A New Chapter in Sustainability
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| Christine Dilley, Maribeth Eiken, Amy Eiken, and Amy Dutt at the October, 2023 property closing |
In a historic move, Sackett Farm, a cherished piece of Delaware’s agricultural heritage dating back to 1839, has announced the sale of a portion of its land on Curve Road in Berlin Township. Maribeth Eiken, longtime steward of Sackett Farm (together with her children), made the decision to entrust 9 ½ acres of this historic property to Scioto Gardens, a leading native plant nursery, marking a significant milestone in the family’s legacy.
Amy Eiken, Maribeth’s daughter and a fifth-generation graduate of Ohio Wesleyan University and retired educator, spearheaded the creation of Sackett Farm Flowers in 2020. In 2021, Maribeth enrolled 10 acres of land into the Conservation Reserve Program for native wildflowers and pollinators, underscoring their commitment to environmental conservation.
For Maribeth and her family, preserving the integrity of Sackett Farm was paramount. Despite numerous offers for development, they remained steadfast in their resolve to keep the land protected. The partnership with Scioto Gardens emerged as a natural fit, driven by a shared ethos of reverence for the land and a commitment to sustainability.
Scioto Gardens, a native plant nursery operating in Delaware County since 1999, faced closure when its original owners retired in 2019. However, a dedicated group of plant enthusiasts banded together to save it. Today, Scioto Gardens cultivates and sells native plants that attract customers from across Ohio and neighboring states.
A woman-owned business, Scioto Gardens is led by Amy Dutt, Christine Dilley, Denise Gualtiere, Penny McDowell, Annette Rosati Wright, and Mark Dilley, shares the Sackett family’s passion for environmental education and stewardship. Since its establishment in 1999, Scioto Gardens has been a pioneer in the promotion of native plants and habitat conservation.
The move to Sackett Farm represents a new chapter for Scioto Gardens. The larger site will allow Scioto Gardens to grow more plants in response to the dramatically increasing demand for native plants. Customers will experience native plants in a natural setting. The new location will feature demonstrations of wetland and prairie restoration, reforestation, as well as garden beds highlighting native plant species.
A grand opening at the new 2870 Curve Road location is scheduled for July 27, 2024. Â To stay updated on events, plant availability, and site progress, follow Scioto Gardens on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn or check their website at www.sciotogardens.com.
During this exciting transition, Sackett Farm Flowers will host a series of engaging community events, including free monthly potlucks from May through September and EclipseFest on April 8. For further details and updates, connect with Sackett Farm Flowers on Instagram or Facebook.
March 2024 Newsletter
