Cool Weather Delays Didier Farms' Opening

Cool spring temperatures have prompted Didier Farms to postpone the start of its spring flower season.

The Prairie View farm, which was originally slated to open April 19, will instead welcome its first greenhouse customers of 2013 on April 24.

The delay, said retail manager Barb Didier, is "because it's been so cold." The decision will help protect the farm's perennials, some of which it grows onsite and others which it orders from Wisconsin.

Delaying the arrival of those plants makes more sense than keeping them covered outdoors, Didier said.

The farm, which is open spring, summer and fall, features special events such as Pumpkinfest as well as homegrown flowers and produce.

"We grow 90 percent of the stuff we sell here," Didier said.

This season will be the 101st year for the family farm, which was purchased in 1912 by Barb Didier's husband's grandfather, John Link.