History
Growing Together Through Generations
Our story begins long before there were greenhouses. For generations, the Patterson family has farmed this land, adapting with the seasons while staying true to time-honored practices. What follows is a look at the moments that shaped Patterson Greenhouses into what it is today.
1834
The Patterson House Is Built
The Patterson family roots stretch back to the early 1800s. In 1834, Frank and Austin Patterson built the farmhouse that still stands today, originally for their father, John C. Patterson Sr. The home has seen remarkably few changes and remains a living piece of Patterson history.
1800s–1980s
A Working Farm Through Generations
For generations, the Patterson farm was centered around dairy cows and, before that, potatoes. Hay and straw were always part of farm life, grown to support the livestock. These traditional farming practices laid the foundation for what Patterson Greenhouses would later become.
1960
The Pink Elephant
The Pink Elephant first appeared around 1960 as a gift when the family’s grandfather served as Republican Mayor of Howell. Painted pink at Grandma’s request, it became a local landmark — first for the dairy farm, and now for Patterson Greenhouses. After years of weather damage, it has been lovingly restored to watch over the farm once again.
1987
A Turning Point
In 1987, the dairy cows were sold, marking a major shift in the farm’s future. The focus moved toward mums and pumpkins, while hay and straw transitioned from feed to farm products sold directly to customers — a year-round offering that continues today.
1989
The First Greenhouse
Patterson Greenhouses officially began with a single greenhouse and a few small fields. Alan Patterson studied horticulture while Don (“Dad”) Patterson learned through hands-on experience, advice from neighboring farmers, and good old-fashioned trial and error. Long days and hard work quickly turned learning into success.
1997
Christmas Trees Arrive
Looking beyond summer and fall, the family expanded into winter products, planting Christmas trees and growing seasonal greens. After years of care, the first trees were sold in 1997 — and the following year, sales doubled. Christmas quickly became a beloved Patterson tradition.
2006
A Family Business at Heart
Kate (“Mom”) Patterson and Sharon led the retail side of the business for years, always focused on taking care of customers. After Mom’s passing in 2006, Sharon continued that tradition with the help of the Patterson family and dedicated employees — keeping the greenhouse welcoming and personal.
1970–Present
The Patterson House Lives On
After Don and Kathy married in 1970, they moved into the historic Patterson house, which remains their home today. Inside are photographs and artifacts spanning generations — reminders that this farm is not just a business, but a family legacy meant to be passed on.
Future
Patterson Continues to Grow
From historic farmland to greenhouses, Christmas trees, and year-round products, Patterson Greenhouses continues to grow while staying rooted in tradition. The same care, hard work, and family values that shaped the past still guide everything we do today.
