by Wayne Watts, publisher
 On a windy hill top just a mile south of Verden in Grady County, a family has developed a business that brings happiness, joy and relaxation to many families.
 Hillcrest Growers Greenhouses will host their annual Customer Appreciation Day on this Saturday, April 13 from 9 am to 5 pm.
 People from miles around know they will get beautiful, healthy plants that are grown in the area and not shipped in. It jsut makes a better start, gardeners will tell you.
 The business has been very successful following a slow start early on according the Gerald Smith. He started out trying to raise tomatoes hydroponically a few years back and at a point decided to try flowers and vegetables instead.
 Fast forward to this past year, and his greenhouse were just about wiped out by Oklahoma storm winds and it took a lot of work to get back to opening season this year.
 However, this year opens with a new metal building customer center, and even more greenhouses to raise plants for adoring customers.There is over 16,000 square feet of growing space in nine greenhouses and the new customer center puts 4,200 feet available.
 Gerald and his wife Joyce work diligently to make this happen every year, and he will tell you that family and grandkids get to help too.
 Saturday, the Customer Appreciation Sale will feature, along with thousands of beautiful plants, Joyce’s homemake cinnamon rolls and a free cup of coffee as long as the rolls last, so you may want to come early. They open at 9 am and are open until 6 pm.
 Also, this year JJ Poppers Kettle Corn mobil food truck will be on hand, and there is a bake sale by Steph that will feature pies, cookies,cobblers and other baked goods to take home (or eat on the spot).
 The Smith’s always have their hundreds of hanging baskets on sale on this day for $15, and other specials will be available as well.
 Don’t miss this day on hill top. just west of Chickasha, then south on the county road right before you get into Verden, a mile south then a quarter mile back east on a newly paved road. Enjoy the day, enjoy the flowers.