Home of Hope Expands Horticulture Program; Opens Blooms Greenhouse

It’s plant sale time at Home of Hope!

And, unlike in years past, the organization won’t be holding just one big spring plant sale.

Beginning April 15, Home of Hope’s greenhouse, Blooms, will be open to the public every Friday from noon to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The sale will include a selection of tomatoes, bell peppers and jalapeño peppers, as well as a wide variety of flowering plants and hanging baskets.

A fully functioning greenhouse, Blooms will remain open until all of the stock is sold. Due to the popularity of its plant sales, Home of Hope recommends coming out sooner rather than later in case they sell out within the first few weekends.

Blooms and the extended hours are part of Home of Hope’s recently announced expansion of its horticulture program.

“We are excited for our horticulture program to be able to take this next step,” said Dena Pitts, Home of Hope COO. “Not only are we able to provide great jobs for our men and women, but we are able to provide a service to the community. Being open to the public is just the next step in our growth.”

The hope is that by 2023, Blooms will more than double its growing capacity, allowing the greenhouse to stay open and stocked during spring and summer months and to participate in local Farmer’s Markets as well.

Future plans also include introducing community raised gardens, which will be available for the public to rent in order to raise their own produce outside of their homes.

“We are super excited to add our horticulture program, Blooms, both to our surrounding communities and as a vocational site,” said Floyd Welch, Home of Hope horticulture program coordinator/vocational program coordinator. “This will provide quality jobs to several amazing individuals in our area, allowing them to gain knowledge that they can add to their quality of life, not only as a means of employment but what they can add to their day-to-day life.

“I personally believe that the sky is the limit for Blooms. I’m blessed to play a part of it.”

Home of Hope is a nonprofit, community-based organization that provides residential, vocational and quality of life programs to person with developmental and intellectual disabilities across northeast Oklahoma.

Established in 1968, Home of Hope Inc. serves five counties in northeast Oklahoma with operations in the communities of Vinita, Jay, Miami, Claremore, Grove and Pryor.

In addition to serving more than 270 men and women with developmental and other disabilities, Home of Hope employs more than 600 staff members.

Blooms greenhouse is located behind the original Home of Hope building at 960 West Hope Road, in Vinita.