Hope Farms Tree Nursery & More to Blossom-Grand Opening in May!
ROCHESTER, MN – A new local gem is taking root just four miles from downtown Rochester. Hope Farms Tree Nursery, a new venture by serial entrepreneur Jonathan Zimmerman, is gearing up to open its doors to the public with a grand celebration planned for Mother’s Day weekend, May 10-11th, 2025. Located a mere 10-minute drive from Rochester in Oronoco, this 35-acre property promises to be a haven for plant lovers, gardeners, and anyone seeking a little sunshine!
The brand new brand of Hope Farms, was created by a team led by local entrepreneur Jon Zimmerman. This weekend Jon provided a first look on his facebook page: “I’ve always wanted a greenhouse,” he shared, standing amidst the sprawling nursery grounds. “I almost built one last year, and now here we are—launching this incredible space for the community.” With 17 tillable acres, a state-of-the-art pot-in-pot system for trees, and an impressive irrigation and drainage setup, Hope Farms is poised to become a go-to destination for both retail and wholesale shoppers.
The grand opening on Mother’s Day weekend will mark the nursery’s official debut, transforming the greenhouse and grounds into a vibrant retail space buzzing with life. Visitors can expect a festive atmosphere complete with a gift shop, checkout area, and plenty of greenery to explore. The team is excited to create an experience that all can enjoy!
What’s Growing at Hope Farms?
Hope Farms will offer a wide variety of plants and trees to suit every gardener’s needs. Here’s a look into some of the items that will be available:
Hanging Baskets: Perfect for adding a splash of color to porches and patios.
Annuals: Bright, seasonal blooms to kick off your garden in style.
Perennials: Hardy plants like hosta's that come back year after year.
Rose Bushes: Classic beauties for any landscape.
Apple Trees: Start your own mini orchard with these fruit-bearing favorites.
Large and Small Trees: From towering shade providers to decorative specimens like the Royal Red Norway Maple.
Bushes: Ideal for privacy screens or backyard accents.
Grand Opening Highlights
The Mother’s Day weekend event is shaping up to be a can’t-miss celebration. Here’s what’s in store:
Date May 10-11, 2025—perfect timing to honor mom with a plant or two.
Gift Shop Debut: Stocked with small flowers, gifts, and refreshments like water, soda, and hot chocolate.
Citrus Garden Preview A tropical oasis in the works, featuring lemon trees sourced from Florida.
The nursery’s infrastructure is a testament to thoughtful design by the original owner of the nursery and his team. A pot-in-pot system ensures trees stay secure and insulated year-round, while drip irrigation supports up to 500 hanging baskets. Beyond the greenhouse, an orchard boasting 36 trees—half apple, plus cherries and pears—adds a fruitful charm to the property. And with nearly 22,000 winterized plants ready to awaken this spring, the inventory is as vast as it is diverse.
A Vision for All Seasons
Hope Farms isn’t just a spring fling—it’s a year-round retreat. “Imagine coming here in February when it’s 30 degrees outside,” Zimmerman mused. “Inside, it’s 60 degrees, sunny, and full of life.” Plans are already in motion to make the greenhouse a winter escape, with ideas like a citrus garden walkway, tropical vines, and even Friday night date nights featuring live music or Saturday morning book clubs. The team is eager for community input—suggestions for décor, events, and plantings are welcome as they shape this space into something truly special.
For now, the focus is on preparing for the big day. The crew, led by Xavier—who’s been a crucial team member in nurturing the nursery for seven years—is hard at work un-winterizing plants, setting up inventory, and fine-tuning the retail setup. A Facebook page is live (search “Hope Farms”), and a website is on the way, promising more details as the opening nears.
Hope Farms is easy to find yet feels like a hidden treasure. So mark your calendars, grab your gardening gloves, and get ready to dig into this blooming new chapter for Rochester’s green scene. Mother’s Day weekend at Hope Farms is sure to plant a seed of joy for all who visit.
Website being built now: https://hopefarms.com/
This article was made with assistance from AI
