Local Greenhouse Bringing Beauty and Healthy Living to Community

The local greenhouse business known as Blue Roof Hydro Farm—Produce, Beef, and Flowers is about to reopen for the season and according to owner Katie Kopasz “The greenhouse is coming along great. To start out, I’ll be focusing on flowers of all kinds, as well as herbs. I’m also excited to be adding succulents and root roses this year.”

Katie is opening her doors on Sunday, April 13 for her annual Spring Preview that will run from 1:00 to 5:00 pm. Opening Day at the farm is April 23rd. The greenhouse hours this year are Wednesdays through Saturdays from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm and on Sunday from 1:00 to 6:00 pm.

The greenhouse is located east of Eads just off Highway 96 heading south at 11111 County Road 49. From Lamar the drive to the greenhouse is 25 miles straight north on the road known locally as the May Valley Road.

Blue Roof Farm consists of two greenhouses, with the first one housing future-planned vegetables, especially tomatoes, and the second greenhouse chalked full of hundreds of flowers and herbs in varying levels of growth. In addition to the plants, the farm sells locally raised grass-fed beef available in varying size bundles. In the future Kopasz says they plan to also grow produce of different kinds including root vegetables, and perhaps even fruit trees such as avocado and lemon trees.

In addition, Kopasz is excited about some new products she’ll be offering, “I am going to carry the “root” roses, (not grafted). I will also be partnering with Autumn Moon Farm Market from Holly and will offer some of her fabulous succulents. I also traveled down to Taos and picked up a variety of sizes and colors of Televera pottery that I think people will love.”

Kopasz has been extremely busy in the flower and herb greenhouse for the past few weeks starting the seeds, planting the seedlings, providing water and sunlight for the plants, and then separating them into varying containers or pots. As a result, she has an array of flowers, pre-potted or in small containers, and herbs of all kinds ready to be bought separately or planted in containers as mini herb gardens.

Katie and her greenhouse are well known for the tomatoes that she has grown for years and sold in local stores and shops. She’s known as the Tomato Lady—and for good reasons. She knows a great deal about growing them and can help her customers with little tricks for their gardens. Currently, though, she’s focusing on her flowers and herbs and says once she gets in a rhythm, she’ll get into the other greenhouse perhaps growing her tomatoes and other vegetables.

Katie admits she’s trying to get into a different process this year as she now has an empty nest where one of her daughters got married and the other is now off to college. “In the previous years, I had the girls to help me with the day-to-day work, and now that they are off doing their own thing, I’m on my own. It’s exciting but also intimidating.” But Kopasz is very resourceful and has already lined up two assistants who will be with her this summer. She’s excited to educate them and hopes they will enjoy working among the plants. “It’s the best way to pass on the knowledge I have and also to help me with this business.”

For now, she is focused on her beautiful array of flowers and herbs—always the herbs. Below are just a few of the herbs you’ll find at the greenhouse and the list includes the health benefits of each herb and how to use them either fresh or dried.

Purple Opal Basil

• Health Benefits: High in antioxidants (anthocyanins), supports cellular health and reduces inflammation.
• Use Fresh: Add to salads, caprese, sandwiches, or infuse in water or vinegar.
• Use Dried: Brew into antioxidant-rich herbal teas or sprinkle on roasted veggies.

Genovese Basil

• Health Benefits: Anti-inflammatory, supports digestion and cardiovascular health.
• Use Fresh: Classic in pesto, fresh tomato dishes (or tomato-free alternatives), and green smoothies.
• Use Dried: Great in Italian-style herb blends or as a tea for digestive relief.

Thai Basil

• Health Benefits: Antimicrobial, aids digestion, and may support respiratory health.
• Use Fresh: Add to stir-fries, pho, spring rolls, or spicy salads.
• Use Dried: Steep into an exotic tea with a licorice-like flavor, or use in spice blends for curries.

Sage

• Health Benefits: Brain-boosting, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and supports hormone balance.
• Use Fresh: Excellent in butter sauces, roasted dishes, and stuffing.
• Use Dried: Make a soothing tea for sore throat or mental clarity; burn as smudge for cleansing.

Rosemary

• Health Benefits: Supports memory, circulation, and reduces inflammation.
• Use Fresh: Add sprigs to roasted potatoes, meats, infused oils, or lemon water.
• Use Dried: Infuse in tea for focus, or steep into hair rinses or balms for scalp health.

Stevia

• Health Benefits: Natural sweetener with no calories; may aid blood sugar regulation.
• Use Fresh: Muddle into drinks or smoothies; chew a leaf for sweetness.
• Use Dried: Crumble and add to herbal tea blends as a natural sweetener.

Parsley

• Health Benefits: Rich in vitamins A, C, K; supports kidneys, blood, and detox.
• Use Fresh: Toss in tabbouleh, smoothies, soups, or as a garnish.
• Use Dried: Add to seasoning blends or make a mild detox tea.

Cilantro

• Health Benefits: Detoxifies heavy metals, supports liver, blood sugar, and digestion.
• Use Fresh: Perfect in salsa, guacamole, chutneys, or green juices.
• Use Dried: Add to tea blends or spice rubs (though drying can reduce its detox power).

Orange Mint

• Health Benefits: Soothes digestion, uplifts mood, and mildly energizing.
• Use Fresh: Steep in cold water or lemonade, muddle into fruit salads or cocktails.
• Use Dried: Brew into tea, use in bath soaks or homemade potpourri.

Traditional Mint (Peppermint or Spearmint)

• Health Benefits: Aids digestion, clears sinuses, calms or energizes depending on type.
• Use Fresh: Muddle into drinks, sprinkle over desserts, or add to salads.
• Use Dried: Use in teas, chest rubs, or steam for congestion relief.

Lemon Balm

• Health Benefits: Calms anxiety, supports sleep, and soothes digestion.
• Use Fresh: Infuse in water, use in fruit salads, or blend into smoothies.
• Use Dried: Make into tea for stress relief or infuse in oils/balms for calming effects.

Lemongrass

• Health Benefits: Antibacterial, supports digestion, reduces anxiety and blood pressure.
• Use Fresh: Slice and steep for tea, add to curries or broths.
• Use Dried: Brew as tea, infuse in oils or lotions for a refreshing scent and feel.

Dill

• Health Benefits: Supports digestion, reduces gas, and may regulate menstruation.
• Use Fresh: Toss into potato salad, tzatziki, eggless salad, or green dips.
• Use Dried: Use in pickling blends, dressings, or make a mild digestive tea.

Lavender

• Health Benefits: Calms the nervous system, supports sleep, reduces anxiety, and has antimicrobial and mild pain-relieving properties. May also help with headaches and menstrual cramps.
• Use Fresh: Add a few buds to lemonade, desserts, or floral salads; infuse in honey or vinegar; tuck into sachets for scent and sleep.
• Use Dried: Brew into relaxing bedtime teas, make calming balms or oils, add to bath soaks, or use in sachets and sleep pillows.

There is a turning of the seasons for sure at the Blue Roof greenhouse as Katie navigates a new reality. But she admits she’s excited about the possibilities. She’s been thinking about bringing fruit trees into the greenhouse and perhaps focusing on some root vegetables and more perennial plants. “We’ll see where I go,” says Kopasz.

BLUE ROOF HYDRO FARM – PRODUCE, BEEF, & FLOWERS

• Spring Preview – Sunday, April 13 – 1:00 to 5:00 pm
• Opening Day – April 23rd – 10:00 am to 6:00 pm

Hours

• Wednesday through Saturday–10:00 am to 6:00 pm
• Sunday – 1:00 to 6:00 pm