News & Events

Wabasso EDA Business Spotlight: Schmiesing Flower Farm — Where Family Roots and Flowers Grow Together

On a quiet stretch of countryside just outside Wabasso, a beautiful burst of color and community spirit comes to life each spring at Schmiesing Flower Farm. For more than 15 years, this local gem has offered more than just garden plants and floral arrangements, it has created a space where hard work, family values, and small-town pride are planted, nurtured, and grown year after year.

The story behind Schmiesing Flower Farm is rooted in a lifelong love of horticulture and the enduring support of a close-knit family. Owner Suzanne Schmiesing found her calling early on. “I became interested in horticulture when I joined the FFA floriculture team in high school,” she shared. “That led to a part-time job at a flower shop and greenhouse, and eventually to a degree in Horticulture from South Dakota State University.”

After marrying her husband, Mark, the couple installed their first small greenhouse in 1997. At the time, Suzanne worked full-time as a florist at Hy-Vee, growing plants as a side hobby. But that hobby soon outgrew its boundaries. “We added another greenhouse, began selling to Runnings in Marshall, and eventually I decided to stay home full-time and focus on growing plants while raising our four children,” Suzanne said. In 2007, the farm officially opened to the public, operating out of an old granary with three greenhouses. From the very beginning, it was a family affair.

“We were raising pigs, farming, raising kids, and growing flowers all at once,” Suzanne said. “Our kids learned how to fill trays, plant, carry boxes, and even run the cash register.” The farm quickly became more than just a business—it became a way of life.

That way of life was tested in April 2012, when a tornado struck on the first day of the spring season, leveling their greenhouses. What could have been a devastating blow instead turned into one of the most powerful examples of community support they’ve ever experienced. “Within hours, friends, neighbors, family members, and even local business owners were here helping clean up the mess,” Suzanne recalled. “We repotted the plants that were scattered across the ground—tomatoes without labels and all—and sold out of everything. The community showed up for us in every way, and we’ll never forget it.”

Thanks to that support, Schmiesing Flower Farm was able to rebuild and return stronger than ever. Today, the business offers a wide variety of locally grown plants, including annuals, perennials, vegetables, hanging baskets, and custom planters for homes and businesses. Everything sold at the farm is grown on-site, and Suzanne prides herself on not bringing in pre-finished products. “I grow what I sell,” she said. “It’s important for me to have real experience with each plant so I can help customers succeed with their own gardens.”

The farm is also known for its vibrant, interactive experiences. Customers are invited to come out in the spring to plant their own pots at the open potting benches, or to join in on planting workshops, greenhouse tours, and even Bible devotion sessions. In the winter, Suzanne offers planter workshops at local venues such as the Roadhouse, Babble On, Knott’s Corner, and LJ’s, where guests can enjoy a night out while crafting a beautiful holiday arrangement. The most recent hit? Plant Bingo—a new event that quickly became a community favorite.

Schmiesing Flower Farm is deeply woven into the fabric of the Wabasso and surrounding communities. Suzanne partners with cities like Wabasso, Vesta, and Lamberton to provide flowers for their downtown planters. She also collaborates with local businesses such as Salfer’s for seed potatoes and cardboard boxes, and even carries goods from Zeug Gardens, including rhubarb muffins, maple syrup, and other local treats. “It’s important to us to join with other small businesses to support each other and serve the community,” she said.

Despite the business’s growth, the family focus hasn’t changed. Mark remains an essential part of the operation, from building and fixing equipment to managing supplies and helping customers. Their children, now grown, and their daughters-in-law, also pitch in with planting, weddings, workshops, and day-to-day operations. “This is a true family business,” Suzanne said. “Running it has definitely impacted our family life, but in all the best ways. It’s taught our kids the value of hard work and teamwork, and shown them how much meaning can come from building something together.”

In addition to family support, Suzanne is also quick to credit the people around her who make springtime at the farm run smoothly. One such person is their neighbor, Pat. “Pat helps us each spring and insists she’s just here to play in the dirt, not to work,” Suzanne said with a smile. “But her presence, energy, and enthusiasm make a huge difference. People like Pat are part of what makes this farm feel like a community effort.”

While the greenhouses are only open to the public from April through June, Suzanne works on the farm nearly year-round. Planning begins in the fall, orders are placed by September, and greenhouse preparation starts as early as February. “There’s so much behind-the-scenes work that people don’t always see,” she said. “But it’s all part of making sure we’re ready to offer the best plants and service when spring comes.”

As the farm looks toward the future, Suzanne is focused on staying true to their roots while continuing to grow. “We always strive to offer quality plants at reasonable prices,” she said. “And we’re always open to new ways to enhance the experience for our customers.”

When asked to reflect on what makes her most proud, Suzanne doesn’t hesitate. “Seeing the Wabasso FFA Floriculture team I mentor make it to the State Convention was incredibly rewarding,” she said. “Passing on what I’ve learned and supporting the next generation. That’s what it’s all about.”

For anyone considering starting a small business in a rural area, Suzanne offers this advice: “Start with a good plan, but be flexible. Don’t be afraid to try something new. And remember that rural communities are incredibly supportive--lean into that, collaborate with others, and give back however you can. That’s how we all grow.”