Growing Roots
Augustus J. Baumhoefener started the nursery in another location in the early 1900’s. His son John Carl Baumhoefener went to Iowa State University to become a landscape architect. He later married Helen Linky, and the two of them began their life in the nursery business. The couple moved to the current location in 1928. It was a 40 acre parcel and on the old Lincoln Highway. It was on the city limits of Cedar Rapids at the time.
Helen grew into the business and in her knowledge of plants. She was frequently on radio and TV shows sharing what she knew and how to keep your gardens healthy. She was known as Mrs. B. by all who loved her.
Planting for Generations
John Carl Baumhoefener III grew up and spent most
of his young life working at the nursery under the influences of both his grandparents.
Johns grandfather died in 1988, and by that time, John Baumhoefener III was
fully engaged in the nursery business. Helen continued to work and live at the
nursery until about 1999. She spent a short time in the Vinton Lutheran Home
until she died in March of 2000.
The nursery still sells a wide variety of trees and
shrubs. John specializes in selling much larger trees than most other garden
centers. This means trees of 3”, 4”, 5”,
6”, caliper ball and burlap trees. Most of the trees are shipped in from out of
state and can be planted all season up until the ground is frozen. We also have
a good selection of potted trees to choose from.