A new greenhouse opening in Uniontown next month is doing more than offering flowers and plants — it’s helping support local students.
Henry Rose Farm, owned by Mike Erzfeld, will host a special fundraising event on April 11, with a portion of all plant sales that day benefiting St. Vincent High School’s Project Graduation.
Erzfeld said the goal is to donate at least $2,000 to the program, which provides a safe, supervised celebration for graduating seniors.
“It’s really a win-win,” Erzfeld said. “People can come out, enjoy the plants, and at the same time know they’re supporting something important for local students.”
Members of the St. Vincent senior class will be on hand during the event, helping customers, carrying plants and assisting with purchases.
The fundraiser continues Erzfeld’s commitment to supporting the community — something he demonstrated last year with the Country Garden Tour, which raised $26,000 for St. Joseph’s Church in Apple Creek.
Now, he’s bringing that same spirit of giving to his new venture.
Henry Rose Farm will officially open April 1 at 894 Highway A in Uniontown — the same location featured during the garden tour — with the greenhouse housing approximately 8,000 plants.
But for Erzfeld, the business isn’t just about selling plants.
“As a small business owner, I think it’s important to ask where your money is going,” he said. “When people shop here, it stays in the community, and we believe strongly in giving some of that back.”
That philosophy is reflected not only in the St. Vincent fundraiser, but also in Erzfeld’s efforts to support local churches and organizations.
The greenhouse features a wide selection of annuals and perennials, many of which are grown on-site from small starter plugs. Erzfeld said he is focused on offering high-quality plants — particularly the Proven Winners brand — that he knows will perform well for customers.
“I don’t want to just make a sale,” he said. “I want people to leave happy with what they bought.”
Henry Rose Farm will be open seven days a week throughout April and May, including Easter Sunday, with the season lasting as long as inventory holds.
While Erzfeld hopes people will make the short drive to visit the greenhouse, he said the April 11 fundraiser offers an extra reason to come out. “
They get great plants, and at the same time they’re helping local kids,” he said. “There’s really no downside.”
