2011 Giant Pumpkin Contest and Indiana State Record!

While the weather may not have been perfect, the rain did not dampen our spirits during the opening weekend of Fall Fest.

On September 25th, we hosted the Indiana Pumpkin Growers Association’s annual Giant Pumpkin Weigh-off. The buzz circulating before the contest predicted that our scales were going to weigh a pumpkin that would beat the state record.

And that’s exactly what happened.

John Barenie of Griffith, IN claimed victory with his 1,308 pound pumpkin. Because this was an official contest, John’s entry goes into the record book as the largest pumpkin ever entered in an Indiana competition. Roger Howard from Grovertown, IN was the previous record holder since 2005 with a 1,273 pound pumpkin. Hard work, skill and good luck are all factors in raising these giant pumpkins, so John has definitely earned his $1,000 cash prize.

While John has rock star status in the pumpkin growers community, we must also mention the strong entries from his competitors:

2nd Place – Don Young, Des Moines, IA: 1,159.5 pound pumpkin
3rd Place – Julie Young, Des Moines, IA: 924.5 pound pumpkin
4th Place – Phyllis Howard, Grovertown, IN: 702.5 pound pumpkin


Yellowstone and Harvest Festival Parades

We’ve had so much fun during this summer’s parade season, and before we roll down the parade route at the Marshall County Blueberry Festival we thought we’d share a few photos from the Yellowstone (Hamlet, IN) and Harvest Festival (Knox, IN) parades. We’re taking our Fall Fest float over the top this year with a train theme, loads of fresh foliage, an animated pup on the front of the antique tractor and the flashing lights from our railroad crossing sign.

The judges must have seen something they liked, because we rolled away with two first place trophies from both parades!


Santa Mini Parade

Saturday Nov. 26. 2010 9:00am CST

It’s the annual arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus escorted to the the farm by area Fire Departments.

Don’t miss this area wide Christmas Fest Mini Parade exclusive event! WKVI live broadcast!

Free admission.

See how much fun we had at last year’s Santa Parade!


Earth Day Fun Facts

As Christmas tree growers and foresters, we have a deep appreciation for our connection to the environment and what it takes to keep our planet healthy and green.

Earth Day helps remind us that we need to stay in that green state of mind, and each year on April 22nd 180 countries around the world celebrate this anniversary.

In the spirit of Earth Day, we would like to share a few facts that can motivate us all to consider our impact on the environment and take action.

  1. Earth Day was founded by Senator Gaylord Nelson on April 22, 1970.
  2. 20 million people participated in the first Earth Day.
  3. More than 100 billion pieces of junk mail are delivered in the United States each year.
  4. The U.S. buried or burned more than 166 million tons of resources – paper, plastic, metals, glass and organic materials – in landfills and incinerators last year.
  5. It only takes about 6 weeks total to manufacture, fill, sell, recycle, and then remanufacture an aluminum beverage can.
  6. Half the world’s tropical and temperate forests are now gone.
  7. More than 2 million people globally die prematurely every year due to outdoor and indoor air pollution.
  8. Every year in the U.S. nearly 200 billion beverage containers are sold, two-thirds of which are landfilled, incinerated or littered.
  9. Recycling, reuse and remanufacturing account for 3.1 million jobs in the U.S.
  10. Recycling saves 3 to 5 times the energy that waste incinerator power plants generate.
  11. By reducing our waste 1% per year and recycling and composting 90% of our discards by 2030, we could save 406 megatons of carbon dioxide equivalent every year. This is the equivalent to shutting down 21% of our nation’s coal-fired power plants.
  12. More than 76% of cardboard boxes and 72% of newspaper were recycled in 2006 but less than 50% of printing and writing paper was recycled.

Source: ecocycle.org


Plant a Tree on Arbor Day

Help us keep Indiana looking beautiful by planting a tree on Arbor Day! Hensler’s would like to give back to Mother Nature and to our community, so we’re simplifying your tree planting experience by offering free tree seedlings.

On April 29th, visit one of our partner locations to pick up a free tree seedling. You’ll want to hurry while supplies last.

Free tree seedlings will be available at:

Hoosier Hardwood Floors in Goshen
JB’s Furniture in Warsaw
Jaworski’s Market on Crumstown Highway
The College Football Hall of Fame in downtown South Bend

If you haven’t planted a tree before on Arbor Day, then make this the start of a springtime tradition for you and your family and help keep Indiana green!


Details about the 4th Annual Spring Plant Auction

Spring is in the air, and there’s no better way to kick it off than our annual plant auction. This is the 4th year Hensler’s has hosted the auction, and it looks like we’re going to have an impressive variety of trees, shrubs and perennial flowers ready for bidding.

Date: Saturday, April 30th
Location: Hensler Nursery, Hamlet, IN
Get directions
Time: Starting at 8:00 A.M. (CST), 9:00 A.M. (EST)

Oh, and did we mention there will be door prizes? This auction is not to be missed!

Like previous auctions, we will have foresters available to answer your questions and provide consultation about the items on sale. We have ample space for parking trucks and trailers. Loading, delivery and planting are available.

  • Norway Spruce (4′ – 6′)
  • Serbian Spruce (6′, 7′, 8′)
  • Northern White Cedar (Am. Arborvitae)(6′)
  • Douglas Fir 2-2t transplants (18″ – 24″)
  • Northern White Cedar (Am. Arborvitae)(12″ – 20″)
  • Potted: Hemlock, Norway Spruce, Blue Spruce, White Pine (3′ – 4′)
  • Maples: Sugar, Red Sunset, Crimson King (2′ – 3′)
  • Shrubs: B&B and potted: Forsythia, Magnolia, Hydrangea, Vilburnum Yews, Boxwood & Holly
  • River Birch – Single Stem and Multi Stem(1′ – 3′)
  • Flowering: Crabapples, Dogwood, White Sphire & Serviceberry
  • Red Buds (4′ – 8′) single & multi stem
  • Grasses: 2 and 3 gal. (Maiden, Indian, Big Blue Stem, etc)
  • Mixed Perennials (1 and 2 gal.)
  • Burning Bush and many more plants available day of sale
  • Vegetable, Perennial flowers, Deciduous and Conifir groups available

Terms: Cash, Good Check, MC, VISA, AM EXPRESS, DISCOVER
Not responsible for accidents or merchandise after sold.

Cosignors:
Hensler Nursery
J&K Tree Farm (574-229-5515)
Stanger Trees, Inc. (stangertrees@embarqmail.com)

Sale conducted by:
Kaser’s Auction Service
www.Kaserauction.com
www.auctionzip.com #12642


3rd Annual Northern Indiana Spring Plant Auction

Many of you have been to the farm for fall days and at Christmas Fest.  Now, see Hensler Nursery at its spring finest and bid your price for plants to get your spring/summer outdoor season off to a really good start.

Date: Saturday, April 24th
Location: Hensler Nursery, Hamlet, IN
Get directions
Time: Starting at 8:00 A.M. (CST), 9:00 A.M. (EST)

Hensler Nursery is hosting the 3rd Annual Spring Auction, which will feature landscape-ready trees, shrubs, and flowering perennials.  There are some exciting door prizes this year and lunch will be available.  Like previous auctions, we will have foresters available to answer your questions and provide consultation about the items on sale.

We have ample space for parking trucks and trailers. Loading, delivery and planting are available.

Continue reading for a complete plant list.
Read More


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