Post Crescent
Published 5:38 a.m. CT April 17, 2018
Businesses plan to open from April through early summer.
Maureen Wallenfang
Rows of seedlings at Watter Greenhouse and Farms.(Photo: Courtesy of Watter Greenhouse and Farms)
Reader question: I just heard through the grapevine that Koeune’s Greenhouse in Neenah has closed. Tell me it isn’t so.
Answer: Koeune’s Greenhouse & Gardens was sold, and it will reopen in May under a new owner and new name.
It’s at 2015 County II in the Town of Neenah, across the street from the Kimberly-Clark research facility and Fox Crossing water tower.
Owner Mike Koeune retired and sold the business to Brian Hans.
Hans is getting ready to put up his new sign, Watter Greenhouse and Farms.
But he intends to continue the Koeune way of doing business, he said, and will offer all the things the greenhouse was known for, including hanging pots, geraniums, bedding plants, tomatoes, vegetables and landscaping plants.
“Koeune’s was here for 38 years. It has a reputation for good stuff for a good price. I like that philosophy. I’m just going to put a shine on it and have more offerings,” Hans said.
“I bought his business in the middle of winter, halfway through the growing season. Mike Koeune had already ordered the seeds and plants. He has been shepherding me with how to grow and what customers want. I’ve brought back most of his employees.”
On Monday, Hans was dealing with aftermath of the weekend’s blizzard. Weight of the snow shattered some panes of glass in the 40-plus-year-old greenhouse.
“It’s just going to be a speed bump. Not a major setback,” he said. “Everything has been kept warm. The plants are okay, though my cosmos may have gotten it.”
His opening in May — likely by Mother’s Day, May 13 — will not be affected.
“No one should be buying anything until May anyhow,” he said. “We’ll be ready for customers.”
State records show the property sold for $500,000. Hans also bought the business for an undisclosed price.
Hans operated Watter Farms in a different location before this, and will meld the two businesses together in the new location. Watter Farms grows salad greens, microgreens and herbs for restaurants and grocery stories including Woodman’s and some Festival Foods locations.
Hans grew up in Neenah and graduated from Neenah High School in 1987. He went on to get a degree in botany from University of Wisconsin in Madison.
Watter Greenhouse and Farms kept the Koeune’s Greenhouse phone, 920-729-1012.
More: The Buzz: Reader questions, and a few updates
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