MOUNT CARROLL – There's a new business blooming about a mile and a half north of this Carroll County village.

Strawberry Stewards, a greenhouse at the intersection of state Route 78 and Elizabeth Road, is owned and operated by Jason and Esther Yoder and their five children. It opened Saturday.

The Yoders are transplants themselves: They moved here from Wisconsin, where Jason was a dairy farmer, about 4 years ago. They since have been a fixture at the local farmers market, offering their home-grown produce to local residents.

He and Esther have long wanted to sell their goods to a larger public. With the April 22 purchase of their new site, that dream became a reality.

”This property came up for sale at the perfect time for us, offering a lot better exposure for our business. We wanted to work with living things, and gardening is that." Esther said.

“We chose the name Strawberry Stewards Plants and Produce because our property on West Point Road used to be home to the old Strawberry School until about 1949, and a steward is someone who takes care of something else, or property, and we take care of God's land, so that's where the name comes from."

The large greenhouse offers a large variety of flowers, some potted, some in hanging baskets and trellis pots, and also vegetable plants. The Yoders plan to open a produce stand when the time comes, offering fresh, organic food.

Their children, who range in age from 6 to 15, also are involved in the business, helping at the greenhouse and at home. They take care of the cattle and chickens, mow and have various other responsibilities, Jason said.

“I am very blessed by the support so far. I appreciate what the community has done for us so far with the greenhouse, and previously with the produce," he added.

Attention to detail is what makes their organic business special, he said.

“It's a business, but also a hobby. We try to stay away from chemicals and use a biological approach."

Strawberry Stewards is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Call 815-541-5761 to learn more.