Of the Woods Hydrangea and Peony Farm, at 180 Gun Club Road in Hereford Township, was established in 2009 by Sylvia Stottlemire. Inspiration for the flower farm came after a visit to the Georgeson Botanical gardens in Fairbanks, AK.

            In early July, rows of beautiful peonies should be in full bloom, according to Stottlemire. She described it as a sight that can only be imitated but not duplicated.  Thinking more than peonies should be offered on the farm, the decision was made to include another very popular perennial, hydrangeas.

            During the spring and summer a tree-filled field was partially cleared in preparation for the fall planting season.  Once the planting area was cleared, the first flower beds were created by rototilling and incorporating compost. Each plant has been hand-dug and planted over the years.

            In the spring of 2010 the three-acre farm was open to the public as a retail flower farm.  The farm has the area's largest selection of both peonies and hydrangeas.  The peonies have been sourced from a few different wholesale gardens in the Midwest and all hydrangea varieties have come from a wholesale greenhouse in Pennsylvania.

            Gardeners from the Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York areas have visited the farm over the years. They are drawn together through a common interest, getting to know each other, and sharing tips and experiences, according to Stottlemire.

            "It has been a great pleasure meeting fellow gardeners and people just getting interested in the gardening hobby," she said.

             According to a National Gardening Survey 2016, 34 percent of U.S. households participate in flower gardening, spending $2.7 billion.

            Two different gardeners remain in Stottlemire's memory. One said she was brought to tears by all the beautiful flowers. Another picked three or four-leaf clovers while Stottlemire prepared her receipt at check out.  These clovers remain in her guest book. 

            The Inventory of peonies has grown to over forty different varieties.  Colors are various shades of red, pink, white and coral.  Bloom types are singles, semi-double, double, Japanese, and bomb. 

            Fragrance ranges from a beautiful rose, to the sweet smell of "Festiva Maxima," to barely a fragrance.  Varieties were selected based on these characteristics, strong stem, fragrance, color, type, and beauty.

            Hydrangea inventory has also increased over the years.  Today there are 18 different varieties.  The majority are mopheads/macrophiles; there are a few oakleaf and arborescence types also.  Some bloom only on old-growth while others bloom on both old and new growth. Colors available are white, blue/pink, plus two that have a variegated flower that is blue/pink.  Heights range from three feet to over five feet.

            The farm is open during the week by appointment and on weekends on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through mid-July. It opens again in September and October for plant pick up. 

            They can be reached at 215-679-4643 or at syl@ofthewoodshereford.com.