The fifteen greenhouses (seventeen if counting the open-air area) and retail shop on Arkton Road, Broadway, formerly Kim’s, provides breathtaking selections of annuals, garden vegetables, planters, fertilizers, and whimsical accents. Nothing short of a garden center, Paramount Plant Co. is in full swing into their second season. Who could guess that a young man, who just turned nineteen in April of this year, is running this business with a handful of faithful employees. Cameron Showalter, son of Jesse and Joy Showalter, part owners of Evergrowin’ Greenhouses west of Bridgewater, and grandson of Steve and Stella Showalter, now of Singers Glen, who started Evergrowin’, is completely at home in the greenhouses. Cameron shares, “I grew up in the greenhouse with two generations of growers, so I’ve had plenty of advice and teachings from them as I was growing up.” His earliest memory of the industry is helping to send flats and pots on a conveyor belt through the dirt machine that fills them evenly with potting soil. When asked about the hardest part of greenhouse work, there was no question, “trying to keep the plants watered on a hot day!”
For your convenience, there are large carts available to collect plants while perusing the fairyland of vibrant color and life. In early spring, cole crops and pansies are waiting in the open-air area. From Proven Winner petunias to portulaca, begonias to bacopa, a diverse assortment of all the thrillers, fillers and spillers can be found. In one house, stunning dahlias in a spectrum of colors compete for attention with a variety of healthy geraniums. “We strive to provide the community with as wide and healthy of plant selections as we can.”
Such excellence is not achieved alone. This season marks fifteen years of experience for employee Patty Hupp at this location. Customers love her. Cameron notes, “she knows plants and is a great worker.” Miriam McMurray has been with Paramount Plant Co. since their beginning. As windchimes sing softly in the storefront, Ms. McMurray reflects on her work. “My favorite part is watching everything come together – planting the plants and then watching them grow.” Miriam will expertly arrange your purchases in boxes for transport and assist with a friendly smile. Customer satisfaction is paramount to Cameron, “providing excellence in plant selection as well as customer service is our specialty.” And it comes naturally to him – customer interaction, i.e. helping and answering questions, is Cameron’s favorite part of the job.
For Mother’s Day, there are full hanging baskets, planters, flowering shrubs, and of course the gift shop. Paramount Plant Co. is open six days a week with regular business hours. Support local businesses this growing season, especially this young entrepreneur.
