fiddler’s ridge farm

Potlatch, Idaho

By Terri Schmidt, Co-op volunteer writer

Theresa Greiner and John Madden, owners of Fiddler’s Ridge Farm, run a true Mom & Pop operation. They opened their store in Potlatch 25 years ago, but have been selling plants here for 30 years. John moved to the area and bought a house in 1986. John had just finished a degree in Library Science in California, and was offered a job at the University of Idaho Law Library. Potlatch has been their home ever since.

Theresa worked in plant nurseries many years prior to their move. Her love of plants was inspired by her Grandmother, a German farm lady who had a very green thumb. Theresa was only eight years old when she started mowing lawns and planting gardens for neighbors. When she arrived on the Palouse, she managed a nursery on the Pullman highway for several years. At that point John left the University job to try a new venture. John began transitioning from his job by growing and selling plants at the Saturday Market, and the Pullman Garden Center. They started just selling pansies and herbs and the business expanded from there.

In 1997, the couple built a green house next to their home and started growing geraniums and vegetable plants. In 1998 they got the zoning on their property changed to commercial and built the store. They were very creative in expanding the operation, using all kinds of materials they could find – reclaimed greenhouses, concrete test cores for retaining walls, boulders and other repurposed materials. In 2000, Fiddler’s Ridge Farm opened a satellite store in Moscow to better serve their customers. It’s currently located next to Wasankari Construction at 2730 US highway 95.

From humble beginnings, Fiddler’s Ridge Farm has grown to a very productive operation. They choose every plant they grow and sell, growing much of the stock themselves. As John says, “We grow what grows.” Theresa even handpicks all the seed packets on the seed rack. They grow a huge amount of perennials, annuals, vegetable starts, herbs, hanging baskets, houseplants, and vines – many of them started in seed trays on heat mats upstairs in the store. They also sell fruit trees, landscaping plants, potting soil, organic soil amendments, fertilizers, garden gifts, and vegetables. Their cute store is full of fun things to see and purchase. In winter, Theresa makes beautiful holiday wreaths with local greens and a variety of plants grown at the nursery.

A big advantage of buying from Fiddler’s Ridge Farm is that Theresa and John have been in the area for a long time and have learned what plants do well and what conditions they require. John and Theresa understand the various micro-climates of our region and are a great resource of information for choosing what grows in our area. Theresa said, “We want people to have a good gardening experience and success with our plants. All the years serving gardeners on the Palouse gives us insight into what grows well and what helps plants thrive.”

On the few days when not working, John likes to read a lot and go for walks. Theresa enjoys bird watching, kayaking, and fly fishing – a skill she got started with from Co-op employee, Peg Kingery – and of course, gardening.

To learn more about the lovely Fiddler’s Ridge Farm check out their website and Facebook page.