Our Story

Albert & Mayme Block

Albert and Mayme (nee Kurtzhals) were married in 1923 and settled in the house located next to our sales building.

When Albert and Mayme Block were married in 1923 and began farming, they had no idea what it would evolve into many years later. Albert was the 3rd generation to farm in Romulus at the corner of Middlebelt and Eureka. The couple had a traditional farm on 40 acres complete with bountiful fields, egg chickens and milk cows. With the addition of a greenhouse, Mayme could often be found sitting under a tree selling a spatula full of seedlings, milk, eggs and other fresh produce. The couple was blessed with 3 children, Allen, Eileen and Alfred (Alfy).

Alfred & Hilda Block

"Alfy" and Hilda (nee Tyer) were married in 1954 and also settled in Romulus. Their farm was north of Blocks and is now part of Detroit Metro Airport.

While at Western Market helping his father sell their goods, Alfy set his eyes on a farmers daughter, Hilda Tyer. Hilda helped her Dad on their family farm which was in the now Allen Park area. She would become his wife and business partner in 1954. Alfy and Hilda brought "Blocks" into more what it looks like today. The barns and grazing pastures were replaced with a sales building and additional greenhouses. Together with their children, James and Fred, they continued improving the site to its current state.

Brothers, James Block and Fred Block are the current owners.

Jim is the "grower". He is the man behind all the beautiful flowers and fruit and vegetable crops...especially the delicious sweet corn! You will see him in the spring watering the greenhouses, in the summer driving in fresh picked sweet corn and other produce, and in late evenings helping to clean up to start fresh the next day. Jim is married to Paula who you will often find in the checkout area making sure that everything is running smoothly. Jim has 3 grown children, James (Amanda), Greg (Shawn) and Kristin. All of them have families and are carrying on the family business as the 6th generation.

Athough Fred also works in the greenhouses and fields in the off-seasons, his main job is managing retail operations. He is making sure there is a steady supply of greenhouse stock in the spring and fresh produce in the summer. He is also making sure our employees are "hitting it hard." You will see him riding around on his "chariot" and making sure that everything is looking good in the greenhouses and sales building. Fred is married to Shannon who is usually taking care of the bookkeeping. They have 2 children, Ryan and Andrew. Both Ryan and Andrew are working in the family business and have degrees from MSU. Ryan has a degree in Agribusiness Management and Andrew a degree in Horticulture.