By Matthieu Vollmer

Business Writer

MARSHFIELD — Britten’s Greenhouse is slated to open on Earth Day, which this year is Wednesday, April 22, and recognizes the global environmental movement. 2015 is the 45th anniversary of Earth Day.

“The greenhouse is a spectacular sight of colors and artfully put together baskets and pots by Ellen. She is always welcoming and helpful. One is never disappointed with her creations and finished products,” said Jenny Urquhart, a long-time customer of 20 years.

“We’ve been here for so long, and we know our customers very well. We do so many special orders,” said Ellen Britten-Karow, owner, after being asked what makes the business unique. Ellen’s parents opened the greenhouse in 1947. She purchased the business with her husband, Keith Karow, in 1982.

Britten’s Greenhouse is a member of the Marshfield Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry and the National Greenhouse Growers Association. For the past two years, they have donated a tree for the annual tree auction, part of the festival of lights.

When asked how long she has been in the business, Ellen laughed and said, “Since birth.”

Handmade fairy gardens are now available at Britten’’s Greenhouse for the first time. Figurines and kits are also available to build your own.

Top selling items include dragon wing begonia, geraniums, and petunias. Four-and-one-half-inch pots sell for $5, and hanging baskets start at $48. For the first time, Britten’s will sell fairy gardens and supplies to make them. Completed fairy gardens sell for approximately $70, figurines range in price from $2.99 and up, and fairy garden kits sell for $46.

“We really go out of our way to help customers. The best part of being in the business is the customers,” Ellen said. Having been in business for so long, she explained that they are now serving third or even fourth generation customers.

Britten’s is now accepting special orders. Customers can also schedule planting workshops by appointment. Britten’s will sell 10-inch baskets two for the price of one over Mother’s Day weekend.

“They need to come out. I don’t care if they spend money. Just come out and see what we have,” said Ellen when asked what she would recommend to someone who has not visited before.

She further advises not to plant too soon, that is, not earlier than Mother’s Day and preferably not until after Memorial Day just to be safe. Ellen offers tips for planting best practices and will help with planting pots on a one-on-one basis with customers.

Britten’s Greenhouse is located at 7950 County Road H in Marshfield. To learn more visit brittensgreenhouse.com, call 715-384-2482, email brittensgrnhse@tznet.com, or find them on Facebook.

Hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Hours extend later in the season. Appointments can be arranged outside of normal business hours. Britten’s closes the last Saturday in June, weather dependent.