By LINDA KELLETT

C-S-E News Staff

NELLISTON — Ravaged by a mid-March blaze that left charred remains and piles of misshapen metal where buildings once stood, the Dettmer family’s Blooming Dale Farm operation was dealt a devastating loss.

Not wishing to succumb to the blow after 22 years in business, owners Christine and Robert Dettmer Jr., backed by their children and Robert’s parents, Robert Sr. and Sylvia, decided to forge a new foundation at the site of the family’s one-time farm supply store.

Last last month, Christine reflected on the work that’s been done in order for the family to reopen their seasonal greenhouse operation at its 27 East Main Street location by May 1.  

She said, “There’s been a lot of change around here. My husband’s worked hard and we’ve had a lot of friends, family and community who have helped clean things up so we could get ready for the season.”

Among those assisting with the cleanup effort included Kevin Watson and another friend, who donated a dump truck. Because of the assistance the family received, they were able to invest the insurance money back into the operation, she said.

In order to reach a decision about their next steps, Christine said the couple consulted with Robert’s parents.

“We start planting [plugs] before they come back from Florida, and they came back early to help us,” she said. “They do most of the work here for us because my husband and I still work outside of the home. They said go ahead and do it.”

Had she truly realized the scale of the devastation and the work ahead of them, Sylvia quipped that she might have responded differently.

Fortunately, the main greenhouse, which covers roughly 6,500 square feet, was unaffected by the fire. Last week, the structure was fully stocked with flowering bedding plants, hanging baskets and cemetery planters.

“We actually found more room here. Every nook and cranny was filled,” Christine said, helping Palatine Bridge resident Beverly Grainger carry purchases to the car.

“Now I have work to do,” a beaming Grainger said as she carried a separate container of blossoms past a second greenhouse-like structure that was damaged in the blaze. Currently, that building is being used for the storage of mulch, top soil, and peat moss. Shrubs and perennials are located in front of both.

From now until the end of June, Blooming Dale Farm’s seasonal operation is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call their new phone number, (518) 993-8077, for information about available stock, hours, directions or planting advice.