By TRISTAN GEHRING
Staff Writer
Michelle Peterson, owner of Sonshine Gardens greenhouse in Clarks Grove, says she is often asked about the business name. “It has a double meaning – we have three boys, and we also wanted it to be an expression of our faith in the Son of God.” The greenhouse is open every year from mid-April to mid-June. “It's not a long time. I feel like we're kind of a hidden secret,” says Peterson. “If you didn't know we were here, check us out. It's worth the drive.” Sonshine Gardens greenhouse is located at 200 First Ave SW, Clarks Grove. Beginning in May, hours are Monday-Friday from 9 to 5, Saturday from 9-3, and Sunday from 11-3.
Michelle is the daughter of Nancy and Ken Gordman; both she and her husband, Mike, grew up in Clarks Grove and attended Albert Lea High School, although they didn't meet until after both of them had graduated. Michelle's best friend married Mike's brother, she explained, and the two met at that wedding. About a year later, they had their own wedding. They raised their three boys together, who are now 27, 33, and 35 years old, and started the business together around the same time their first son was born. “We used to do hydroponic tomatoes.” In 1997, Mike decided to focus on his excavating business – Peterson Excavating – and Michelle took over the majority of the operations for Sonshine Gardens, leading to its evolution into what it is today. “I like flowers more than tomatoes,” she said.
Peterson's hobbies are gardening, going to wineries, reading, and travel. She's been to about 40 of the 50 U.S. states, she says, and attends mission trips in Honduras. Michelle and her husband live in rural Clarks Grove on his family's farm and attend First Baptist Church. They are very active there – in addition to missions, both serve on numerous boards. Michelle teaches the younger kids, and they help support a religious camp in Iowa. Faith is very important to them both, Michelle says. While she's only ever left the country to go to Honduras so far, Michelle says her “bucket list” includes a trip to Italy. Her reading list includes a wide range of books – but her one rule is that it must have a happy ending. Michelle's favorite thing to do, she added, is to care for her three grandbabies. Michelle lives by the old adage, “Do what you love and you'll never work a day in your life.”
“I love this,” she said, gesturing to the greenhouse. “My favorite part is the excitement of other people when they come in and want to talk flowers.”
Sonshine Gardens sells everything typically offered at a greenhouse – from hanging baskets and bedding plants to herb and vegetable starts, perennials and shrubs. Everything sold in the greenhouse is grown there; the building was recently remodeled and expanded to accommodate more plants. Peterson also offers custom planting: If customers bring in a pot’ she will fill it any way they like. “We consider ourselves to be the best local prices,” she also explained. And because both husband and wife are also locally grown - “You get a little extra hometown service.”
As a successful business owner, Michelle has this advice for young people: “Don't be afraid to try something you wouldn't have thought you could do – I didn't have any training or anything for this. I just decided I wanted to.
“And, I think, try to stay humble.”