginnings to Flourishing Success
The couple’s path isn’t completely paved with rose petals. Keeping pace with their growing business means constant expansion — more greenhouses, a wider variety of flowers, and a growing team.
However, their Amish upbringing, with its ingrained values of hard work and perseverance, sees them through.
Rooted in Faith and Family
Faith is the framework that supports Lapp’s Greenhouse. The way the Lapps treat their customers and employees with respect and kindness clearly reflects their dedication to God.
“We put everything in the Lord’s hands,” Sam said simply. “It’s more of the Lord’s blessing than our own work, and we give everything we have back to Him.”
Family is also a significant driving force behind the company. Their daughter, Sarah, who shares their work ethic, recently returned home after getting married to work for the business. The couple hopes their other children and future generations will carry on their greenhouse legacy.
Over the last few years, Lapp’s Greenhouse flourished and diversified its offerings, encompassing a stunning array of flowers and a garden center complete with outdoor furniture, buildings, concrete statuettes, shrubbery, and pottery. Their commitment to quality is evident in every facet of their business, from the meticulously curated products to the warm, welcoming ambiance that greets visitors.
Despite the blooming nature of their business, Sam and Verna remain grounded in their values and rooted in their faith. Hard work, honesty, and integrity form the foundation of their family business, guiding their interactions with customers and shaping their approach to business ownership.
