Tour a 41-YEAR OLD PLANT NURSERY - Ep. 236

As we spend more and more time up in the Finger Lakes area, we get to meet special local plant folks who have an interesting story to hear. I was enamored with Baker's Acres selection of plants (both indoors and out) and was sad to hear that after 41 years, they will be retiring this fine establishment. I wanted to hear their story, how it all came about, and what it's like running a nursery.
For more tours and gardening outdoors, visit our sister channel at / flockfingerlakes .
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"Plant One On Me" is a channel produced by Summer Rayne Oakes of Homestead Brooklyn that is primarily focused on houseplants and outdoor gardening. Our mission with the channel is to bring people closer to plants by bringing plants closer to them through engaging, entertaining, and educational content.
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[@karenneese3115]

Turned 62 this year retired. After much thought decided to start a little herb and dried flower business. At first I thought I might be too old. However business is doing decent. But this video has inspired me to just do it!!!!!!

[@summerrayneoakes]

Hooray! Love that attitude Karen. Glad this video (and Reenie's mother's story) has inspired you.

[@neynahnehnah1485]

You are never too old. If you like to try learning how to draw too I can help you. When we are older than 30 we focus better on the things we truly like and love so we don't get distracted that much aymore and that is amazing.

[@billbraski]

Karen being retirement age doesnt mean you gotta act it 😉. Many many more years left to keep growing! 👍

[@nastarandovar4223]

Now that's a person you wish you had as your grandparent! She is so lovely!

[@DragonflyenAmber]

I really hope they find someone to buy the property and keep the business going. It would be tragic to lose such an awesome resource!

[@judymckerrow6720]

It’s so sad when family owned businesses close their doors💚🙃

[@neynahnehnah1485]

Their mother was so smart!!! ❤👌🏻

[@terridean7557]

Growing up in Lansing, NY and going to K-12 with with Reenie one class behind me, plus the fact our daughters have been best friends for all their lives, I am sobbing watching this wonderful bittersweet video. The founders of this nursery, Reenie's parents both were life long friends of my parents. There is so much I want to say about this amazing family and Bakers Acres, however at the thought of alarming my children (I am quite a talker) I will only say, Reenie you are amazing and I have an even deeper respect for you than I've already had. The joy and love you and Sarah have brought to my family is priceless, although bittersweet for so many reasons. Kudos to all involved in this video, and especially to the everlasting memory of all the Bakers!!

[@summerrayneoakes]

Hi Terri, thank you for such a lovely tribute to your lifelong friends. Thanks for taking the time to watch, for writing in, and for sharing in the memories.

[@thunder402]

What a story. Sad to hear its coming to an end. What a wonderful life she had here. Maybe someone will see this and want to take it over? SO bitter sweet. Thanks Summer for showing us this awesome place. 41 years...I take my hat off to them. Its all for the love of gardening.

[@summerrayneoakes]

Our sentiments exactly. Thanks for writing in.

[@curiousandcreativewithwand8515]

My family farms in that area, and now I'm baffled how my dad & uncle didn't know her dad?!?!? My dad loved apple trees, trees in general - just like her dad!

[@summerrayneoakes]

We love that people in the area are "discovering" other people in the area through this channel and Flock Finger Lakes.

[@SHARONSHORTOrchidsandGarden]

This tour was incredible....very soothing, inviting, organized and somewhat sad because of the ending era. (we all are here temporarily)

[@summerrayneoakes]

Hi Sharon, glad you found the video engaging. Have a wonderful day and thanks for watching.

[@bbfifi1991]

It is really sad to see such an amazing nursery coming to an end. It has such an amazing history and rich with plants varieties that hopefully someone can continue this.

[@rachaelnugent]

I so hope someone will be able to buy the land and the business and keep this all running!

[@austinscott8115]

Omg fr like it brought a tear to my eye to hear that such an awesome place could be meeting its end. Like somebody from this comment section needs to anty up lol 🥲🥲😅

[@Splitleaf]

if only it could be me 🥲

[@gordonpingenot1731]

I really enjoy these nursery tour videos! IMHO, you can't have enough of these.

[@thecrazysoaplady2497]

Sad to see it go to waste. Let's hope someone will buy it and continue on. Happy retirement, ladies!!

[@emkn1479]

Oh man, a tea room, antiques, and plants? There goes every weekend, right there. Great combo of businesses.

[@cherylanderson3340]

That kind of place is like heaven to me too. I sure hope they find a buyer who wants to continue on - while adding their own touches, of course. It's such an asset to the community, it might be something a large group could buy, to keep it going for all to enjoy, & to buy from. Otherwise, won't a big developer come in, & build on that land? Thanks for taking us there.

[@cefcat5733]

Nice ladies. Good luck to them for the future. Maybe they register for classes at the University. They can certainly give management advice or seminars. The future is a fruitful garden too. 😊🌱🌿🍀

[@teresaminnick2252]

I hate that garden centers are disappearing. I used to have a small one that I filled from local growers. Then suddenly box stores were built and they were selling so cheap…. Cheaper than I could buy from my sellers. Plant collectors want different things they don’t have. This is a good story of a family business. Thanks Summer!

[@summerrayneoakes]

You're most welcome. I'd love to see more of these unique businesses continue, because this is where the interesting plants come from!

[@cgottlieb7851]

Reenie is amazing! She started the first women’s hockey team at Boston College! Her sister started the Cornell women’s team. So nice to see this wonderful story!

[@nancysueleske7819]

How I wish I could travel there to shop.

[@eliseleu4717]

In Greece we say: "This is "meraky"..They do very good work. Congratulations. Bravo Summer Rayne Oakes for your Idea, to do this video. Thank you very much for this tour. I appreciate

[@mohamedtalhah3095]

A different kind of “nursery” tour, bit still engaging… n I was constantly looking at yer hat too🤣. I love hats n that’s a nice one.

[@sandragoerlich7134]

Best wishes to the owners and let’s pray for a new owner to keep it going, thanks Summer for sharing!!!

[@summerrayneoakes]

My pleasure. Love sharing these special stories.

[@auntylinda7640]

Her mum sounds wonderful x

[@lolafiiona7014]

This is the most wonderful looking business idea and to think it was a retirement plan!

[@dashaananlankeshwar5179]

Thank you Summer for these constant wonderful videos on your channel. Firstly, it’s a delight to watch you and secondly, it gives us (indoor/outdoor plant enthusiasts) like me so much knowledge from your hosts and you to pursue our passion/hobbies. 🙏🙏🙏💚💚💚

[@summerrayneoakes]

Thanks for writing in with such a lovely compliment. Glad these are inspirational.

[@BettyCooper777]

I hope someone who will preserve it, will buy it

[@broomdog1214]

I'm learning so much about outdoor plants. Thanks for the video summer!

[@daisymichele2666]

OMGoodness, So beautiful, I must say I choked up to hear your retiring, but what a wonderful journey - Thank you for sharing- Michelle (Australia)

[@brankenflowery8416]

I would do it. That sounds like a great future for me. I do hope they find someone to buy it. Thats one of my dream jobs is a to have a plant nursery and a flower farm. Side by side.

[@summerrayneoakes]

A lovely dream indeed. And as Reenie shared, even Bakers Acre's started small...with just a seed of an idea.

[@brankenflowery8416]

@@summerrayneoakes I’m starting my flower farm this fall and opening in the spring. Dora MO. A beautiful area. So excited. Building website and logo now. I’m hoping to make it a pollinator sanctuary as well.

[@country_boy_zone6b]

what a wonderful video, thank you so much for sharing their life story with all of us....i can hardly wait for the piece about Leon's rose nursery in August!!!!!..i hope all your perennial's and other plants are doing great along with any animals you have...Rourke

[@Desitraveler]

This is such a lovely episode....loved every story about there family passion and anecdotes, it kind of reminds us that connecting with your passions is so important and gardening is one of the best ways to keep busy and keep on giving back to earth, local communities and bees those lovely little creatures. I do wish them the very best....

[@summerrayneoakes]

Thanks for writing in Desi. Pleased that you enjoyed this episode and that it serves as a reminder for following one's passions.

[@wandashaw3551]

Beautiful story and beautiful plants! I hope things work out for them! 😍

[@botanyboy5454]

Thank You Bakers Acres for the visit! Thank You Summer for taking us along ! 💖 heritage 💖 the story !

[@summerrayneoakes]

You're most welcome.Thanks for watching.

[@katherineb6102]

Very Nice and sad, as well. The willow tree at the pond is extraordinary.

[@Banano91f]

Thanks for sharing this incredible story

[@2prettyfunnythings736]

Wonderful tour. Wish I had the money and opportunity to buy and keep the place running. ❤️❤️🪴✌🏻

[@suekuly4723]

Loved this, but so sad it won’t be around anymore. What a wonderful story and a bit of history in the area.

[@myriamnickner-hudon4166]

So Lovely and bittersweet. Many emotions and nostalgia. Taking over a business from a previous owner is never easy but the nursery business is a whole New challenge

[@kerrymcallistee3418]

That was an awesome nursery. Thank you for sharing.

[@bluecapeprincestudios3446]

Loving the weather in your vid!!!! Love from London, UK!!

[@christellet79]

Such a special history of an amazing family. All the best with their futures. And thank you so much for sharing this special story.

[@summerrayneoakes]

Our pleasure!

[@ArtfishStudio]

I miss you! Glad that this is new update!

[@leahgordon3862]

This was amazing to watch and listen to the history. I wish I could visit

[@SakthivelOrganics]

Wowwwwwwieeee

[@SHARONSHORTOrchidsandGarden]

Funny, "I don't think I'll retire gracefully." 😊

[@ashleymay6237]

I lived in that area when I was young. love watching these FF videos. Missing the quiet landscapes🌲💚 and all 🐄 s.

[@patriciaaberth6664]

I just love visiting Nurseries we have so many in San Diego, I appreciate you your videos its as if I am with you in your tours, keep them coming.

[@summerrayneoakes]

Thanks for taking the time to "do the tour" with us! :)

[@tanyal7122]

Summer you are such a gracious interviewer. I just love these videos and the history of this family and business.

[@summerrayneoakes]

Ahh that's sweet of you. Thanks so much for the compliment.

[@AceofFlames_]

WOW everything about this family legacy and passion and community involvement and organized business and of course THE PLANTS is truly LIFE GOALS!!! Whether you're into plants or something else, this is HOW IT'S DONE. !!!

[@Dekstr_Dekstr]

So lovely & very moving, thank you again for such great content ❤️

[@JohnDHair]

This is incredible ! 💜🙏⭐️

[@orchidsmakemehappy4576]

This place looks incredible. I hope someone purchases this place and keeps the business going.

[@bumibiru7963]

Amazing. So interesting nursery.

[@christmassnow3465]

I love the diversity of the garden and that of the nursery. The marketing technique for the visitors is great: grouping the plants gives a striking effect even when seen from a distance and helps the customers quickly find what they want. The list of botanical & common names on the board reflects the diversity and eases the search. The gardens are a source of inspiration as well as a source of hard-to-find specimens.

[@summerrayneoakes]

I too was amazed at the diversity of plants that they had. It's a shame they are closing at the end of this year, but it just means I got to head over there and do some more shopping!

[@malikaeastonAllahfirstanfamily]

Thank you for sharing ☺️ best wishes and retired gracefully

[@--Paws--]

It really is nice that the interest in the Latin name/scientific name is getting much more interest lately. For the longest time I always wondered how the chicory (Cichorium intybus) looked like but everyone said it was such a common plant but I didn't realize it was also called "cornflower" in some parts, until I realize that too is another plant entirely; a rabbit hole of similar common names.

[@Kareltje1749]

So weird. I have not checked up upon Summer. And now I did..brandnew upload😁

[@melissah6235]

Really enjoyed this tour! Love the pup at the end.

[@anandrsg]

that completed too soon...the stories behind are awesome....heart felt..

[@summerrayneoakes]

Glad you've enjoyed.

[@luisamedda2273]

Such a nice person 😊❤

[@iddybiddyladybugleeza262]

Wow!!!

[@brandonpollard8928]

Summer know she be FLY!

[@thunderrollsmedia]

I would have loved to have the nursery!!

[@geraldcastrosuba8820]

Love anything about this. ♥

[@leslieclaborn5558]

Please do another houseplant home tour of your apartment, love all your plants and videos

[@carybichara786]

Summer I love your field trips

[@summerrayneoakes]

Thank you! Glad you enjoy them. Hopefully we'll be back to doing some traveling and field tripping now!

[@bryanhumphreys940]

This place reminds me of a local place, that's on two city blocks & been around for over 100 years, in my town. They do a lot of their own propagation. They are also a farm though, so they close in July so the workers can tend to the fields. Then they sell vegetables & fruits in the fall. I always worry that they will retire, but the younger generation seem dead set on keeping it going. Also, not only are their plants the cheapest in town, they're the healthiest too!

[@summerrayneoakes]

That's amazing that the kids are going to keep your local nursery running! We need more of that.

[@carlosseptiencuevas1613]

Can't loose this Treasure!

[@tinamarieussery3063]

I hope someone would pick it up i hate to see it go to the wayside. What a wonderful place wish we had such a n8ce place

[@tlamore]

You can see she hates to move on.. so much knowledge..

[@kathryncustadio]

What a nice story.. sad to see them retire... we have a nice place in my stea..please check out Peckham's greenhouse in Little Compton RI... over 60 year old family business.. they have a huge Philodendron roped to the wall.. must be about the same age as the nursery ♥️

[@summerrayneoakes]

I know of them! If I'm ever out in RI, I will definitely make a stop.

[@stardoll1995]

Plant Nursery tour! 😄

[@muhammadsiddiq2745]

Nice

[@itsharshakun]

Really good content.

[@riawhetstone3725]

All of this attention to rock gardens. Will we see a Flock Finger Lakes Rock Garden DIY in the future? Bc that would be helpful 😁

[@summerrayneoakes]

We are SO doing a rock garden. Or rock garden(s) @Flock Finger Lakes. Lots of possible places for them. :)

[@sendawa_channel]

Hi summer i like it😎👍👍👍❤️

[@its.basically_steve]

❤❤❤❤❤😊

[@katie4996]

If I had the money and right people, I would love to buy this nursery 😭

[@Jackson-nw5fi]

So when will they close? I live a short drive away. I would love to visit before they close!!!

[@summerrayneoakes]

Slated for end of October from what I know, so definitely head over there!

[@alantower9659]

Those big Persicaria polymorpha were average size, but they grow HUGE so you think these must be exceptional, but they all get monster size in time. Takes a big garden. They weren't ever identified in the video though they were shown well by the cameraman. The huge white perennials that look a bit like Astilbe on steroids. Mostly in the roadside berm. I relate to this video. I owned a large perennial nursery in WA. My label program made it possible to count the varieties: over 25,000 sold there. I think you'll like retirement, though I miss my favorite customers.

[@summerrayneoakes]

On another tour (for our other channel @Flock Finger Lakes) I thought they were "Goat's Beards on steroids" (and that is exactly how I described them)...haha. But yes, P. polymorpha. They are EXQUISITE!

[@alantower9659]

@@summerrayneoakes At my nursery I had one planted on top of the septic drain field for the nursery. Spokane grows huge plants anyway with the warm days and cool nights, but that one was CRAZY big. I'll plug your Homestead Brooklyn Houseplant Masterclass while I'm at it. I liked it. I just picked up a Philodendron gloriosum in Phoenix this afternoon so the finicky thing did not have to suffer UPS/FedEx. Perfect and rare summer day...clouds and 75 degrees here in Tucson after a 3 day long monsoon rain, the second best summer rain, right?

[@Erki750]

💚🌱🌿

[@benlcr7784]

❤👍

[@renitadsouzabmsschool8258]

We also have a hen at home so I wanted to ask you how you used to deal with all chicken poop in the house especially on the sofa and bed.

[@summerrayneoakes]

Kippee never really pooped on soft spaces. If she needed to defecate, she would stand up quite suddenly, and I learned to take her down to relieve herself. Soft spaces meant possible nesting box areas for her, so she was good about that. Sometimes she would have an accident, but it was rare. She also wasn't one for wearing chicken diapers, but they do make those!

[@renitadsouzabmsschool8258]

Thank you soo much for the info

[@christinaeilers3562]

Maybe your & your friends can take over this nursery?😄

[@summerrayneoakes]

Someone has already purchased this one. We heard about it after purchasing our 'nursery'.

[@rijajahammadsheikh6302]

I wish I can visit after the pandemic ends 😁

[@curiousandcreativewithwand8515]

It sounds like this is their last year. :(

[@rijajahammadsheikh6302]

Yeah 😊😇

[@alessazoe]

oh wow, my skin feels burned just from watching ...

[@lolafiiona7014]

I know I felt like they needed hats! 😉

[@weareparamore1597]

I hope they find a buyer who will continue this business..

[@jurojarvis2499]

wow, shoot with panasonic GH5?

[@summerrayneoakes]

sony

[@bluecapeprincestudios3446]

Grow toilet paper!!!! hahaha

[@sandylee1717]

What a shame if this nursery closes

[@tlamore]

She could write many books..

[@carlosseptiencuevas1613]

Make it a Public Trust!

[@RandomStuff-zt6qf]

for sale?

[@jackievega4100]

Hi, Summer Can you please do a video on pink princess philodendron? I have spent over $1,000. Just for these plants to die. Please help!!!

[@gaber7yo]

love your videos, Summer! just wanted to say that lately, the colour grading feels a little too unnaturally saturated, the greens feel almost neon at times. just an opinion, but that throws me off often!

[@summerrayneoakes]

Thanks for the feedback. We are trying new color profiles on this camera, so bear with us.

[@neynahnehnah1485]

No masks? Yay! I am so happy! For you and for not watching vids of people wearing masks anymore! ❤

[@Milquetoast702]

Omg I felt so awkward her talking to you about chicken bar b q 😳

[@Arokhantos]

The low framerate is making things blurry when you move the camera fast from left to right this is not a problem if you record at high framerate its quite painfull to watch.

[@carbonusa]

Older ladys in shorts, and fancy KZbinr sweet in sweater and jacket , put some chinchilla coat maybe you got more viewers

[@muhammadsiddiq2745]

Nice

[@muhammadsiddiq2745]

Nice