Today we’d like to introduce you to Veronica Geisenhof.
Hi Veronica, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Welcome to Country Sunshine! We are a family owned and operated business 13 miles, south of Brainerd, 15 north of Pierz on State Hwy 25.
I, Veronica, grew up around plants and flowers as my parents gardened and grew plants in a few greenhouses to sell. I learned growing practices and techniques as well as customer service skills as it was a family project. After graduating high school, I attended Central Lakes College and received a two year business management degree, while managing greenhouse production sales and service. I also started growing cut flowers for bouquets that I would give to my family or enjoy myself. In 2019 , I took on the responsibility of having a business and created Country Sunshine.
At Country Sunshine, we strive to have the greenhouses stocked with annuals, perennials, shrubs, hanging baskets, herbs and vegetable plants. Our main greenhouse location is at the farm where the majority of our plants are grown from seed. We have a pop up greenhouse at Hartmanns Hardware store in Pierz and Southside Express Convienent store in Brainerd.
I grow seasonal cut flowers on less than 5 acres that are hand picked and arranged into lush bouquets and arrangements. The blooms are sold through a flower subscription program, farmers markets, traveling flower cart stem bar and special occasions and events. We host upick flower events throughout the summer.
Sunflower fields open on the farm August- September for the Sunflower Stoll during the golden hours, making for perfect photos.
I have a herd of dairy goats that I milk to hand craft goat milk bar soap and creamy lotion. These skin care products are nourishing for your skin, as goat milk is soothing.
My husband Wade is my biggest supporter in this business venture. As high school sweethearts, we were married the year after we graduated from high school and together started a family.We have 4 daughters, 3 earth side and one forever 8 month old angel. Unexpectedly, losing Kenzie at 8 months of age in May 2019 was an experience will forever change us and she will always remain in our hearts. Wade is employed in Crosby, MN at Graphic Packaging International.
I am grateful I can do what I love, grow plants, pick flowers, be around animals and do it all with my family.
Visit us on our website www.countrysunshinemn.com.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Being a small farm and business owner has not been easy. We have experienced many challenges and losses both in our personal life and business life. In 2019 we unexpectantly lost our happy healthy 8 month old baby girl in a home accident. In 2022, out third daughter experienced her first tonic clonic seizure at 10 months old. At 1 year old she was diagnosed with Dravet Syndrome, a form of epilepsy. Since then she has experienced 12=15 seizures, all lasting 30-60 minutes before medicine can stop stem. Many hospital stays in the past 4 years.
Weather plays a big part in how the crops grow and how I take care of the crops. A hail storm in 2023 wiped out our whole pumpkin crop and many of the cut flowers. In 2024, we received a bad batch of soil to transplant the plants into single pots, packs and hanging baskets. We did not know it was bad soil with high nitrogen until the plants started dying just 4 weeks away form Mother’s day. We had to quickly pivot to make the best of that greenhouse season.
As you know, we’re big fans of Country Sunshine. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
At Country Sunshine, we strive to have the greenhouses stocked with annuals, perennials, shrubs, hanging baskets, herbs and vegetable plants. Our main greenhouse location is at the farm where the majority of our plants are grown from seed. We have a pop up greenhouse at Hartmanns Hardware store in Pierz and Southside Express Convienent store in Brainerd.
I grow seasonal cut flowers on less than 5 acres that are hand picked and arranged into lush bouquets and arrangements. The blooms are sold through a flower subscription program, farmers markets, traveling flower cart stem bar and special occasions and events. We host upick flower events throughout the summer.
Sunflower fields open on the farm August- September for the Sunflower Stoll during the golden hours, making for perfect photos.
I have a herd of dairy goats that I milk to hand craft goat milk bar soap and creamy lotion. These skin care products are nourishing for your skin, as goat milk is soothing.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.countrysunshinemn.com
- Instagram: @countrysunshinemn
- Facebook: @countrysunshinemn
