SPRING GARDENING
Direct From The Greenhouse
By Misty Crouse And Amie Howell
Contributing Columnists
B
illy and Courtney Preston have
owned and operated Hilltop
Greenhouse in Cushing since
the spring of 2006.
Although
Billy describes the business as a ‘Ma & Pop’
operation, the greenhouse produces 25,000
plus plants a year and plans for expanding with
a fourth greenhouse are in the works. It is easy
to see why Billy and Courtney have brought
happy gardeners all the way from Texas to plan
a fl ower garden.
According to Billy, his wife Courtney was the
inspiration for opening a greenhouse. “Courtney,
an avid gardener when we fi rst married, would
go to the plant store and buy all kinds of fl owers”
Billy recalled. “Courtney kept saying, you know,
Cushing doesn’t have a greenhouse. We need
to change that.” While slightly skeptical, Billy
agreed, and their dreams seemed to spring to
life like the plants they began to grow.
They have been serving the local area
ever since, growing plants, donating time to
beautify our streets, parks and businesses, and
supporting fundraisers such as Run for the Mums
and the Hypatia Club. When describing what
is special about having a business in Cushing,
he explains “While still a small town, everybody
knows everybody, and if you don’t know what
you are doing wrong, a good neighbor - they’ll
tell you.” This Oklahoma standard is something they carryover in their
business while helping customers plan out fl ower beds and giving
tips for successful spring planting.
Billy was kind enough to sit down with us and offer useful tips to local
gardeners.
For the Beginning Gardener:
The right plant in the right place is the best advice. I’ve laid out
many fl ower beds behind the greenhouse for people. I like to do an
80% Perennial 20% Annual mix which adds depth to your fl owerbed.
28 | Spring Scenes | March 2020
That way, it’s not like a row of hedges. Annuals are something that you
plant every year which is your annual color, Perennials are something
that comes back year after year. But you want to make sure you get
the right plant in the right place. Pay attention to where you plant,
because your West side and South side are always going to get hot,
your North and East not so much. The main thing is plants get the
right amount of sun for their needs.
When to Plant:
Spring, fall or not at all? Trees and shrubs can be planted in
spring or fall. Don’t attempt it when it's 110 or negative 20. “A tree